Barcode Symbologies
A barcode symbology is the name for a type of barcode
Most people are familiar with the UPC or EAN barcodes found on product packaging, and QR codes. However, there are over 30 different barcode symbologies with different opportunities and limitations.
One-dimensional (or 1D) barcodes encode data by changing the widths and spacings of parallel lines. Two-dimensional (or 2D) barcodes represent data on both the horizontal and vertical axes. They can represent more data per unit area. It’s important to choose the right barcode for your use case.
ArUco
Used mainly for camera pose estimation in augmented reality and robotics, developed at the University of Cordoba.
Aztec Code
Used to label boarding tickets by the transportation industry.
Codabar
Used by logistics and healthcare professionals around the world.
Code 11
Primarily used for labelling telecommunication equipment.
Code 128
High-density code used for ordering and distribution.
Code 25
Legacy numerical barcode format with a low data density.
CODE 32 Italian Pharmacode
Used to identify pharmaceutical products in Italy.
Code 39
Used to label goods across many industries.
Code 93
Secure barcode used in logistics to track and identify packages.
Data Matrix
Used to label small items, goods, and documents.
DotCode
Used in Direct Part Marking (DPM) applications.
EAN Code
Used to label consumer goods worldwide.
GS1 Composite Codes
Combinations of a linear (1D) barcode and a 2D code.
GS1 Databar
Used globally by retail outlets for consumer coupons.
IATA 2 of 5
Used by International Air Transport Association (IATA) for managing air cargo.
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)
Used to label packaging materials.
KIX
Used for mail sorting by the postal service of The Netherlands.
Matrix 2 of 5
From the same family as Code 25 and IATA 2 of 5.
Maxicode
Used for tracking and managing shipments of packages.
Micro QR Code
Used in applications that require a small symbol space.
MICROPDF417
Space efficient version of PDF417 without start and end patterns.
MSI Plessey
Used for inventory management in retail environments.
PDF417
Used in a variety of applications including inventory management.
Posi LAPA 4 State Code
Postal code that uses the same symbol alphabet as RM4SCC.
QR Code
Used globally for tracking, marketing and more.
Rectangular Micro QR Code
Primarily used for equipment inventory in the medical and pharmaceutical industries.
RM4SCC
Royal Mail 4-State Customer Code used by the Royal Mail for its Cleanmail service.
UPC Code
Used to label retail goods around the world.
USPS Intelligent Mail
Used by U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mailstream.