Supported Types
There are two types of barcodes according to their dimensions:
Linear (1D) barcodes
The linear (one-dimensional) barcodes are made up of lines and spaces of various widths that create specific patterns. The Barcode item currently supports the following one-dimensional barcode types:
| Barcode | Description |
|---|---|
| Codabar | (aka Ames Code/USD-4/NW-7/2 of 7 Code): Used in libraries and blood banks |
| Code 11 | (USD-8): Used to identify telecommunications equipment |
| Code 25 Standard | Used in airline ticket marking, photofinishing |
| Code 25 Interleaved | Used in warehouse, industrial applications |
| Code 39 | (aka USD-3, 3 of 9): U.S. Government and military use, required for DoD applications |
| Code 39 Extended | (aka USD-3, 3 of 9): U.S. Government and military use, required for DoD applications, supports full ASCII |
| Code 93 | (aka USS-93): Compressed form of Code 39 |
| Code 93 Extended | (aka USS-93): Compressed form of Code 39, supports full ASCII |
| Code 128 | Very dense code, used extensively worldwide |
| Code 128 A | Subset of Code 128 *(more info in 1D Barcodes) |
| Code 128 B | Subset of Code 128 *(more info in 1D Barcodes) |
| Code 128 C | Subset of Code 128 *(more info in 1D Barcodes) |
| MSI | Variation of Plessey code, with similar applications |
| EAN 8 | Short version of EAN-13, 8 characters |
| EAN 13 | Used with consumer products internationally, 13 characters |
| GS1-128 | Formerly known as UCC-128 and EAN-128. Used to encode shipping/product information *(more info in 1D Barcodes) |
| Intelligent Mail | Used by U.S. Post Office as successor of POSTNET and PLANET barcodes. |
| PLANET | Printed by U.S. Post Office on envelopes. Predecessor of Intelligent Mail barcode |
| POSTNET | Printed by U.S. Post Office on envelopes. Predecessor of Intelligent Mail barcode |
| UPC A | Used with consumer products in U.S., 12 characters |
| UPC E | Short version of UPC symbol, 6 characters |
| UPC Supplement 2 | Used to indicate magazines and newspaper issue numbers |
| UPC Supplement 5 | Used to mark suggested retail price of books |
Matrix (2D) barcodes
The matrix code is a two-dimensional way for representing information. It can also be referred to as a 2D barcode or simply a 2D code. It is similar to the linear (one-dimensional) barcode, but can represent more data per unit area. The Barcode item currently supports the following 2D barcodes:
| Barcode | Description |
|---|---|
| QR Code | One of the most popular 2D barcodes with wide commercial application. More info in the article QR Code. |
| Swiss QR Code | A barcode based on the QR symbology used exclusively in Switzerland payment slips named QR-bill. More info in the article Swiss QR Code. |
| PDF147 | A stacked linear 2D barcode used by U.S. Postal Services, Department of Homeland Security, airline industry and others. More info in the article PDF147. |
| DataMatrix | 2D barcode mostly used to mark smaller areas due to its high data density. Recommended by the US Electronic Industries Alliance. More info in the article DataMatrix. |