Barcodes are ubiquitous in our daily lives, from scanning groceries at the supermarket to tracking packages online. These seemingly simple patterns of lines and spaces hold a wealth of information. But did you know there are many different types of barcodes, each with its own unique design and set of standards? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of barcodes!
1. Linear Barcodes (1D Barcodes)
Linear barcodes, also known as 1D barcodes, are the most common type. They represent data by varying the widths and spacing of parallel lines. They can typically store a small amount of information, usually a product identification number.
Code 39 (Code 3 of 9)
Description: Code 39 is an alphanumeric barcode capable of encoding uppercase letters, numbers, and a few special characters. It’s one of the older barcode types but is still widely used due to its simplicity and ability to encode both letters and numbers.
Standard: While there isn’t a single “official” international standard like some other codes, its specifications are well-documented and widely adopted. It’s defined by AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers) International.
Example:
*ABC123*Code 128
Description: Code 128 is a very versatile and high-density alphanumeric barcode. It can encode all 128 ASCII characters, including control characters. This makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, including shipping and packaging.
Standard: Defined by AIM International.
Example:
ProductXYZ-456UPC (Universal Product Code)
Description: The UPC is primarily used in retail in the United States and Canada. It encodes a 12-digit number (UPC-A) or an 8-digit number (UPC-E, a compressed version for smaller packages). It’s designed for quick scanning at point-of-sale.
Standard: GS1 (formerly Uniform Code Council – UCC).
Example (UPC-A):
012345678905 (A typical 12-digit UPC number)EAN (European Article Number) / GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
Description: EAN barcodes are widely used globally, particularly outside of North America, for retail products. EAN-13 encodes 13 digits, while EAN-8 encodes 8 digits. GTIN is the overarching term for a family of GS1 data structures that include UPC, EAN, and others.
Standard: GS1.
Example (EAN-13):
5012345678900 (A typical 13-digit EAN number)2. Two-Dimensional Barcodes (2D Barcodes)
2D barcodes store information both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to hold significantly more data than 1D barcodes. They can encode text, URLs, images, and other binary data, and are more resilient to damage.
QR Code (Quick Response Code)
Description: Developed by Denso Wave, a Japanese company, QR codes are incredibly popular due to their ability to store a large amount of information (up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters). They are easily scannable by smartphones and are used for everything from marketing to ticketing.
Standard: ISO/IEC 18004.
Example:
https://www.example.com/Data Matrix
Description: Data Matrix barcodes are compact, high-density 2D codes that are typically square or rectangular. They are often used in industries where space is limited, such as electronics, healthcare, and aerospace, for marking small items.
Standard: ISO/IEC 16022.
Example:
Part#12345-RevAPDF417
Description: PDF417 is a multi-row, variable-length 2D barcode capable of storing a large amount of data (up to 1.1 kilobytes). It’s commonly used on driver’s licenses, boarding passes, and other applications where a significant amount of data needs to be stored and read reliably.
Standard: ISO/IEC 15438.
Example:
FirstName: John, LastName: Doe, DOB: 01/01/1990, License#: ABCDE123453. Stacked Barcodes
Stacked barcodes combine elements of both 1D and 2D codes, essentially stacking multiple linear barcodes on top of each other to increase data capacity.
Code 16K
Description: Code 16K is a stacked version of Code 128. It allows for more data to be encoded while maintaining a somewhat linear appearance, making it suitable for applications that need more data than a single Code 128 but don’t require the full complexity of a 2D matrix code.
Standard: Defined by AIM International.
Example:
ThisIsALongStringOfTextForCode16KFrom the humble beginnings of parallel lines to the intricate patterns of 2D codes, barcodes have revolutionized how we identify, track, and manage information. Understanding the different types and their underlying standards is key to appreciating their versatility and impact across various industries.
What’s your favorite type of barcode? Let us know in the comments!