There are dozens of barcode formats — choosing the wrong one means your product won't scan at checkout, packages won't track through the supply chain, or your scanner won't read inventory labels.

1D Barcodes vs 2D Barcodes

1D (linear) barcodes encode data in parallel bars and spaces. Hold 10-30 characters typically. Examples: Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39.

2D barcodes encode data in a matrix of dots/squares. Hold up to 7,000+ characters, readable from any angle. Examples: QR codes, Data Matrix, PDF417.

Code 128 — The Universal 1D Barcode

Data: Any ASCII character. Used in: Shipping, logistics, healthcare, general inventory. Why: Supported by virtually every 1D barcode scanner. Most flexible encoding. No registration needed.

EAN-13 and UPC-A — Retail Product Barcodes

EAN-13: 13 digits. Global standard. UPC-A: 12 digits. North America only. For retail, you must purchase a GS1 company prefix. Assigned to your company.

Code 39 — Simple Alphanumeric Barcode

Data: 43 characters (A-Z, 0-9, and - . $ / + % space). Used in: US military, automotive, ID cards, healthcare. Very simple — no check digit required. Less space-efficient than Code 128.

QR Code — The Best 2D Barcode for Most Uses

Data: Up to 7,089 numbers or 4,296 text characters. Used in: Marketing, WiFi sharing, payments, contact cards. Can be read by any modern smartphone camera. Generate any QR type free at codeprints.site/generator.