Barcodes are ubiquitous in modern society and are used in a wide range of industries, from retail to healthcare. They allow for quick and accurate tracking of products, inventory, and information, making them an essential part of many businesses.
There are several different types of barcodes, each with their own unique characteristics and uses. In this post, we will explore the different types of barcodes, how they are generated, and how they are used afterwards.
Linear or 1D Barcodes
Linear or 1D barcodes are the most common type of barcode and consist of a series of vertical bars and spaces of varying widths. These barcodes are read by a scanner that detects the changes in reflectivity caused by the black and white bars. The scanner then converts these changes into a series of numbers or letters that can be used to identify the product or information.
Linear barcodes can be further classified into several different subtypes based on their encoding method, including:
- UPC (Universal Product Code) - This is the most widely used barcode in North America and is commonly found on retail products. It consists of a series of 12 digits, with the first six identifying the manufacturer and the second six identifying the specific product.
- EAN (European Article Numbering) - Similar to UPC, EAN barcodes are commonly used in Europe and other parts of the world. They consist of 13 digits, with the first three identifying the country of origin and the next nine identifying the manufacturer and product.
- Code 39 - This barcode is commonly used in industrial applications and logistics. It can encode alphanumeric characters and consists of a series of bars and spaces of varying widths.
- Code 128 - This barcode is commonly used in logistics and supply chain management. It can encode a large amount of information and can include alphanumeric characters, symbols, and control codes.
2D Barcodes
2D barcodes are more complex than linear barcodes and can store much more information. They consist of a series of dots, squares, or other shapes arranged in a two-dimensional pattern. 2D barcodes can be read by specialized scanners or mobile devices equipped with cameras and software that can interpret the pattern.
Some common types of 2D barcodes include:
- QR (Quick Response) Code - This is the most widely used 2D barcode and can be found on a wide range of products, advertisements, and business cards. QR codes can store a large amount of information, including URLs, contact information, and text.
- Data Matrix - This barcode is commonly used in industrial applications and can store a large amount of information in a small space. It can encode alphanumeric characters, symbols, and control codes.
- MaxiCode - This barcode is commonly used in logistics and transportation and can encode a large amount of information in a small space. It consists of a hexagonal pattern of dots and can include information such as the recipient address and delivery information.
How are barcodes generated?
Barcodes can be generated using specialized software or online barcode generators like
this one. The software or generator converts the encoded data into a graphical pattern of bars or dots that can be printed or displayed on a digital screen. The encoded data can be manually entered or imported from a database or spreadsheet.
How are barcodes used afterwards?
Once a barcode has been generated, it can be printed on a label or directly on the product. The barcode can then be scanned by a specialized scanner or a mobile device equipped with a camera and barcode scanning software.
The scanner reads the barcode and converts the pattern into a series of numbers or letters that can be used to identify the product or information. This information can then be used for inventory management, tracking, or other purposes.