Common Barcode Types and Their Real-World Applications

In today’s modern supply chain, barcode technology plays a crucial role in inventory management, product tracking, and retail operations. Barcodes enable businesses to automate processes, minimize human error, and retrieve data quickly at every stage—from warehouses to point-of-sale systems.

However, due to the diversity in formats and structures, each barcode type is designed for specific use cases. Choosing the right type not only ensures compatibility with scanners but also optimizes storage capacity, reading speed, and integration with business software systems.

In this article, iCheckQR introduces the most commonly used barcode types today, along with their practical applications, to help businesses choose the most suitable solution for their needs.

1. What is a Barcode? Why Should Businesses Use It?

Definition and History of Barcode Technology

A barcode is a series of symbols consisting of black bars and white spaces that encode information such as product codes, serial numbers, or inventory data. When scanned with a specialized device, a barcode quickly retrieves the corresponding product information.

The world’s first barcode was invented in 1952 by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver, based on a coding system similar to Morse code. The earliest barcode design—a circular “bullseye” pattern—laid the foundation for today’s linear barcode systems.

Benefits of Using Barcodes in Business Operations

Implementing barcode systems allows businesses to modernize operations, cut costs, and improve efficiency. Specifically:

• Faster inventory audits: Barcodes enable quick scanning, making stock control easier and faster.

• Reduced manual input errors: Automated data entry minimizes mistakes caused by manual processes.

• Real-time tracking: Barcodes support real-time traceability of product origins and statuses.

• Optimized sales and logistics workflows: Simplifies inventory management, invoicing, and deliveries.

• Easy software integration: Seamlessly connects with ERP, POS, and WMS systems.

• Labor cost savings: Reduces reliance on manual data entry and inventory staff.

2. Most Common 1D (One-Dimensional) Barcode Types Today

1D barcodes, or linear barcodes, consist of parallel black bars and white spaces and are read horizontally. These are widely used in retail, warehousing, manufacturing, and healthcare due to their simplicity, ease of printing, and compatibility with most legacy systems. Below are the most common 1D barcode formats.

EAN-13 and EAN-8

EAN (European Article Number) is a globally standardized barcode system developed by GS1, mainly used for consumer goods. It is the most common barcode type in supermarkets, convenience stores, and retail distribution networks worldwide (except in North America).

• EAN-13: Contains 13 digits, including a country code, company code, product code, and a checksum digit for error detection.

• EAN-8: A shortened version with 8 digits, suitable for small products or packaging with limited space.

Applications:

• Printed on consumer goods, food, cosmetics, and household items.

• Enables POS systems to identify products and retrieve prices quickly.

UPC (Universal Product Code)

UPC is the standard barcode used primarily in the United States and Canada, administered by GS1 US. It is similar to EAN-13 but contains only 12 digits.

• UPC-A: Full version with 12 digits, commonly used in retail.

• UPC-E: A condensed version for small packaging.

Differences from EAN-13:

• UPC does not include a country code.

• UPC is primarily compatible with North American scanning systems.

• While modern systems can often read both UPC and EAN, businesses should choose the format best suited for their market.

Comparison Table:

Code 39 and Code 128

These barcodes are not typically used in retail but are common in logistics, warehousing, manufacturing, healthcare, and military applications.

Code 39

• Supports letters (A–Z), numbers (0–9), and a few special characters (e.g., “-”, “.”, “$”, “/”, “+”).

• Easy to decode and versatile but takes up more space.

• Commonly used for labeling equipment, employee ID cards, and internal asset tracking.

Code 128

• Offers better data compression than Code 39.

• Supports the full ASCII character set (letters, numbers, and control characters).

• Ideal for integrating with management systems due to its ability to encode complex data in a compact format.

• Frequently seen on shipping labels, pallet tags, and logistics tracking codes.

3. Modern 2D Barcode Types and Their Applications

2D barcodes represent a significant advancement in data encoding technology. Unlike 1D barcodes, which are read horizontally, 2D barcodes encode information both horizontally and vertically. This allows them to store a much larger volume of data, deliver faster scanning speeds, and offer higher accuracy—even when printed at small sizes or on worn surfaces.

QR Code (Quick Response Code)

The QR Code is the most widely used 2D barcode today. It was developed by Denso Wave, a Japanese company, in 1994. This square-shaped code features black-and-white modules arranged in a matrix and includes three distinct positioning squares in its corners. With the ability to encode over 7,000 numeric characters or 4,000 alphanumeric characters, QR Codes have become an essential tool in the digital age.

Common Applications:

• Marketing: Printed on posters, packaging, and business cards to direct users to websites, landing pages, promotional videos, etc.

• Payments: Widely integrated into e-wallet apps such as MoMo, ZaloPay, VNPay, and ShopeePay, allowing for fast, cashless transactions.

• Contact Information: QR Codes can store vCards, phone numbers, or emails for quick contact saving.

DataMatrix

DataMatrix is a 2D barcode available in square or rectangular shapes, designed to store large amounts of data in an extremely compact space. It consists of black and white dots and features an “L”-shaped finder pattern to assist with orientation during scanning.

Specialized Applications:

• Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: Printed on medicine boxes, test tubes, and vaccine vials following the UDI (Unique Device Identification) standard.

• Electronics and Micro-mechanics: Marked directly onto circuit boards, microchips, and screws where space is extremely limited but traceability is critical.

• High Error Correction Capability: Data can still be retrieved even if the code is partially smudged or scratched.

PDF417

PDF417 is a stacked linear 2D barcode developed by Symbol Technologies. Unlike QR Codes or DataMatrix, PDF417 is rectangular and extends horizontally. It is made up of multiple lines of code, resembling a “layered barcode.”

Key Features:

• Can encode up to 1,800 text characters or 2,700 numeric digits, including bitmap images.

• Supports error-correction and self-healing, allowing the barcode to remain readable even when partially damaged.

Common Applications:

• National ID Cards, Driver’s Licenses, and Digital Passports: Typically stores personal information, identification numbers, digital signatures, and photo thumbnails.

• Transportation and Air Baggage: Printed on boarding passes or luggage tags to include flight schedules and baggage details.

4. Comparison Table of Common Barcode Types by Functionality

• “Very high” scanning capability means the barcode can still be read at small sizes, on curved surfaces, or when slightly worn or scratched.

• All 2D barcodes support multiple data types and built-in error correction, making them more durable for industrial printing environments.

5. Criteria for Choosing the Right Barcode for Your Business

Selecting the appropriate barcode type from the beginning helps businesses optimize operational efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure scalability as operations grow. Below are two key groups of criteria to consider carefully:

Based on Industry

Each industry has its own product types, supply chain structure, and data storage requirements. Therefore, barcode selection should be based on the business sector you operate in.

Suggested Barcode Types by Industry

Pro Tip: If your business operates across multiple distribution channels, choose barcode types that are cross-system compatible and easily readable by a wide range of scanners.

Based on Integration and Scalability

A good barcode solution is not only defined by its format but also by how smoothly it integrates with your existing systems, such as:

• POS systems for retail

• ERP/WMS platforms for inventory and production

• CRM systems for customer and after-sales management

• Hardware compatibility, including barcode scanners and printers

Barcode Integration Checklist

• Uses standardized formats (e.g., EAN/GS1, QR ISO/IEC 18004, PDF417 ISO/IEC 15438)

• Compatible with common barcode generation and scanning tools

• Supports various output formats (PNG, SVG, PDF, etc.)

Recommended Free Barcode Generators

• iCheckQR: Free barcode and QR code creation for products, websites, vCards, and payments

• TEC-IT Barcode Generator: Multi-format barcode generator with download options

• DoraBot.io: Online barcode generator supporting Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, UPC-A

• Free-Barcode.com: Free barcode creation tool for a variety of 1D and 2D codes

6. How to Easily Create and Print Free Barcodes

Whether you're an individual, a small business, or a startup, creating barcodes doesn’t require complicated software or expensive tools. You can generate and print barcodes right at home or in the office using Excel, Word, or online tools from your phone.

Step-by-Step Guide: Creating Barcodes with Excel and Word

This is the simplest and most accessible method for office users, ideal for online sellers and small businesses.

Step 1: Download a Free Barcode Font

• Visit trusted websites like dafont.com or fonts.google.com (dafont is better suited for barcode fonts)

• Recommended: Download Free 3 of 9 or IDAutomationHC39M – both are Code 39-compatible, free, easy to use, and require no additional software

• After downloading, extract if needed and double-click the .ttf file, then click Install to add the font to your system

Step 2: Input Data and Apply the Barcode Font

• Open Excel or Word, and enter the code you want to convert into a barcode (e.g., *ABC123*)
  Note: For Code 39, you must add an asterisk () before and after the code for it to be read correctly*

• Highlight the text and change the font to the newly installed barcode font (e.g., Free 3 of 9)

• The text will now display as a scannable barcode

• You can print it out or export as a PDF to apply on product packaging, labels, or tags.

Create Barcodes Online for Free Using Your Phone

If you need a quick barcode or QR code for labeling, printing, or sharing via Zalo/email, these online tools are fast and don’t require app installation.

Trusted Online Barcode Generators:

• iCheckQR.com: Free QR/barcode creator for URLs, vCards, SMS, payments (Vietnamese-friendly)

• DoraBot.io: Online generator for Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, UPC-A

• TEC-IT: Professional-grade generator for 1D and 2D barcodes like Code 128, EAN-13, QR Code, DataMatrix

• Free-Barcode.com: Multi-format barcode creation tool for free download

Advantages:

• Barcode generation in under 10 seconds

• No account registration required

• Download PNG files or take a screenshot instantly

7. Frequently Asked Questions About Barcode Types

Which barcode type is best for retail products?

EAN-13 (or UPC-A for North American markets) is the most widely adopted standard used across global supermarket chains, convenience stores, and retail distribution channels. This barcode type is supported by the vast majority of scanners and POS software systems.

How can I register an official EAN barcode?

To obtain official barcodes, businesses must register with GS1 Vietnam (under the Ministry of Science and Technology). The basic steps include:

• Preparing a business license and registration documents

• Visiting https://gs1vn.org.vn to submit the application online

• Once the company prefix is issued, you can generate your own EAN-13 product codes

Can QR Codes replace traditional barcodes?

Not entirely. While QR Codes can store more data and are widely used in marketing and digital payments, 1D barcodes such as EAN and UPC remain the industry standard in retail due to their ease of integration with POS systems. Many businesses today use both types in parallel to optimize internal management and enhance customer experience.

Conclusion

Barcodes are more than just product identifiers — they are the key to building a modern, accurate, and scalable management system for any business. Whether in retail, logistics, healthcare, or digital marketing, choosing the right barcode type based on your industry requirements and system compatibility can save time, reduce costs, and boost operational productivity.

In the digital age, 2D barcodes such as QR Codes and Data Matrix are expanding their range of applications rapidly. However, 1D barcodes like EAN-13 and Code 128 still hold a core position in traditional supply chains. A smart combination of multiple barcode types is the ideal approach for businesses to maximize efficiency — from product packaging to the end customer.