What is a Barcode?

A barcode is a method of representing data in a visual, machine-readable form. It consists of parallel lines of varying widths and spacings that can be read by optical scanners. Barcodes are widely used in retail, logistics, healthcare, and many other industries.

Barcode Types Explained

Code 128

A high-density linear barcode symbology capable of encoding all 128 ASCII characters. It is widely used in shipping and logistics and forms the basis of the GS1-128 standard.

Code 39

A variable-length discrete barcode symbology that can encode uppercase letters, digits, and some special characters. It is widely adopted in non-retail environments due to its simplicity.

EAN-13 / EAN-8

European Article Number (EAN) is a superset of the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). EAN-13 is the most common barcode format for retail products, while EAN-8 is used for small products.

UPC-A / UPC-E

Universal Product Code (UPC) is primarily used in retail in the United States and Canada. UPC-A is the standard 12-digit barcode, while UPC-E is a compressed version.

Use Cases

Retail: Product pricing and inventory management
Logistics: Package tracking and sorting
Healthcare: Patient identification and medication management
Library: Book lending management
Manufacturing: Production line tracking and quality control

Best Practices

Ensure adequate contrast (dark bars on light background)
Maintain appropriate barcode size for scanner compatibility
Keep sufficient quiet zone (white space) around the barcode
Always test barcode readability before printing
Choose a barcode format compatible with your application

Barcode Generator

Customization

About Barcodes