Barcode Types Explained: The Complete Guide

Last updated: | By The Encoded Box Team

What Are Barcodes?

Barcodes are machine-readable representations of data that can be quickly scanned and interpreted by optical scanners. Originally developed to automate supermarket checkout systems, barcodes now serve countless purposes across industries worldwide.

Fun Fact: The first product ever scanned with a barcode was a 10-pack of Wrigley's Juicy Fruit gum in 1974 at a supermarket in Ohio. That original barcode scanner is now in the Smithsonian Institution.

Modern barcodes come in two main categories:

  1. 1D Barcodes: Traditional linear barcodes with parallel lines of varying widths
  2. 2D Barcodes: More complex patterns that can store more data in less space

1D Barcode Types

One-dimensional barcodes are the classic linear formats that store data in the widths and spacings of parallel lines. Here are the most common types:

UPC (Universal Product Code)

UPC barcode example

The standard barcode for retail products in North America. UPC-A contains 12 numerical digits, while UPC-E is a compressed version with 6 digits.

EAN (European Article Number)

EAN barcode example

The international standard for retail product identification. EAN-13 has 13 digits, while EAN-8 is a shorter version with 8 digits.

Code 128

Code 128 barcode example

A high-density alphanumeric barcode used in shipping, packaging, and inventory management. Can encode all 128 ASCII characters.

Code 39

Code 39 barcode example

An alphanumeric barcode standard used in non-retail environments like manufacturing, defense, and healthcare.

2D Barcode Types

Two-dimensional barcodes store information both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to hold significantly more data than 1D barcodes. Common types include:

QR Code

QR code example

The most popular 2D barcode, capable of storing URLs, contact info, and various data types. Scannable by most smartphone cameras.

Data Matrix

Data Matrix example

A compact 2D code used for small item marking in manufacturing and healthcare. Can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters.

PDF417

PDF417 example

A stacked linear barcode used for driver's licenses, transport tickets, and other applications requiring significant data capacity.

Aztec Code

Aztec Code example

Used primarily in transportation (airline tickets, rail passes) and can encode up to 3,832 digits or 3,067 alphanumeric characters.

Choosing the Right Barcode

Selecting the appropriate barcode type depends on several factors:

Barcode Type Data Capacity Common Uses Scanner Requirements
UPC/EAN 12-13 digits Retail products Laser or image scanner
Code 128 Variable length Shipping, logistics Laser or image scanner
Code 39 Variable length Manufacturing, inventory Laser or image scanner
QR Code Up to 4,296 chars Marketing, mobile Image scanner
Data Matrix Up to 2,335 chars Small item marking Image scanner

Key considerations when choosing a barcode:

  • Data requirements: How much information needs encoding?
  • Space constraints: How much physical space is available?
  • Scanning environment: Will it be scanned in challenging conditions?
  • Industry standards: Are there specific format requirements?
  • Scanner compatibility: What equipment will read the barcode?

Commercial Use Considerations

For retail product identification, official GS1 barcodes are required. Our free barcode generator creates functional barcodes but they are not GS1-compliant for commercial product sales.

Important: For commercial product barcodes, you must purchase official GS1 company prefixes and generate barcodes through authorized channels to ensure global scanning compatibility.

Ready to create your own barcodes?

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