Barcode types

Barcode symbologies

ActiveBarcode supports all common barcode types

Barcodes are an essential part of modern identification, tracking, and data management. Over time, a wide variety of barcode symbologies have been developed - each designed for specific use cases, industries, and technical requirements. This guide offers a clear overview of the most common barcode types, their key features, and typical applications. Whether for retail, logistics, healthcare, or manufacturing, this comparison will help you select the barcode that best fits your project.

Check digits and other control mechanisms are automatically handled by ActiveBarcode.

Logistics

GS1-128, EAN-128

1D barcode with structured GS1 data. Encodes GTIN plus info like batch, expiry, or serial numbers. Common in logistics and supply chains.

GS1 QR Code

QR Code with GS1 structure. Combines GTIN and extra info like URLs, expiry dates, or batch numbers. Used in retail, packaging, and traceability.

GS1-DataMatrix

2D barcode with GS1 structure. Carries GTIN plus data like expiry dates, batch, or serials. Compact, used in healthcare and traceability.

GTIN-14, EAN-14

Global identifier for trade item groupings. Used on outer packaging like cartons and pallets.

DUN-14

The Distribution Unit Number is used to identify shipping containers such as pallets, crates, or containers and facilitate inventory management.

SCC-14

14-digit shipping container code for outer packaging. Used in logistics and distribution.

ITF-14

The ITF-14 barcode is used to create the Shipping Container Symbol. This code is used to mark cartons and palettes that are including goods with an EAN-13 code.

NVE (EAN-18)

18-digit unique identifier for logistic units like pallets or containers. Enables tracking in global supply chains.

SSCC-18

Serial Shipping Container Code. It is used throughout the supply chain as an identifier for item tracing and internal control.

MSI Plessey

Simple numeric 1D barcode often used for inventory control, warehouse labeling, and library systems. Non-standard but easy to implement.

General Industry & common codes

Code 128

Modern 1D barcode type with high data density. Very wide distribution in all areas. Has 3 character sets that are switched automatically.

QR Code

2D barcode for encoding mass text or data in only one code. Often used for Mobile-Tagging with cell phones.

DataMatrix

Compact 2D barcode with very high data density. Reliable even on small items or damaged labels. Widely used in industry and healthcare.

PDF417

Stacked 2D barcode with high data capacity. Supports text, numbers, and binary data. Common in IDs, transport, and government documents.

Code 39

Classic 1D barcode for alphanumeric data. Easy to implement but low data density. Common in industry, automotive, and inventory systems.

Code 39 Extended

Enhanced version of Code 39. Supports full ASCII character set while keeping the same structure and readability as standard Code 39.

Code 25

Simple numeric 1D barcode with low data density. Mainly used in industrial applications and simple internal labeling.

Code 25 Interleaved

Compact numeric 1D barcode encoding digits in pairs. Common in logistics, packaging, and warehouse labeling.

Codabar

Simple, old numeric barcode with a few special characters. Easy to print and read. Still used in libraries, labs, and blood banks.

Code 93

Compact alternative to Code 39 with higher data density and built-in error checking. Rarely used but reliable for alphanumeric data.

Code 93 Extended

Extended version of Code 93 supporting full ASCII. Offers higher data density than Code 39 Extended but remains niche in usage.

Code 128A

Character set for upper-case letters, numbers, and control codes. Useful when encoding machine-readable data or control characters.

Code 128B

Supports upper- and lower-case letters plus numbers and symbols. Flexible for general-purpose text encoding.

Code 128C

Optimized for numeric data. Encodes digits in pairs, offering maximum data density for numbers like serials or shipping codes.

Product identification

GTIN-13, EAN-13

13-digit global trade item number for retail products. Most common barcode on consumer goods worldwide.

GTIN-8, EAN-8

Shorter 8-digit GTIN for small retail items with limited space, like cosmetics or small packaged goods.

ISBN-13

Global identifier for books. Encoded in EAN-13 format. Enables tracking and sales of books worldwide.

ISSN

Global identifier for periodicals like magazines and journals. Encoded as EAN-13 on retail copies.

ISMN

Identifier for printed sheet music. Encoded in EAN-13 format to support sales and cataloging.

GTIN-12, UPC-A

12-digit GTIN mainly used in North America for retail products. Common on consumer goods at point of sale.

UPC-E

Compressed version of UPC-A with reduced length for small packages. Expands to full GTIN-12 during scanning.

JAN

Japanese Article Number, identical to GTIN-13 but issued in Japan. Used for retail products in Japan.

EAN-5

5-digit add-on for EAN and UPC barcodes. Carries price or other supplemental info, commonly used on books and magazines.

EAN-2

2-digit add-on for EAN and UPC barcodes. Used to encode issue numbers, mainly on magazines and periodicals.

EAN-99

Special EAN-13 prefix (starting with 99) for variable-weight products like fresh produce or bulk goods.

RCN-8

8-digit GTIN for internal use in retail, e.g., store brands or private label products with limited distribution.

Mail & Shipping Services

Leitcode

Routing barcode used by Deutsche Post. Encodes postal codes and delivery info for automated mail sorting in Germany.

Identcode

Tracking barcode for Deutsche Post shipments. Identifies individual items for tracking and internal logistics.

PostNet (USPS)

Numeric barcode used by USPS to encode ZIP Codes. Supports automated mail sorting. Replaced by Intelligent Mail Barcode.

Royal Mail

Barcode used by Royal Mail for routing and tracking. Supports high-speed mail sorting with encoded delivery point info.

Pharma & Healthcare

PZN8

Barcode for German pharmaceuticals. Encodes the national PZN number for identification and sale of medicine in pharmacies.

Retired, old types

ISBN-13 Dual

International Standard Book Number. ISBN transitional type from 01. January 2006 to 31. December 2006.

ISBN-10

International Standard Book Number. ISBN standard type until 31. December 2005.

PZN7

Former 7-digit pharma barcode used in Germany until 2013. Replaced by the 8-digit PZN for better standardization.

Standards

Standards specified for barcodes

EN 797 - Symbol specification EAN/UPC (ISO 15420)
EN 798 - Symbol specification Codabar
EN 799 - Symbol specification Code 128
EN 800 - Symbol specification Code 39
EN 801 - Symbol specification Code 25 Interleaved