What is the right barcode type for my application?

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The Barcode Lexicon
No labeling, no data capture. Are you about to introduce new labels for your products or for warehouse labeling and are not sure which barcode type is the right one? Then this article is just right for you. In this article, we look at the many different barcode types available on the market and what you need to consider before the rollout. Marking goods, products and materials is the basis for data capture using modern automatic identification technologies.

Overview of the different barcode types

2/5 Interleaved

The 2/5i is one of the older code types that can be represented with the digits 0-9. It is made up of either two wide and three narrow bars or two wide and three narrow spaces. The print ratio between the narrow and wide elements is 1:2 to 1:3. If the narrow element is smaller than 0.5 mm, the print ratio is 1:2.25, up to a maximum of 1:3. The first digit is formed by five bars, while the second digit is represented directly by the subsequent gaps. The code has a high information density. For example, only 2.7 mm is needed per digit with a module width of 0.3 mm and a ratio of 1:3. A self-check can be carried out. As all gaps carry information, smaller tolerances of ± 10% apply. 2/5i can be produced using offset, letterpress, gravure, flexographic printing, computer-controlled printing processes and photosetting.

Name

2/5 Interleaved

Brief explanation

Numeric barcode with high information density. It is used particularly in shipping and industry. The barcode only allows a low print tolerance.

Use

Shipping and identification of the goods/product

Example

Code 2/5 5 dashes industry (industry code)

The code 2/5 5 dashes industry, also known as the industry code, is a numeric code (characters 0 – 9). It is made up of two wide and three narrow bars. The print ratio between the narrow and wide bars is 1:2 to 1:3. The gaps contain no information. Therefore, there is a large printing tolerance (± 15%) and the code can be produced using the simplest printing processes. This code therefore has a low information density of 4.2 mm per digit with a module width of X=0.3 mm and a ratio of V=1:3. The code is produced using offset, letterpress, gravure, flexographic printing processes, numbering printing processes, computer-controlled printing processes and phototypesetting.

Name

2/5 Industrial

Brief explanation

Numeric barcode with low information density. Can be produced using simple printing processes due to high print tolerance

Use

Transport and storage technology

Example

Codabar

The Codabar barcode is also known as NW-7 or USD-4 and is described in the DIN standard EN 798. It is suggested that the minimum width of a Codabar is 0.165 mm or 11 digits per inch. Codabar encodes 10 digits, dollar signs, hyphens, dots, slashes, colons and plus signs. Codabar requires start and stop characters, which are mapped to A, B, C and D. Codabar is a self-checking barcode symbology and does NOT require a check digit.

Name

Codabar

Brief explanation

Numeric code + 6 additional special characters
(0..9 and – $ : / . +)

Low information density

Use

Libraries, medical sector such as laboratories and blood banks, mail order industry, photo labs

Example

Codablock

In the period between 1989 and 2000, the standardized barcodes 39 and 128 were replaced by a stacked barcode called Codablock, which had found practical application internationally. Problems such as insufficient label width or the printing of several short barcodes in succession led to the realization that the size of the barcodes should have been reduced, while at the same time the complete data context of a message should have been retained. This led to the idea of the Codablock. Each line contains a line indicator for the orientation of the reader. The stack code also contains two check characters so that the content of the entire message can be verified.

There are three types of codablock. Codablock A is based on the structure of Code 39, which can generate up to 22 lines of 1-61 (max. 1340) data each. The check character is calculated according to module 43 as the sum of all character values in a given message and is the last character of the barcode. Codablock F is based on the structure of Code 128, which can print from 2 to 44 lines. These lines correspond to 4-62 data each (max. 2725). The last variant Codablock 256 is identical to Codablock F and has a start/stop character. The same amount of data is generated as with codablock F. All codablock types contain their own error correction so that minor damage can be reconstructed.

The advantages include greater data security when scanning a single Codablock label instead of several individual labels. Codablock increases the flexibility to customize information in height, width and information density. As this stacked code is based on existing barcodes, all conventional readers can read it. A higher-level computer system can reassemble the individual lines into the overall message. You should always be aware of the stacked structure when reading the code in order to avoid reading errors. 

Name

Codablock

Brief explanation

Code block A: Based on code 39, up to 22 lines, max. 1340 data; check digit according to module 43.

Codablock F: Based on Code 128, 2 to 44 lines, max. 2725 data.

Codablock 256: Identical to codablock F, but with start/stop character.

All types include error correction for the reconstruction of minor damage. Higher data security, flexible adjustment of height, width and information density.

Compatible with conventional readers

Use

Reading barcodes in images using conventional readers or the smartphone camera.

Example

Code 49

Code 49 is a 2D barcode and meets increased security requirements compared to other barcodes thanks to its three error correction processes. Code 49 was developed in 1987 for logistical tasks in the aerospace industry. It is a variant of stacked barcodes and is based on its own code structure. The number of lines varies from two to eight. Each line contains 70 modules, a start character (2 modules), four data words (4×16 modules) and a stop character (4 modules). The line numbers can be determined during the scanning process by transforming the individual data words into predefined data word combinations. A maximum of 49 SCII characters or 81 digits can be encrypted.

Code 49 stands out in particular due to its compactness. Like Codablock, it also offers flexibility in the adaptation of information. All readers can read Code 49. Nevertheless, the decoder must be extended because Code 49 uses its own barcode. To avoid reading errors, the decoder must capture the entire block of the barcode before the content is transmitted to a computer system. Compared to other barcodes, Code 49 only has a fixed format. It can be created using all printing techniques such as UPC or Code 39.

Name

Code 49

Brief explanation

2D barcode, stacked barcode, line consists of 70 modules, start character, 4 data words and a stop character, very compact

Use

Logistical application in space travel

Example

Code 39

Code 39, also known as “3 of 9” for short, is an alphanumeric character set that was developed by Intermec (USA) in 1973. It contains 0-9 numbers, 26 letters and seven special characters. Each character contains nine elements, which in turn consist of five bars and four spaces. Three elements are displayed wide and six elements narrow, with the exception of special characters. The gap between the characters contains no information. The print ratio between the narrow and wide elements is 1:2 or 1:3. If the narrow element is smaller than 0.5 mm, then a new print ratio of 1:2 and a maximum of 1:3 applies. Code 39 is one of the first alphanumeric codes, but its information density is too low compared to today’s standards. The code can be produced using offset, letterpress, gravure and flexographic printing processes, computer-controlled printing processes and photosetting.

Name

Code 39

Brief explanation

Alphanumeric character set, low information density, consists of the digits 0-9, 26 letters & 7 special characters with high reading reliability.

Use

Application e.g. in logistics, industry and healthcare.

Example

Code 128

Compared to other barcodes, Code 128 contains a high density of information. This barcode allows the full ASCII character set (character coding in the English alphabet) to be reproduced without character combinations. However, it cannot directly display all the characters in the ASCII table. A distinction is made between three character sets A, B and C, which are used for different purposes. The character sets cannot be combined. Only a combination of the start character A or B with a special character allows the complete character set of the ASCII table to be displayed. Each character can be divided into eleven modules or into three dashes and three spaces. The black bars always follow an even number of modules (even parity) and the white spaces follow an odd number of modules. The only exception is the stop character, which contains 13 modules. These 13 modules can be split into 11 modules and a delimiter with 2 modules. The code is used in offset, letterpress, gravure, flexographic printing, thermal transfer printing and phototypesetting.

Name

Code 128

Brief explanation

Alphanumeric barcode, very high information density, mapping of the entire ASCII table.

Use

Clothing industry

Example

DataMatrix code

The Data Matrix Code (DMC) is one of the best-known 2D codes, which was developed by the Acuity Corporation in the late 1980s. The Data Matrix exists in two versions, namely the ECC 000-140 and the current revised version ECC 200. The shape of the barcode is a variable, rectangular pattern, which consists of a minimum square arrangement of 10×10 and a maximum of 144×144 symbol elements. The DataMatrix code can also be represented by 8×18 and 16×48 elements. With the DataMatrix code 144×144 ECC 200, including the search and alignment patterns, it is possible to encode up to 1556 bytes (8 bits per character), i.e. 3116 digits (3.5 bits per character) or 2335 ASCII characters (7 bits per character). The horizontal and vertical borders fulfill the purpose of legibility. The opposite sides of the rectangular pattern alternate with light and dark squares so that the position and size can be described. The information density is 13 characters per 100 mm².  

The barcode is used in automotive engineering, for direct laser marking in production (e.g. printed circuit boards), as a printed code image in document handling (tickets, IT franking for mailing) and for analysis devices and instruments in the chemical and medical industries. It is a very compact code with high reading reliability that contains reliable error correction using an RS code. It is still possible to reconstruct the data even if a quarter of the entire code is damaged. One disadvantage of the DMC is that it can only be read with image processing systems. The code can be produced using drivers and various printing techniques.

Name

DataMatrix code

Brief explanation

Compactness that can recover data even if 25% of the barcode is damaged and remains readable. The reason for this is an error correction algorithm. Only readable with image processing systems.

Use

Automotive engineering, direct laser marking in production, document handling, chemical and medical industries

Example

Maxi-Code

United Parcel Service (UPS) developed the Maxi-Code in 1989 for fast identification, tracking and sorting of parcels. This 2D code is a variant of the matrix code and is produced in the size 25.4×25.4mm. 144 symbol characters are displayed on an area of 645 mm², which allows a maximum of 93 ASCII characters or 138 digits to be accumulated. In the middle of the 2D code there is a search pattern which is created for orientation during reading. A honeycomb pattern consisting of 866 hexagons can be recognized around the search pattern. These 866 hexagons are arranged in 33 rows and carry the data content. Each row contains a maximum of 30 honeycomb elements. Six orientation honeycombs are linked with three honeycomb elements each, which are arranged together around the search pattern and are used for position recognition for omnidirectional reading. The information density is 13 characters per 100mm². As the Maxi-Code is one of the compact barcodes, it contains reliable error correction and is therefore very secure. If a quarter of the total code is damaged, it is still possible to reconstruct the data.

This stacked code guarantees omnidirectional readability even at high transport speeds. As it is based on fixed parameters, it can only be read with image processing systems. The barcode can be produced using various printing techniques and drivers. 

Name

Maxi-Code

Brief explanation

2D barcode, 93 ASCII characters, fast and secure, only readable with image processing systems

Use

Parcel tracking, labeling parcels

Example

Dotcode

Dotcode is a 2D code that uses a matrix of dots for representation. Dotcodes should not be confused with Braille. In 2009, AIM published the dotcode symbology, which has been standardized since 2012. The codes can be read optically and error correction is carried out using Reed-Solomon.

Dotcodes are used in particular for the rapid printing of industrial or consumer goods in order to identify and track individual units. The codes are also used in the cigarette and pharmaceutical industries. Dotcode A is based on a matrix of 6×6 to 12×12 dots. These dots are either left white or colorless or black, which together form a so-called dot. The combination of empty spaces and dots requires a binary code based on zeros and ones. Due to its small size, a dot code has a high information density. A 7×7 matrix can create more than two billion combinations of spaces and dots after subtracting fixed dots for checks, and thus have more than two billion different identification numbers available in the sense of a fixed code system. However, other data can also be encoded. There is a clear difference between dotcodes and barcodes with the same data content. Dot codes are usually used where the space available for marking is limited, such as on a microprocessor.

Dot codes are also suitable for environments where there is a risk of contamination or damage to the labels, as it is possible to produce a dot code by perforating or embedding it directly into the material. Another important advantage of the dot code is its good legibility. A contrast of only around 15 percent is required to achieve successful reading. A barcode needs a contrast of 50 to 60 percent for good readability.

Name

DotCode

Brief explanation

2D code, compact, robustness against damage and contamination, high information density

Use

Application in the industry, cigarette and Pharmaceutical industry, high information density

Example

EAN

This numeric code can be represented with the digits 0-9. Eleven elements together form one character. Each bar and each space contains information. Either eight or thirteen characters can be displayed. The barcode offers a high density of information in ten different sizes. One disadvantage is the associated low tolerance level. The barcode can be found in offset, letterpress, gravure and laser printing processes, thermal printing above a certain size and phototypesetting. More detailed code specifications for the EAN and EAN 128 can be requested from the national EAN associations.

Nowadays, EAN-13 is the most common product code used on most consumer goods in supermarkets, discount stores, petrol stations, DIY stores, etc. The American equivalent is the IUPC (Universal Product Code). The American equivalent is the IUPC (Universal Product Code) and the Japanese equivalent is the JAN (Japanese Article Number). The code can also be found on books.

EAN 128

The EAN 128/UCC barcode, also known as GS1-128, is a newly developed standard barcode based on Code 128. It is primarily used as a logistics code for retail. In particular, a function character 1 (FNC1) appears immediately after the start character. This sequence of start character and FNC1 at the beginning of the barcode symbol is the typical identification for EAN 128. Only the International Article Numbering Organization (EAN) and the American Uniform Code Council (UCC) are permitted to use this character combination. The maximum length of an EAN128 symbol depends on three parameters:

  • The physical length, which depends on the number of characters to be encoded and the magnification factor
  • The number of data characters without auxiliary characters
  • The number of symbol characters

The maximum length of each symbol must not exceed the physical length of 16 mm, including light zones. The inclusive data identifiers may encode a maximum of 48 user data characters.  If the FNC1 character is used as a separator, they are to be counted as user data characters. Auxiliary and symbol characters are not taken into account here. Including all characters, EAN 128 should not exceed 35 characters, as otherwise there would be a risk that an insufficient enlargement factor would have to be selected for cross-company applications. When using character set C, in certain cases the number of user data characters exceeds the number of symbol characters required.

Delimitation of data elements of fixed or variable length:
Data identifiers recognize data elements that are variable or have a fixed length. If several data identifiers and the corresponding data content are linked in a symbol, each variably defined data element must be followed by an FNC 1 character. The exception only applies to the last data element encoded in the symbol. A separator is not required for data content of fixed length. A table with predefined length indicators has been created to determine the length of a data element with a fixed number of digits. Some of the indicators listed in this table are already used today as individual data identifiers such as “00” or “01”. Other indicators in the table have been incorporated into a number of data identifiers, such as “31” or “41”. The table determines the total length of a data element, which is made up of the data identifier and data content. However, it is not possible to draw any conclusions about the number of digits in the data identifier or the format of the data content (alphanumeric or numeric). Furthermore, all elements not listed here are delimited at the end by an FNC1 character or a stop. However, it is not possible to separate new data elements cleanly with FNC1.

Data content: The following data contents for a data identifier correspond to the respective application description. They are defined numerically or alphanumerically and are up to thirty characters long. The intended length of the data fields for setting the data content is fixed or variable. With fixed-length data fields, the required number of characters (numbers and/or letters) is always set. Sometimes a data field must be left-aligned with zeros in order to achieve the required number of digits. A maximum number of encoded characters applies to variably defined data fields. This maximum value must never be exceeded.

Name

EAN (European Article Numbering)/UPC (Universal Product Code)

Brief explanation

2 to 13 characters. High information density, but very low print tolerance. Check digit is required. It is an internationally defined numbering scheme. 

Use

Product labeling, e.g. for retail items, packaging, electrical goods and medical products.

Example

GS1 barcodes

GS1 is a network of organizations that develop, negotiate and maintain standards for cross-company processes worldwide.

GS1 barcodes can be used to generate unique identification keys for almost all objects that are relevant in B2B and B2C business.

GS1-128

The old designation of the GS1-128 is EAN/UCC-128, which is a special form of the Code-128 that records data structured according to the GS1 specifications. As a special recognition feature, a special character (FNC1) follows immediately after the start character. This signals to the scanner software that the code content is structured according to GS1 specifications.

In addition, several pieces of data can be coded at the same time. For example, in addition to the product code, weight information and the best-before date can also be included. For this to be realized, so-called application identifiers must be used. These are internationally standardized data identifiers.

Even if the length of the code is variable, the maximum length should not exceed 165mm.

Name

GS1-128

Brief explanation

Special form of code 128; max. 48 characters; encoding of several data simultaneously possible.

High information density

Use

Trade and industry, primarily for labeling goods and pallets

Example

GS1 DataBar/RSS

The RSS code, now called GS1 DataBar, consists of three basic variants. RSS-14 encodes 14 digits of numeric data (GTIN) and contains one digit that is used as a shortcut character from 0 to 9. RSS Limited is more compact than RSS-14, as only one shortcut character (1 or 0) is required to encode the same RSS-14 data (GTIN).

The RSS Expanded code is the variable variant that can encode data of different lengths. The RSS Expanded can contain up to 74 digits or 41 characters, depending on whether the EAN / UCC data identifier is used. Both code RSS-14 and RSS-Expanded can be stacked. The RSS-14 Stacked consists of 2 lines.

The RSS Expanded Stacked even has up to eleven lines to reduce the length. Composite codes always consist of a barcode (or stacked codes in the case of the RSS-14 Stacked) and an additional 2D component directly above it. A special pattern is used to separate the two parts of the code. Composite codes can also be divided into three variants. The CC-A variant is based on the Micro PDF417, which enables coding of up to 56 alphanumeric characters and can be combined with the EAN / UPC code (except ITF-14). The CC-B variant is also based on the Micro PDF417, which can encode up to 338 alphanumeric characters. This variant can also be combined with all EAN-UPC codes (except ITF-14). The CC-C variant is based on the PDF417 code and can only be combined with UCC / EAN-128. Up to 2,361 characters can be encoded.

One of the greatest advantages of this code is its compactness. This barcode is one of the most compact on the market today, meeting the demand for more information in a small space with omnidirectional reading methods. This code type creates a completely new way of using the EAN / UCC system on small products, which was previously not possible with barcodes. It is particularly interesting for the retail, food and healthcare sectors. There is a small disadvantage in the readability of the code. Composite codes can only be read with 2D readers. The code can be produced using offset, letterpress and gravure printing, flexographic printing, phototypesetting and online printing technology such as laser printers, thermal and thermal transfer printers.

Name

GS1 Databar/RSS

Brief explanation

Compact barcode, three variants: RSS-14, RSS Limited and RSS Expanded, additional “stacked variants” are also available. 

Use

Retail, food industry, healthcare

Example

Identcode

The Identcode is a numeric 12-digit barcode used by Deutsche Post AG. It is based on Code 25 Interleaved, but uses a different checksum and contains the unique identification of a postal parcel. This means that the parcel can be tracked from acceptance to delivery. In combination with the routing code, it is used for automatic distribution within parcel centers.

Numbers 1 to 2 contain the outgoing freight center, numbers 3 to 5 the customer ID (assigned by Deutsche Post), numbers 6 to 11 the posting number and number 12 is the check digit.

Name

Identcode

Brief explanation

12-digit numeric code (0…9) that encodes the unique identification of a postal parcel in machine-readable form 

Use

Deutsche Post AG

Example

Leitcode (DHL)

The routing code (Leitcode) is a numeric 14-digit barcode used by Deutsche Post AG. It is based on Code 25 Interleaved, but uses a different checksum and contains the recipient data on freight items. In combination with the identcode, it is used for automatic distribution within parcel centers.

Digits 1 to 5 contain the unencrypted representation of the zip code, digits 6 to 8 the street code (each street name is assigned a 3-digit code), digits 9 to 11 the unencrypted representation of the house number. If the house number has 4 digits, a different street code is used. Digits 12 to 13 contain the product types, such as parcel, package, return, etc. and digit 14 is the check digit.

Name

Leitcode (DHL)

Brief explanation

14-digit numeric code (0…9) that encodes the recipient data of a freight consignment in machine-readable form

Use

For automatic distribution within Deutsche Post AG parcel centers

Example

Intelligent Mail

The “Intelligent Mail Barcode” (IMb) is used for sorting and tracking mail both nationally and worldwide. It is an improved version of the PostNet barcode, as it encodes not only the recipient data but also the sender data.

Coding is based on the bar height and not, as is usually the case, on the bar and spacing width. Nevertheless, the distance between the bars also plays a role in the coding. A maximum of 31 data digits can be displayed on 65 bars.

Name

Intelligent Mail

Brief explanation

Numeric code (0…9) that encodes the recipient and sender data in machine-readable form; is increasingly replacing PostNet barcodes

Use

Mail sorting and tracking USA

Example

ISBN barcodes

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is used to uniquely identify books internationally. Registration of an ISBN is not a legal requirement. Small and self-publishers prefer not to do so, as registration involves effort and costs.

In Germany, only MVB Marketing- und Verlagsservice des Buchhandels GmbH assigns ISBN publishing numbers and individual ISBNs. The ISBN has only been a 13-digit numerical code since 2007. Until the end of 2005, this was still 10 digits. An ISBN consists of 5 groups of numbers. The prefix 978 or 979, the group or country number, followed by the publisher number, title or volume number and, last but not least, the check digit.

Name

ISBN barcode

Brief explanation

13-digit numeric code (0…9), divided into 5 groups of numbers (prefix, country, publisher, title number and check digit) 

Use

International labeling of books

Example

ISSN barcodes

The International Standard Serial Number (ISSN) is used to identify serial publications, e.g. journals. The ISSN is similar to the ISBN for books. It is based on the ISO 3297 standard and was adopted in 1975.

The ISSN is an 8-digit code, which is divided into two groups of four digits each. Unlike other codes, it cannot be traced back to publishers or other information. Both groups are visually separated by a hyphen. The last digit is a check digit and can also be represented as an X for checksum 10.

To use the ISSN as a barcode, the prefix 977 is placed before the first 7 digits. Digits 11 and 12 are used to identify special or duplicate editions. If these are not required, there is only a 0 here. Digit 13 is then a check digit.  

Name

ISSN barcode

Brief explanation

8-digit numeric code (0…9); standard ISO 3297; subdivision into two groups of four digits each; optical separation by hyphen

 

Use

Labeling of consecutive publications

Example

ISMN barcodes

The International Standard Music Number (ISMN) is used to identify printed and digital music notations worldwide. It is based on the 10957 standard, was designed in line with the much better-known ISBN and was adopted in 1993. As of 2021, it is used in over 64 regions and countries.

The ISMN is a 13-digit code that is divided into four sections. The code always begins with 979-0 and can therefore be distinguished from the ISBN. The next block of digits stands for the publisher ID. Depending on the size of the publisher, this can be 3 to 7 digits long. This is followed by the product ID, which can have 1 to 5 digits. Both blocks together must always have 8 digits. If the publisher ID has 4 digits, the product ID must also have 4 digits; if the publisher ID has 3 digits, the product ID must have 5 digits, and so on. As is often the case, the last digit is a check digit.

Name

ISMN barcode

Brief explanation

13-digit numeric code (0…9); standard 10957; divided into four sections: prefix (always 979-0), publisher ID (3 to 7 digits), product ID (1 to 5 digits), check digit; both blocks together always 8 digits

 

Use

Labeling of music notation in printed or digital form

Example

ITF-14

The ITF-14 is an outer carton code that is also referred to as SCC-14 (SSC = Shipping Container Code), GTIN-14 and EAN-14. This means that several units of a product can be scanned quickly and easily using the code on the outside of the outer carton or pallet. The product itself must be labeled with an EAN-13 code.

First digit (1): Identifies the packaging type (defined by the supplier), value range from 1 to 8.

Digits 2-13: Contain the actual product code.

Last digit (14): A check digit calculated by a mathematical method such as the modulo or Luhn algorithms to detect input errors

Name

ITF-14

Brief explanation

Outer carton code
Numeric code with 14 characters (0.9), which contains the EAN-13 code of the contained product

Use

Retail trade

Example

MSI/Plessey

This numeric barcode is also known as Modified Plessey or MSI. It is used on shelves in supermarkets, warehouses and libraries, among other places. It can encode information about the product, the target stock level and other relevant data.

The digits 0 to 9 are displayed in binary code. There is also a start and stop character and an optional check digit. The length of the barcode is variable and even large amounts of data can be encoded. However, it is inefficient and prone to errors. 

Name

MSI/Plessey

Brief explanation

Numeric code (0..9), variable length, check digit optional

Use

Supermarkets, storage facilities, libraries

Example

NVE/ EAN-18/ SSCC-18

The “shipping unit number” (SSCC) is represented by the SSCC barcode and serves as a globally unique identifier for a shipping unit. A shipping unit can be a container, pallets or cartons, for example.  In international shipping, the designation SSCC-18 (Serial Shipping Container Code) is often used, in national shipping EAN-18.

This is represented using the EAN-128 character set. The first two characters are therefore predefined as application identifiers with (00). Digit one of the data field is an extension digit, which can be freely selected between 0 and 9 by the creator of the SSCC. Digits two to eight are the GS1 base number of the sender. These are defined by the GS1 member organizations. Numbers nine to seventeen are the numbers generated by the sender. These must be consecutive and unique for each shipping unit. The last digit is a check digit, which is determined by calculation.

Name

NVE/ EAN-18/ SSCC-18

Brief explanation

Numeric code with 18 characters (0..9), representation with EAN-128 character set 

Use

Transportation, storage

Example

PDF 417

This barcode is a variant of the stacked barcode, but is based on its own code structure and is not square as usual, but rectangular. PDF stands for Portable Data File. 417 for the pattern, which consists of 4 bars and 4 spaces. Each pattern is in turn 17 units long.

PDF 417 can encode up to 1,108 bytes (i.e. a maximum of 1,850 alphanumeric characters or 2,710 digits), the barcode is flexible in height and width and yet very compact. Eight different correction levels can be selected to compensate for up to 50% damage.

The barcode consists of two external rest areas, one start and one stop pattern, two indicator areas and the data area.

Name

PDF 417

Brief explanation

Up to 1,108 bytes (i.e. a maximum of 1,850 alphanumeric characters or 2,710 digits) can be encoded; variable length and height; very compact; 8 correction levels can be selected; can be read with a 1D scanner, provided it can capture the entire block

Use

ID documents, file management, transportation, logistics, franking machines, FedEx parcels, airline tickets, Certificates of incapacity for work, lottery receipts

Example

PostNet

The “Postal Numeric Encoding Technique” is a coding technique used by the US Post Office to encode the recipient’s postal code in machine-readable form and thus automate the sorting of mail.

PostNet barcodes can have 5, 6, 9 or 11 digits and are coded using the bar height and not the usual bars and spaces. They only contain digits, a start and stop character and a check digit. Each character is represented by 5 bars.

The Intelligent Mail barcode is increasingly replacing the PostNet barcode as it can encode more information.

Name

PostNet

Brief explanation

Numeric code (0…9) that encodes the recipient’s zip code in machine-readable form; variable length; low information density

Use

Mail sorting and tracking USA

Example

PZN

The “Pharmazentralnummer” is based on Code-39 and has consisted of 7 digits + check digit since 2013 (previously only 7 digits). It is used for the nationwide standardized identification of medicines, medical and other pharmacy products. The PZN is assigned individually for each product by the Information Center for Proprietary Medicinal Products. This enables clear identification by name, dosage form, active ingredient strength and pack size.

Formerly also known as PZN7, this may no longer be issued since 01.01.2013 and lost its validity on 31.12.2019. Its successor is the PZN8 described above and offers a larger number range due to the additional number.

Name

PZN, PZN8

Brief explanation

Numeric code (0…9) that encodes the recipient’s zip code in machine-readable form; variable length; low information density

Use

Pharmaceuticals, medical devices and other pharmacy products

Example

QR code

The “Quick Response Code” is a square 2D code that typically consists of a black and white pixel structure. It is now also possible to design it in color and/or incorporate a logo. It is only necessary to ensure sufficient contrast.

Due to the special marking in three out of four corners (usually large squares), the code can be read from any position. Further advantages are the storage of large amounts of data and the high error tolerance. Even if up to 30% of the code is lost, readability is guaranteed, depending on the error correction level selected.

Originally developed by Denso Wave (a subsidiary of Toyota supplier Denso) to optimize logistics processes in automotive production, it is now mainly used for communication between companies and private individuals.

In addition to the classic QR code, there are also some further developments. The best known are

  • Micro QR code: smaller, but also smaller data volume
  • iQR code: larger data volume (up to 40,000 numerical characters), error correction level up to 60%, rectangular display, 30% smaller than a normal QR code with the same amount of data
  • Frame QR code: Empty space inside, which can be filled with a logo or image 

Name

QR code

Brief explanation

Versatile code, large data volume, readability even if up to 30% of the code is lost, also readable with camera phones and smartphones

Use

Production logistics, numerous application possibilities, e.g. web links, mobile business cards, etc.

Example

RoyalMail (RM4SCC)

The Royal Mail 4 State Customer Code converts mail into a machine-readable format by encoding the zip code and house or PO box number. Originally developed in Great Britain, it can now also be found in other countries. However, the content can vary from country to country.

The digits 0 to 9 and the letters A to Z can be encoded. Each character is represented by a sequence of four dashes.

Name

RM4SCC

Brief explanation

Variable length, display of digits (0 – 9) and letters (A – Z) possible 

Use

Originally for postal companies

Example

UPC barcodes

The “Universal Product Code” (UPC) is used in retail to uniquely identify products. It does not matter in which retail stores the product is sold, because the same products share the same UPC.

Only the digits 0-9 can be displayed with the UPC code. Special characters or letters may not be used. Each character consists of two bars and two spaces of different widths.

The most common UPC code is the UPC A code, which is similar to the EAN code. The normal version has 12 digits, the compressed version has 8. The structure is the same. The first digit designates a so-called “number system”. This is used to classify the product – for example, normal product, coupon, medicine, item calculated by weight, etc. Digits two to six identify the manufacturer and are assigned by GS1 member organizations. Digits seven to eleven provide information about the product. The last digit is a check digit, which is determined by calculation.

The encrypted characters are usually written as plain text under the barcode. This means it can also be used if it is not legible.

Name

UPC A

UPC B

Brief explanation

Numeric code with 12 characters (0 – 9), high information density

Compressed version of UPC A, 8 digits instead of 12

Use

Supermarket and retail, mainly in the USA

On smaller products, if the packaging does not provide space for the normal UPC A.

Example

Other barcode types

There are also 3D and 4D barcodes, which are still rarely used today. The third dimension of 3D barcodes is achieved using colors. Here, use is made of color saturation and brightness of the color. On the other hand, 4D barcodes are animated barcodes in which time is used as a dimension. A sequence of different barcodes is played, resulting in a composite piece of information. A major advantage of this is the transmission of significantly more information.

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