What is an ITF Barcode? Structure, Applications, and Creation Guide

May 5, 2025 - 10:17 AM

In the era of automation and smart supply chain management, using standardized barcodes is a critical factor for businesses to optimize operations, minimize errors, and accelerate goods handling.

Among the widely used barcode types today, the ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) barcode—especially its ITF-14 variant—stands out for its efficiency in encoding numeric data, suitability for large packaging, and high accuracy in industrial logistics environments.

In this article, iCheckQR will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the structure and functionality of ITF barcodes, compare them with other barcode types, and guide you through creating ITF-14 codes using common tools like Excel and Word. You'll also learn how to integrate these barcodes into warehouse management and ERP systems. If you're looking to enhance your inventory–storage–delivery processes, this is the solution you can't afford to miss.

1. What is an ITF Barcode? Structure and Technical Characteristics

Definition of ITF and Its Variants (ITF-14, ITF-6)

ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) is a linear barcode symbology that encodes only numeric data (0–9), using an interleaved structure of bars and spaces to represent information. Each pair of digits is encoded by alternating black bars and white spaces, allowing for higher data density and reduced print space.

ITF-14: The most common variant, ITF-14 encodes 14 digits, typically a GTIN-14, to identify packaging units such as cartons or pallets. ITF-14 barcodes are often printed directly on packages or labels, allowing easy scanning and processing during transportation and storage.
ITF-6: Another variant used to encode supplementary data such as quantity or weight. ITF-6 is often used alongside ITF-14 to provide more detailed information about the shipment.

Technical Structure of ITF Barcodes

ITF barcodes use a specific structure to encode numeric data:

Interleaved 2 of 5 Encoding: Each pair of digits is represented by interleaving bars and spaces. A single digit is encoded using five elements (2 wide bars and 3 narrow ones), and two digits are combined to form one encoded pair.

Detailed Structure:

Start Code: A predefined pattern that marks the beginning of the barcode.
Encoded Data: A series of digit pairs encoded using the interleaved structure.
Stop Code: A predefined pattern indicating the end of the barcode.
Bearer Bars: Thick lines surrounding the barcode, which protect it from distortion during printing and ensure accurate scanning.

Understanding the technical structure of ITF barcodes enables businesses to implement and use them effectively, ensuring accuracy and consistency across the supply chain.

2. Advantages, Disadvantages, and Real-World Applications of ITF Barcodes

Pros and Cons Compared to Other Barcode Types

When selecting the appropriate barcode type for products and supply chains, businesses must understand the characteristics of each option. The table below compares ITF-14, EAN-13, and Code 128—three widely used barcode types in commerce and logistics:

Criteria	ITF-14	EAN-13	Code 128
Data Encoded	Numeric only (14 digits)	Numeric only (13 digits)	Alphanumeric (letters and numbers)
Barcode Size	Large – requires wide print space	Medium – used on retail packaging	Flexible – depends on data length
Primary Use Case	Shipping packages (cartons, pallets)	Retail labels, point-of-sale (POS)	Warehouse, manufacturing, complex logistics

Checklist: When Should You Use ITF-14?

The product is packaged in cartons, large boxes, or shipping pallets.
Industrial scanners (e.g., laser scanners) are used for high-speed barcode reading.
Only basic product identification is needed (GTIN-14 only, no detailed information).
The use case is in domestic or international logistics—not retail environments.

Note: ITF-14 is not suitable for printing on small retail packages due to its large size and lack of support for alphabetic characters.

Real-World Applications of ITF-14 in the Supply Chain

The ITF-14 barcode is directly linked to a product’s GTIN and is specifically designed for large packaging units used during transportation, storage, and distribution. Below are typical applications:

Printed on cartons: Enables warehouse management systems to quickly identify product types, quantities, and GTINs.
Pallet management: Facilitates fast scanning during distribution, loading/unloading, and automated stock counting in logistics centers.
Domestic and global logistics: Widely used in international distribution systems due to compliance with GS1 standards.

3. ITF-14 Barcode Registration and Generation Process with GS1 Vietnam

Steps to Register a GS1-Standard ITF Barcode

To generate a valid ITF-14 barcode for product packaging and distribution, businesses must follow the standard registration process provided by GS1 Vietnam:

Step 1: Register as a GS1 Vietnam Member

Companies must submit an application to become a member of GS1 Vietnam. This is a mandatory first step to obtain a Global Location Number (GLN) and gain access to use global barcode standards.

Step 2: Obtain a Company Prefix and Product GTINs

Once approved as a member, GS1 Vietnam will assign the company a GS1 Company Prefix. Based on this prefix, businesses can generate GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers) for their individual products.

Step 3: Generate the ITF-14 Barcode from GTIN and Apply to Carton Packaging

The ITF-14 barcode is created by combining a GTIN-13 or GTIN-12 with a leading Indicator Digit (which defines packaging hierarchy) and a calculated Check Digit. This code is then printed on outer cartons or higher-level packaging for logistics and distribution purposes.

Guide to Creating ITF-14 Barcodes Using Excel and Word

For businesses that want to quickly create ITF-14 barcodes for internal use or testing, a practical method is to use standard office tools like Microsoft Excel and Word:

Step 1: Install a Free ITF-14 Barcode Font

Download and install an ITF-14 barcode font from trusted sources such as IDAutomation or Free Barcode Fonts. Once installed, the font will appear in your system’s font list and can be used directly within Excel or Word.

Step 2: Enter Data and Format the ITF-14 Barcode

Enter the 14-digit GTIN code into a cell in Excel.
Apply the installed ITF-14 font to the cell containing the code.
Add Bearer Bars (horizontal borders above and below the barcode) using shape tools to improve scan accuracy when printed on packaging.

4. Integrating ITF Barcodes with Logistics and Warehouse Management Systems

Connecting ITF Barcodes with WMS and ERP Software

ITF-14 barcodes can be seamlessly integrated into Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) or Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) platforms through the following steps:

Configure product codes (GTIN-14) within the WMS/ERP database.
Assign ITF-14 codes to each packaging level (e.g., 1 carton = 12 units).
Use industrial barcode scanners to automatically identify products during inbound and outbound warehouse operations.
Synchronize scanned data with WMS/ERP to update inventory levels and track shipping and receiving history in real-time.

Integrated Solutions: Combining ITF with RFID and QR Code for Smart Management

To enhance automation and traceability, businesses can integrate ITF-14 with other barcode technologies and RFID systems:

ITF-14: Applied to large packaging (cartons, pallets), optimized for fast warehouse scanning.
QR Code: Attached to individual product labels or logistics tags, enabling quick scans via smartphones to check origin, expiration date, and more.
RFID: Embedded chips allow automated tracking of location, status, and movement history—without the need for manual scanning.

5. Frequently Asked Questions about ITF Barcodes

How is ITF-14 different from EAN-13?

ITF-14 encodes 14 digits and is used for identifying large packaging units such as cartons and pallets. EAN-13 encodes 13 digits and is used for individual retail products.

ITF-14 is larger and optimized for industrial scanners.
EAN-13 is compact and designed for point-of-sale (POS) systems.

Can ITF barcodes be scanned with a smartphone?

Not recommended.

While some specialized apps may support ITF-14 scanning, most smartphone cameras are not optimized for reading wide bars and spaced patterns like those in ITF barcodes. Industrial laser scanners are preferred for reliable results.

How to design Bearer Bars to meet standards?

According to GS1, Bearer Bars are horizontal lines (typically above and below the barcode) that help evenly distribute print pressure and improve scan accuracy.

Thickness: ≥ 0.5 mm
Length: Should extend 2–5 mm beyond the barcode on each side
Full rectangular borders are not required, but for industrial packaging, top and bottom Bearer Bars are strongly recommended.

Conclusion

The ITF-14 barcode is more than just a pattern of black and white lines—it's a powerful tool that brings precision, speed, and standardization to the entire operational chain from factory to distribution center.

When integrated with technologies such as QR codes and RFID, ITF becomes a vital component of a digital transformation strategy for the logistics sector.

Regardless of your business size—from small-scale production to global supply chains—mastering and applying ITF barcodes effectively will help you reduce inventory errors, optimize stock levels, and improve customer experience.

Start today—make ITF barcodes the smart link in your operational management system.