Types of Barcode Symbology
Barcodes are the most common method of representing data in a visual, machine-readable form. A barcode is a combination of lines or shapes that represent a string of data that can be revealed using a scanning device. Scanners translate the barcode information into digital files that can be read, recorded or used to create an event or transaction. This method of scanning eliminates human error.
There are over sixty different types of barcodes, all developed to suit a particular use or industry. These different types are called symbologies. However, less than six of those are common enough to appear in our day-to-day lives.
Each barcode symbology follows an algorithm for standardizing character encoding and storage. Three things to consider when choosing a symbology are:
- How many characters and numbers do you need to describe the product?
- What barcode types and scanning devices does your industry commonly use?
- Will the physical size and shape of the product fit your barcode of choice?
You can create sample barcodes here.
Note: The retail industry requires payment for the use of UPC barcodes. You can purchase directly here.
Below are several common barcodes, including linear and 2D. The size, color, placement and proportion of barcodes on packaging is critical to achieve a proper scan.
|
Barcode Type |
Type |
Character Set |
Length |
Comments |
|
Australia Postal Code
|
2D | Numbers only | 4 | Includes error correction |
|
Aztec Code
|
2D | Full ASCII; FNC1 and ESI control codes | Variable; Min 12, Max 3832 | Includes error correction; minimum is 15 x 15 square, maximum is 151 x 151 |
|
Codabar
|
Linear | Numbers: 0-9; Symbols: - : . $ / +; Start/Stop Characters: A, B, C, D, E, *, N, or T | Variable | Older code; often used in libraries and blood banks. See also USD-4, NW-7, 2 of 7 |
|
Code 11
|
Linear | Numbers Only | Variable | Recommend 2nd check digit |
|
Code 128
|
Linear | All ASCII characters and control codes | Variable | Popular, widely used, excellent for many applications |
|
Code 39
|
Linear | Uppercase letters A-Z; Numbers: 0-9; Symbols: - . $ / + % | Variable | Popular, widely used for many applications |
|
Extended Code 39
|
Linear | ASCII characters and control codes | Variable | Uses pairs of characters to encode non-standard symbols; wasteful of space |
| Code 93
|
Linear | Uppercase letters A-Z; Numbers 0-9; Space - . $ / + % | Variable | A more compact cousin of Code 39, not as widely used |
|
Composite Code
|
2D | All ASCII characters | Variable | Code comprised of a PDF417 code stacked on top of a Code 128; used in UCC/EAN standards |
|
Datamatrix
|
2D | All ASCII characters | Variable | Includes error correction, up to 2335 ASCII characters |
|
EAN-13
|
Linear | Numbers Only | 13 + check digit +2 optional +5 optional | Retail product marking worldwide |
|
EAN-8
|
Linear | Numbers Only | 7 + check digit | Retail product marking worldwide; compressed code for products with limited label space |
|
EAN Bookland (ISBN)
|
Linear | Numbers Only | 13 + check digit +2 optional +5 optional | Special use of the EAN-13 symbol to encode ISBN on books |
|
Industrial 2 of 5
|
Linear | Numbers only | Variable | Older type of code |
|
Interleaved 2 of 5
|
Linear | Numbers Only | Variable | Very compact, encodes digits in pairs so total length must be an even number of digits |
|
ITF-14
|
Linear | Numbers only | 13 + check digit | Special use of the Interleaved 2 of 5 code to mark shipping cartons containing UPC encoded products (see also SCC-14) |
|
LOGMARS
|
Linear | Uppercase letters A-Z; Numbers 0-9; Space - . $ / + % | Variable | Same as Code 39; this is the US government specification |
|
Maxicode
|
2-D | All ASCII characters | 93 |
Includes error correction, developed by the United Parcel Service for encoding destination information |
|
MSI Plessey
|
Linear | Numbers only | Variable | Grocery store shelf tags |
|
OPC Optical Industry Assoc.
|
Linear | Numbers only | 9 + check digit | Special use of Interleaved 2 of 5 for marking retail optical products |
|
PDF-417
|
2-D | All ASCII characters | Variable | Includes error correction, up to about 1850 ASCII or 2725 numeric characters |
|
Postnet
|
2-D* | Numbers only | 5 + check digit +4 optional +6 optional | USA postal code (ZIP code) |
|
QR Code
|
2-D | All ASCII characters | Variable | Includes error correction, up to about 1520 ASCII or 2509 numeric characters |
|
Standard 2 or 5
|
Linear | Numbers only | Variable | Also called Industrial 2 of 5 |
|
UCC/EAN-128
|
Linear | All ASCII characters and control codes | Variable | Special use of Code 128 which defines data formats for commerce |
|
UCC/EAN Shipping Container Code (SCC-14)
|
Linear | Numbers only | 13 +check digit | Special use of Code 128 to mark shipping cartons containing UPC encoded products (see also ITF-14) |
|
UPC Shipping Container Code (ITF-14)
|
Linear | Numbers only | 13 +check digit | Special use of the Interleaved 2 of 5 code to mark shipping cartons containing UPC encoded products (see also SCC-14) |
|
UPC-A
|
Linear | Numbers only | 11 + check digit +2 optional +5 optional | Popular, retail product marking in the USA and Canada |
|
UPC-E
|
Linear | Numbers only | 7 + check digit | Retail product in the USA and Canada; compressed code for products with limited label space |
|
Vanity Barcodes
|
Linear or 2D | Numbers and letters | Variable | Used widely in retail to enhance the look of the product. Custom-created by Barcode Factory |
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