Understanding Code Standards
Barcodes translate raw string data into machine-readable optical patterns. Choosing the right standard ensures compatibility with scanners, retail POS systems, and logistics inventories.
1D Linear Barcodes
- Code 128: The most versatile linear barcode. Supports full ASCII text and numbers.
- EAN-13 & UPC-A: The standard barcodes printed on commercial retail packaging worldwide.
- Code 39: A lightweight standard widely used in automotive and military logistics.
- ITF-14: A heavy-duty numeric format used to encode shipping containers.
2D Matrix Codes
- Data Matrix: A highly compact 2D square format heavily used in electronics and manufacturing because it holds massive amounts of data in a tiny footprint.
- Aztec Code: Characterized by a "bullseye" in the center, this format is heavily utilized for airline boarding passes and transit tickets.
- PDF417: A stacked 2D barcode format standardly used on the back of North American driver's licenses and government IDs to hold personal data.