📊 Complete Barcode Types Guide

Comprehensive reference for all 50+ barcode formats supported by Barcodes.dev

1D Linear QR Codes 2D Matrix 📦 Postal Stacked 🔗 Composite 📋 Quick Reference

🎯 Quick Type Selector

📦 Product/Retail

EAN13, UPC-A, Code128, ISBN

📱 Mobile/Digital

QR Code, DataMatrix, Aztec

📬 Shipping/Postal

USPS IMD, PostNet, Royal Mail

🏭 Industrial/Manufacturing

PDF417, Code39, ITF, MaxiCode

📋 Document Management

QR Code, DataMatrix, Code128

🌐 High-Capacity Data

QR Code, PDF417, Aztec, Han Xin

Linear (1D) Barcodes

Traditional horizontal barcodes with vertical lines of varying widths. Most common in retail and logistics.

Code 128
High-density alphanumeric symbology supporting the full ASCII character set. Most versatile 1D barcode.

Common Uses:

  • General purpose applications
  • Supply chain management
  • Internal inventory systems
  • Non-retail product identification

Technical Details:

  • Character set: Full ASCII (128 chars)
  • Length: Variable
  • Check digit: Automatic
  • Density: High
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "code128"
EAN-13 (International Article Number)
European standard for retail products. 13-digit format used globally except North America.

Common Uses:

  • Retail product identification
  • Point of sale systems
  • International trade
  • Books (ISBN-13)

Technical Details:

  • Character set: Numeric only
  • Length: 13 digits
  • Check digit: Yes (automatic)
  • Global standard: GS1
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "ean13"
UPC-A (Universal Product Code)
North American retail standard. 12-digit format widely used in US and Canada.

Common Uses:

  • US/Canada retail products
  • Grocery stores
  • Walmart, Target, etc.
  • Amazon FBA products

Technical Details:

  • Character set: Numeric only
  • Length: 12 digits
  • Check digit: Yes (automatic)
  • Regional: North America
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "upca"
Code 39
Alphanumeric symbology with self-checking capability. Widely used in non-retail applications.

Common Uses:

  • Military and government
  • Automotive industry
  • Healthcare
  • Internal tracking systems

Technical Details:

  • Character set: A-Z, 0-9, space, symbols
  • Length: Variable
  • Self-checking: Yes
  • Density: Lower than Code 128
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "code39"
EAN-8
Compact 8-digit version of EAN-13 for small products where space is limited.

Common Uses:

  • Small retail items
  • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
  • Cigarette packages
  • Limited space applications

Technical Details:

  • Character set: Numeric only
  • Length: 8 digits
  • Check digit: Yes (automatic)
  • Compact format of EAN-13
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "ean8"
ISBN (International Standard Book Number)
Specialized format for book identification. Can be 10 or 13 digits.

Common Uses:

  • Book publishing
  • Library systems
  • Bookstore inventory
  • Academic publications

Technical Details:

  • Character set: Numeric only
  • Length: 10 or 13 digits
  • Check digit: Yes
  • Global book identifier
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "isbn" | "isbn10" | "isbn13"
GS1-128
Enhanced Code 128 with Application Identifiers for supply chain data.

Common Uses:

  • Shipping labels
  • Logistics tracking
  • Healthcare applications
  • Supply chain management

Technical Details:

  • Based on Code 128
  • Application Identifiers (AIs)
  • Variable length data fields
  • Global standard
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "gs1_128"
ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)
Numeric-only symbology commonly used for shipping cartons and warehousing.

Common Uses:

  • Shipping cartons
  • Warehouse operations
  • Case-level tracking
  • Distribution

Technical Details:

  • Character set: Numeric only
  • Length: Even number of digits
  • High density
  • Industry standard for cartons
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "itf"
Codabar
Numeric symbology with start/stop characters, used in libraries and blood banks.

Common Uses:

  • Library systems
  • Blood bank management
  • Photo finishing
  • Membership cards

Technical Details:

  • Character set: 0-9, -, $, :, /, +, .
  • Start/stop characters: A, B, C, D
  • Self-checking
  • Legacy format
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "codabar"
ISSN (International Standard Serial Number)
Standard identifier for serial publications like magazines and journals.

Common Uses:

  • Magazines and journals
  • Newspapers
  • Academic publications
  • Serial publications

Technical Details:

  • Character set: Numeric only
  • Length: 8 digits
  • Check digit: Yes
  • International standard
POST /api/barcode → "barcode_type": "issn"

QR Codes

Quick Response codes - 2D matrix barcodes capable of storing large amounts of data with error correction.

QR Code
Most popular 2D barcode format with excellent error correction and smartphone compatibility.

Common Uses:

  • Website URLs and links
  • Contact information (vCard)
  • WiFi network sharing
  • Payment systems
  • Marketing campaigns
  • Document tracking

Technical Details:

  • Capacity: Up to 7,089 numeric chars
  • Error correction: L, M, Q, H levels
  • Customizable colors
  • Universal smartphone support
POST /api/qrcode → Full customization options
Micro QR Code
Compact version of QR Code for applications where space is extremely limited.

Common Uses:

  • Small product labels
  • Electronic components
  • Medical devices
  • Space-constrained applications

Technical Details:

  • Capacity: Up to 35 numeric chars
  • Size: Smaller than regular QR
  • 4 versions available
  • Limited error correction
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "microqr"
rMQR (Rectangular Micro QR)
Rectangular variant of QR Code optimized for limited width applications.

Common Uses:

  • Narrow label applications
  • Product tubes and bottles
  • Cylindrical packaging
  • Limited width scenarios

Technical Details:

  • Rectangular format
  • Optimized for narrow spaces
  • Multiple size options
  • Good error correction
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "rmqr"
UPN QR
Slovenian payment QR code standard for banking and financial transactions.

Common Uses:

  • Slovenian banking
  • Payment slips
  • Invoice payments
  • Financial services

Technical Details:

  • Based on QR Code
  • Specific data format
  • Banking standard
  • Regional use
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "upnqr"

2D Matrix Codes

Advanced 2D symbologies for high-density data storage in industrial and specialized applications.

DataMatrix
Compact 2D code ideal for marking small items with high data density requirements.

Common Uses:

  • Electronics manufacturing
  • Automotive parts
  • Medical device tracking
  • Pharmaceutical packaging
  • Aerospace components

Technical Details:

  • Capacity: Up to 3,116 numeric chars
  • Very compact size
  • Reed-Solomon error correction
  • ISO/IEC standard
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "datamatrix"
Aztec Code
Public domain 2D symbology with excellent error correction, used in transportation.

Common Uses:

  • Transportation tickets
  • Airline boarding passes
  • Event tickets
  • Government documents
  • Mobile applications

Technical Details:

  • Capacity: Up to 3,832 numeric chars
  • Central finder pattern
  • Variable size
  • Public domain (royalty-free)
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "aztec"
MaxiCode
Fixed-size 2D code developed by UPS for package sorting and tracking.

Common Uses:

  • UPS package tracking
  • Postal services
  • Logistics operations
  • Package sorting systems

Technical Details:

  • Fixed size: 1" x 1"
  • Capacity: 93 alphanumeric chars
  • Central bull's-eye pattern
  • Optimized for high-speed scanning
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "maxicode"
DotCode
Modern 2D symbology using dots instead of squares, optimized for high-speed printing.

Common Uses:

  • High-speed printing applications
  • Industrial marking
  • Packaging lines
  • Pharmaceutical serialization

Technical Details:

  • Dot-based pattern
  • Optimized for digital printing
  • Variable size
  • Good error correction
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "dotcode"
Han Xin Code
Chinese national 2D barcode standard optimized for Chinese characters.

Common Uses:

  • Chinese market applications
  • Chinese text encoding
  • Government documents
  • Local identification systems

Technical Details:

  • Optimized for Chinese characters
  • Variable size
  • Good error correction
  • GB/T standard
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "hanxin"
Grid Matrix
Chinese 2D symbology with excellent error correction capabilities.

Common Uses:

  • Chinese applications
  • Industrial tracking
  • Document management
  • Asset identification

Technical Details:

  • Grid-based pattern
  • Multiple error correction levels
  • Variable size
  • Chinese standard
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "gridmatrix"
Code One
Public domain 2D symbology designed for applications requiring very small symbols.

Common Uses:

  • Small part marking
  • Electronic components
  • Jewelry marking
  • Miniature applications

Technical Details:

  • Very small symbol size
  • Public domain
  • Multiple versions
  • Good density
POST /api/twod → "code_type": "codeone"

📮 Postal Barcodes

Specialized symbologies used by postal services worldwide for mail sorting and tracking.

USPS Intelligent Mail (IMB)
Current US Postal Service barcode combining routing and tracking information.

Common Uses:

  • US mail processing
  • Direct mail campaigns
  • Package tracking
  • Postal automation

Technical Details:

  • 65 bars total
  • 31 digits of information
  • Routing + tracking data
  • Current USPS standard
POST /api/postal → "postal_type": "usps_imd"
USPS POSTNET
Legacy US postal barcode for ZIP code encoding (being phased out).

Common Uses:

  • Legacy mail systems
  • ZIP code encoding
  • Historical mail processing
  • Transition systems

Technical Details:

  • 5, 9, or 11 digit ZIP codes
  • Height-encoded bars
  • Legacy format
  • Being replaced by IMB
POST /api/postal → "postal_type": "usps_postnet"
USPS PLANET
Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique for tracking and confirmation services.

Common Uses:

  • Package tracking
  • Delivery confirmation
  • Express mail services
  • USPS tracking systems

Technical Details:

  • Height-encoded bars
  • 12 or 14 digit format
  • Tracking capability
  • Complement to POSTNET
POST /api/postal → "postal_type": "usps_planet"
Royal Mail 4-State
UK postal barcode system using 4-state encoding for mail sorting.

Common Uses:

  • UK mail processing
  • Royal Mail automation
  • Postcode encoding
  • UK direct mail

Technical Details:

  • 4-state bar encoding
  • Alphanumeric capability
  • UK standard
  • Error detection
POST /api/postal → "postal_type": "royal_mail"
Australia Post
Australian postal barcode for mail sorting and customer information encoding.

Common Uses:

  • Australian mail processing
  • Postcode automation
  • Customer information
  • Australia Post services

Technical Details:

  • 4-state encoding
  • Multiple format lengths
  • Customer data capability
  • Australian standard
POST /api/postal → "postal_type": "australia_post"
Netherlands KIX
Dutch postal code used by PostNL for mail sorting and tracking.

Common Uses:

  • Dutch mail processing
  • PostNL automation
  • Netherlands postal system
  • European mail

Technical Details:

  • 4-state encoding
  • Netherlands standard
  • Alphanumeric support
  • PostNL specification
POST /api/postal → "postal_type": "netherlands_kix"
Japan Post
Japanese postal barcode system for mail automation and tracking.

Common Uses:

  • Japanese mail processing
  • Japan Post automation
  • Postal code encoding
  • Asian mail systems

Technical Details:

  • 4-state encoding
  • Japanese standard
  • Alphanumeric capability
  • Asia-Pacific region
POST /api/postal → "postal_type": "japan_post"
Korea Post
South Korean postal barcode for automated mail sorting and processing.

Common Uses:

  • Korean mail processing
  • Korea Post automation
  • Postal tracking
  • Korean postal system

Technical Details:

  • Korean standard
  • Postal automation
  • Regional specification
  • 4-state encoding
POST /api/postal → "postal_type": "korea_post"

Stacked Symbologies

Multi-row barcodes that stack linear symbologies to increase data capacity while maintaining linear scanning.

PDF417
Most popular stacked symbology with excellent error correction for high-capacity applications.

Common Uses:

  • Driver's licenses
  • Government ID cards
  • Shipping labels
  • Inventory management
  • Document management

Technical Details:

  • Capacity: Up to 1,850 alphanumeric chars
  • Reed-Solomon error correction
  • Variable height and width
  • ISO/IEC standard
POST /api/stacked → "stacked_type": "pdf417"
PDF417 Compact
Compact version of PDF417 with reduced overhead for smaller data requirements.

Common Uses:

  • Space-constrained applications
  • Small labels
  • Compact documents
  • Efficient data encoding

Technical Details:

  • Reduced overhead
  • Smaller symbol size
  • Limited capacity
  • Based on PDF417
POST /api/stacked → "stacked_type": "pdf417comp"
MicroPDF417
Compact 2D symbology based on PDF417 for applications requiring smaller symbols.

Common Uses:

  • Small product labels
  • Healthcare applications
  • Electronics marking
  • Limited space requirements

Technical Details:

  • Capacity: Up to 366 numeric chars
  • Fixed column configurations
  • Smaller than PDF417
  • Good error correction
POST /api/stacked → "stacked_type": "micropdf417"
CodaBlock F
Multi-row Code 128 variant for applications requiring more data than single-row barcodes.

Common Uses:

  • Shipping documentation
  • Inventory systems
  • Industrial applications
  • Multi-field data encoding

Technical Details:

  • Based on Code 128
  • 2-44 rows
  • Variable width
  • High data capacity
POST /api/stacked → "stacked_type": "codablock_f"
Code 16K
Early stacked symbology using multiple rows of Code 128 for increased capacity.

Common Uses:

  • Legacy systems
  • Historical applications
  • Specific industry requirements
  • Backward compatibility

Technical Details:

  • 2-16 rows of Code 128
  • Fixed symbol width
  • Legacy format
  • Limited modern use
POST /api/stacked → "stacked_type": "code16k"
Code 49
Early multi-row symbology designed for applications requiring more data than Code 39.

Common Uses:

  • Legacy applications
  • Specialized industries
  • Historical systems
  • Niche requirements

Technical Details:

  • 2-8 rows
  • Fixed symbol height
  • Legacy technology
  • Limited capacity
POST /api/stacked → "stacked_type": "code49"
GS1 DataBar Stacked
Stacked version of GS1 DataBar for retail applications requiring small symbols.

Common Uses:

  • Small retail items
  • Fresh produce
  • Healthcare products
  • Coupons

Technical Details:

  • GTIN encoding
  • Two-row format
  • Omnidirectional scanning
  • GS1 standard
POST /api/stacked → "stacked_type": "gs1_databar_stacked"
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked
Stacked version supporting additional data like weight, price, and expiration dates.

Common Uses:

  • Variable measure products
  • Produce with weight/price
  • Pharmaceutical serialization
  • Fresh food items

Technical Details:

  • Multi-segment stacking
  • Additional data fields
  • Variable length
  • GS1 Application Identifiers
POST /api/stacked → "stacked_type": "gs1_databar_expanded_stacked"

🔗 Composite Symbologies

Two-tier barcodes combining a linear barcode with a 2D Composite Component (CC) for additional data.

GS1-128 with Composite Component
Combines GS1-128 linear barcode with 2D component for supply chain applications.

Common Uses:

  • Supply chain management
  • Shipping and logistics
  • Healthcare tracking
  • Pharmaceutical serialization
  • Food traceability

Technical Details:

  • Linear: GS1-128 format
  • 2D: CC-A, CC-B, or CC-C
  • Application Identifiers
  • Backward compatibility
POST /api/composite → "composite_type": "gs1_128_cc"
EAN with Composite Component
Combines EAN linear barcode with 2D component for retail applications requiring additional data.

Common Uses:

  • Retail products with extra info
  • Promotional items
  • Product authentication
  • Batch/lot tracking
  • Expiration date encoding

Technical Details:

  • Linear: EAN-8 or EAN-13
  • 2D: CC-A or CC-B
  • Retail compatibility
  • Additional product data
POST /api/composite → "composite_type": "eanx_cc"
UPC-A with Composite Component
North American retail standard enhanced with 2D component for additional product information.

Common Uses:

  • US retail with enhanced data
  • Coupons and promotions
  • Product warranties
  • Manufacturer information
  • Supply chain visibility

Technical Details:

  • Linear: UPC-A format
  • 2D: CC-A or CC-B
  • North American standard
  • Backward compatible
POST /api/composite → "composite_type": "upca_cc"
UPC-E with Composite Component
Compact UPC format enhanced with 2D component for small packages requiring additional data.

Common Uses:

  • Small product packages
  • Cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
  • Limited space applications
  • Enhanced product tracking
  • Batch information

Technical Details:

  • Linear: UPC-E format
  • 2D: CC-A or CC-B
  • Compact size
  • Additional data capability
POST /api/composite → "composite_type": "upce_cc"
GS1 DataBar with Composite
Various GS1 DataBar formats enhanced with 2D components for specialized retail applications.

Common Uses:

  • Fresh produce tracking
  • Variable measure items
  • Coupons and loyalty programs
  • Healthcare applications
  • Point of sale enhancement

Technical Details:

  • Multiple DataBar variants
  • Omnidirectional, Limited, Expanded
  • Stacked versions available
  • GS1 Application Identifiers
POST /api/composite → "composite_type": "dbar_*_cc" (multiple variants)

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