There are many different types of barcodes, which are called Barcode Symbologies. They vary by the amount and type of encoded data (e.g., numeric only or alphanumeric). A Symbology is a defined method of representing numeric or alphabetic digits using bars and spaces that are easily scanned by computer systems. (i.e. - a specific type of barcode).
Typical characteristics of a Symbology: X-dimension: size of the smallest bar or space represented in 1/1000 of an inch (i.e. 15 mil symbol).
When you breakdown the DNA of a barcode, character sets are combinations of bars and spaces that represent a specific character. X Dimension is the width of the smallest bar or space element in the barcode which is also referred to as mil size (1 mil = .001 inch). Quiet zones are the areas just before and after the barcode.
Barcodes are divided into two main types: one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D).
How do I identify a Barcode Symbology?
Identifying a barcode symbology involves examining specific characteristics such as its structure, the type of data it encodes, and its appearance. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify different barcode symbologies effectively:
Key Characteristics to Observe
1. Number of Dimensions:
- 1D (Linear) Barcodes: These are composed of parallel lines and spaces of varying widths.
- 2D Barcodes: These are composed of patterns like squares, dots, or other shapes that can encode more data.
2. Character Set:
- Numeric Only: Some barcodes only encode numbers.
- Alphanumeric: Others can encode both letters and numbers.
- Special Characters: Some symbologies can include special characters.
3. Structure and Appearance:
- Look at the pattern of lines, spaces, squares, or dots.
- Note the presence of start and stop characters.
- Check if there are quiet zones (blank spaces) around the barcode.
What is GS1 Barcode?
A GS1 barcode is a type of barcode that adheres to standards set by GS1, an international non-profit organization that develops and supports global standards for business communication. These barcodes are used to uniquely identify products, services, locations, and other entities in various industries, including retail, healthcare, logistics, and more. The GS1 system of standards ensures that barcodes are globally unique and universally recognizable, facilitating efficient and accurate data capture and exchange.
What Types of Barcodes Symbologies are there?
1D and 2D Symbologies do differ and therefore support different types and amounts of data. The type of barcode that is being used in the application environment will impact the type of scanner that is needed to read it.
1D Symbologies encode data horizontally along the barcode and can store a limited amount of information (around 85 characters maximum but typically much less, depending on the code type). As more data is encoded, the barcode becomes wider.
1D Barcode Symbology examples include UPC-A (Data capacity of 12 numeric digits - 11 user specified and 1 check digit), UPC-E (Data Capacity of 7 numeric digits - 6 user specified and 1 check digit), Code 128 (Variable length alphanumeric data) and I 2 of 5 (Variable length numeric data).
2D Symbologies have a two-dimensional way of representing data – both horizontally and vertically – and can store a greater amount of information (hundreds of characters), in a much smaller space, compared to a 1D code. As more data is encoded, the size of the barcode can be increased in both the horizontal and vertical directions, thus maintaining a manageable shape for easy scanning. To properly decode the data, a scanner must read the entire symbol, in both dimensions.
Examples include Data Matrix (Consists of any type of data including binary or alphanumeric and be up to 3116 bytes in length), Aztec (Consists of any type of data including binary or alphanumeric and be up to 3750 bytes in length), Maxicode (Holds up to 93 alphanumeric characters or 138 numeric digits) and QR Code (Consist of any type of data including binary or alphanumeric and be up to 7089 bytes in length).
Determining the best barcode symbology depends on the type and amount of data required, and the marking space available. The same symbology is not required for all items, because barcode scanners can recognize and decode multiple barcode formats.
Below is an overview of the main symbologies:
1D (Linear) Barcodes:
Encode data horizontally along the barcode and can store a limited amount of information (around 85 characters maximum but typically much less, depending on the code type). As more data is encoded, the barcode becomes wider. 1D Barcode Symbology examples include:
UPC & EAN (Universal Product Code / European Article Number)
Universally recognized, the UPC or EAN barcode is the most commonly used in the retail market – printed on nearly every consumer product in the world. The data is numeric only.
Code 128
Used in logistics and transportation. Often used to include information like serial numbers and expiration dates, making it a good candidate to track items through global supply chains. It supports a larger character set and can encode alphanumeric data efficiently. Can encode all 128 ASCII characters.One of the densest linear symbologies, encodes the full 128-character ASCII character set. Often used to include information like serial numbers and expiration dates, making it a good candidate to track items through global supply chains.
Code 39
Also called Code 3 of 9, it is one of the oldest and most widely used symbologies. It is a variable-length alphanumeric symbology for encoding 26 capital letters plus numerals and seven special characters. An extended version is available that supports all 128 ASCII characters. Code 39 is less dense than Code 128, thus requiring more room on the label.
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)
Used in warehouse and industrial applications. It is numeric-only and encodes pairs of digits
Codabar
Encodes numeric data and special characters (A, B, C, D). Used in libraries, blood banks, and photo labs. Learn more about codabar security level
MSI (Modified Plessey)
numeric-only barcode. Often used for inventory and warehouse applications.
GS1-128 (formerly known as UCC128)
A subset of Code 128 used for encoding data in a structured manner. Used in supply chains for logistics and product identification.
2D Barcodes:
It has a two-dimensional way of representing data – both horizontally and vertically – and can store a greater amount of information (hundreds of characters), in a much smaller space, compared to a 1D code. As more data is encoded, the size of the barcode can be increased in both the horizontal and vertical directions, thus maintaining a manageable shape for easy scanning. To properly decode the data, a scanner must read the entire symbol, in both dimensions. 2D Barcode Symbology examples include:
Data Matrix
A 2D symbology, Data Matrix is commonly used to mark small items as it can encode a significant amount of information in small space and is often used in pharmaceutical applications, or other operations where tracking and tracing is critical.
Aztec Code
A 2D matrix symbology containing from 13 to 3,832 numeric characters or 12 to 3,067 alphabetic characters. Aztec Mesas are Aztec Code-based supplements that enable linear barcode symbols to encode additional information. The resulting symbol is a composite of linear and 2D symbologies. Often used in transportation, especially for boarding passes and tickets. Reads well even when printed with low quality.
QR Code
This stands for Quick Response Code and is a 2D code containing 4000 – 7000 Characters. These are commonly used for mobile barcoding applications, such as loyalty cards or coupon codes.
PDF417
PDF417 is a stacked linear or two-dimensional barcode. It is commonly recognized as the barcode on many U.S. Driver’s Licenses, but can also be used for other applications related to transportation or inventory management. Data is encoded in both the horizontal and vertical dimensions. As more data is encoded, the size of the barcode can be increased in both the horizontal and vertical directions thus maintaining a manageable shape for easy scanning.
MaxiCode
Used by United Parcel Service (UPS) for package tracking. Designed for fast and accurate reading in shipping environments.
Specialized and Proprietary Barcodes:
Pharmacode
Used in the pharmaceutical industry for tracking and identifying medications. Can encode numeric data and is designed for high-reliability scanning. Learn more about pharmacode by visiting this FAQ: What is a Pharmacode?
Where Are Different Symbologies Used?
Each barcode symbology has unique features that make it suitable for specific applications and industries. Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the right barcode for their needs, enhancing operational efficiency, accuracy, and traceability. By selecting the appropriate barcode symbology, organizations can streamline their processes, improve data management, and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations.
| 1D (Linear) Barcodes: | Popular Applications |
| UPC: EAN-13: Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF): Codabar: | Most Retail Products in US - High Volume Scanning International Retail Products Shipping, Laboratories, Warehouse, Industrial Apps Libraries, Blood Banks, Overnight Package Delivery |
| 1D Alpha-Numeric Codes: | |
| Code 128: Code 39: | Shipping |
| 2D Barcodes: | |
PDF417: Aztec Code: | File Driver’s Licenses and other Identification cards, boarding passes, inventory Transportation, particularly for boarding passes and tickets. |
| Especialized and Proprietary Barcodes | |
| Pharmacode: | Pharmaceutical industry, Medication tracking and identification Libraries and asset tracking, book tracking, asset management, inventory control |
