Barcode symbologies (also commonly called
barcodes) are universally recognized code languages that are standardized by the International Organization for Standards (ISO) so there is a consistent definition of what the bars and spaces mean.
Industry trade associations such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute), AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group), and HIBC (Health Industry Barcode Council) regulate certain symbologies, which typically fall into two categories: linear and 2D.
A linear barcode is one-dimensional and consists of a sequence of vertical black bars and white spaces.
Linear barcodes
Linear
barcodes are one-dimensional
barcodes that contain a sequence of vertical black bars and white spaces that define a set of numbers or letters. Because of their limited storage space, these
barcodes are used to retrieve information stored in a database.
There are several types of linear
barcodes for use in a variety of industries, including omnidirectional ones that work best in retail point of sale applications.
See a list of common
linear barcode symbologies.
2D barcodes
A QR code is a popular type of 2D barcode.
2D (two-dimensional) barcodes consist of patterned blocks, circles, and squares that resemble the no-reception static on a TV. These
barcodes are often physically smaller in size than linear
barcodes, but they contain hundreds of characters of data. Because of their larger storage capacity, 2D
barcodes do not require databases.
A popular type of 2D barcode is a QR code, which is widely used to market products, events, and services.
See a list of other common
2D barcode symbologies.
Which barcode should you use?
Sometimes you don’t have a choice about which barcode (symbology) to apply because of regulations or standards in your industry. For applications not bound by industry requirements, you can choose which barcode to use.
To determine which symbology works best for your company and
environment, visit
Linear vs. 2D Barcodes – Which is Right for You? For answers to frequently asked
barcoding questions, visit the
System ID Barcode FAQs.
