Barcode Types
A barcode symbology is a standard that defines the protocol for mapping data to a visual pattern of bars, spaces, or dots. Different industries use different symbologies depending on the type of data they need to encode, the available printing space, and the scanning environment.
Barcodes are generally divided into two categories: 1D (Linear) barcodes, which encode data in the width and spacing of parallel lines, and 2D (Matrix) barcodes, which use two-dimensional patterns like squares or hexagons to store significantly more data in a smaller footprint.
| Format | 1D/2D | Characters | Typical Use | Checksum | Capacity | Scan | Gen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UPC-A | 1D | Numeric (12 digits) | Retail (North America) | Mandatory | Low | ✓ | ✓ |
| UPC-E | 1D | Numeric (6 digits) | Small Retail Items | Mandatory | Low | ✓ | — |
| EAN-8 | 1D | Numeric (8 digits) | Small International Retail | Mandatory | Low | ✓ | ✓ |
| EAN-13 | 1D | Numeric (13 digits) | International Retail | Mandatory | Low | ✓ | ✓ |
| GTIN-14 / ITF-14 | 1D | Numeric (14 digits) | Outer Cases & Shipping | Mandatory | Low | ✓ | ✓ |
| Code 39 | 1D | Alphanumeric | Industrial & Automotive | Optional | Medium | ✓ | ✓ |
| Code 93 | 1D | Alphanumeric | Logistics & Electronics | Mandatory | Medium | ✓ | — |
| Code 128 | 1D | Full ASCII | Logistics & General Purpose | Mandatory | Medium | ✓ | ✓ |
| ITF | 1D | Numeric | Warehousing & Distribution | Optional | Low | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codabar | 1D | Numeric & Symbols | Libraries & Medical | Optional | Low | ✓ | ✓ |
| Data Matrix | 2D | Alphanumeric / Binary | Electronics & Small Parts | Mandatory | High | ✓ | ✓ |
| PDF417 | 2D | Alphanumeric / Binary | ID Cards & Transport | Mandatory | High | ✓ | — |
| Aztec | 2D | Alphanumeric / Binary | Train Tickets & Airlines | Mandatory | High | ✓ | — |
| QR Code | 2D | Alphanumeric / Binary | Marketing & Mobile Apps | Mandatory | High | ✓ | ✓ |
UPC-A 1D
The Universal Product Code is the standard barcode for retail products in the United States and Canada. It consists of 12 numerical digits, which uniquely identify a product and its manufacturer.
- Common Uses
- Retail (North America)
- Character Set
- Numeric (12 digits)
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
UPC-E 1D
A variation of the UPC-A barcode used for smaller packages where a full 12-digit barcode would not fit. It uses "zero suppression" to compress the data into a smaller footprint.
- Common Uses
- Small Retail Items
- Character Set
- Numeric (6 digits)
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
EAN-8 1D
The EAN-8 is the compressed version of the EAN-13 barcode. It is used on small retail products internationally where space is limited, such as candies or cosmetics.
- Common Uses
- Small International Retail
- Character Set
- Numeric (8 digits)
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
EAN-13 1D
The European Article Number is the standard barcode for retail products worldwide (except North America). It encodes a 13-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN).
- Common Uses
- International Retail
- Character Set
- Numeric (13 digits)
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
GTIN-14 / ITF-14 1D
ITF-14 barcodes are used to mark shipping containers and master cartons. They are built using the Interleaved 2 of 5 symbology and often feature thick black border lines.
- Common Uses
- Outer Cases & Shipping
- Character Set
- Numeric (14 digits)
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
Code 39 1D
One of the oldest and most common alphanumeric barcodes. It is widely used in non-retail environments like the automotive industry and the Department of Defense.
- Common Uses
- Industrial & Automotive
- Character Set
- Alphanumeric
- Error Detection
- Optional
Code 93 1D
Code 93 was designed as a more compact and secure alternative to Code 39. It supports the full ASCII character set and is frequently used by Canada Post.
- Common Uses
- Logistics & Electronics
- Character Set
- Alphanumeric
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
Code 128 1D
A high-density barcode that can encode all 128 characters of the ASCII set. It is the modern standard for shipping labels and supply chain management.
- Common Uses
- Logistics & General Purpose
- Character Set
- Full ASCII
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
ITF 1D
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) is a numeric-only barcode that encodes pairs of digits in a high-density format. It is rugged and easily printed on corrugated cardboard.
- Common Uses
- Warehousing & Distribution
- Character Set
- Numeric
- Error Detection
- Optional
Codabar 1D
A discrete, self-checking symbology developed in the 1970s. It remains in use for library books, blood bank labels, and some older photo finishing systems.
- Common Uses
- Libraries & Medical
- Character Set
- Numeric & Symbols
- Error Detection
- Optional
Data Matrix 2D
A 2D matrix code that can encode large amounts of data in a tiny area. It is used extensively for laser-etching small electronic components and aerospace parts.
- Common Uses
- Electronics & Small Parts
- Character Set
- Alphanumeric / Binary
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
PDF417 2D
A "stacked" linear barcode that functions like a portable data file. It is commonly found on driver's licenses, boarding passes, and military identification.
- Common Uses
- ID Cards & Transport
- Character Set
- Alphanumeric / Binary
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
Aztec 2D
Aztec codes are characterized by a central "bullseye" finder pattern. They require less space than QR codes because they don't need a surrounding white "quiet zone."
- Common Uses
- Train Tickets & Airlines
- Character Set
- Alphanumeric / Binary
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
QR Code 2D
The Quick Response code is the world's most popular 2D barcode. It is optimized for high-speed scanning by smartphones and can store URLs, contact info, and more.
- Common Uses
- Marketing & Mobile Apps
- Character Set
- Alphanumeric / Binary
- Error Detection
- Mandatory
Need more information?
Learn more about the fundamental differences between linear and matrix barcodes in our detailed guide.
Read: 1D vs 2D Barcodes Explained