Types of Barcodes Explained: 9 Formats and When to Use Each

One-dimensional vs two-dimensional barcodes

Every barcode falls into one of two families. One-dimensional (1D) barcodes store data in the widths and spacing of vertical bars, and they are read by sweeping a laser or camera across one line. Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes store data in both directions across a grid, and they are read by taking a picture. The 1D family includes UPC, EAN, Code 128, and Code 39. The 2D family includes QR Code and Data Matrix.

The practical difference is capacity and direction. A 1D barcode holds a short string, usually 10 to 48 characters, and must be scanned in roughly the right orientation. A 2D barcode can hold thousands of characters, scans from any angle, and keeps working even when part of the symbol is damaged, thanks to built-in error correction.

The 9 barcode types worth knowing

Format	What it encodes	Typical use
UPC-A	12 digits (GTIN-12)	Retail products in the US and Canada
EAN-13	13 digits (GTIN-13)	Retail products worldwide
Code 128	All 128 ASCII characters	Shipping, logistics, asset labels
Code 39	43 characters (uppercase, digits, some symbols)	Military, automotive, harsh environments
ITF-14	14 digits (GTIN-14)	Shipping cartons and cases
Code 93	Full ASCII, compact	Canadian postal, some logistics
Codabar	Digits plus a few symbols	Blood banks, libraries, parcel tracking
QR Code	Up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters	URLs, payments, tickets, marketing
Data Matrix	Up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters	Small parts, electronics, medical devices

UPC-A and EAN-13: the retail pair

UPC-A is the twelve-digit barcode on products sold in the United States and Canada. EAN-13 is the thirteen-digit barcode used on products sold everywhere else, and most modern scanners read both. The two formats are closely related: a UPC-A number is just a GTIN-12, and many systems convert between the two by adding a leading zero to make a GTIN-13.

The digits have structure. A UPC-A symbol holds a one-digit number system character, a five-digit manufacturer code, a five-digit product code, and a one-digit check digit. An EAN-13 holds a two to three digit GS1 country prefix, a company number, a product number, and a check digit. You cannot invent these numbers. Both formats require a GTIN issued through GS1, and retailers reject made-up numbers. See our guide to getting a UPC barcode for your product for the full process.

Code 128 and Code 39: the label workhorses

Code 128 is the default choice for labels you print yourself: inventory tags, asset labels, shipping cartons, and warehouse bins. It encodes all 128 ASCII characters, so it handles lowercase letters and punctuation, and it packs data tightly. Almost every scanner built in the last twenty years reads it.

Code 39 is older and simpler. It supports only 43 characters, but its wide bars tolerate cheap printers, photocopies, and rough surfaces. The US military and the auto industry still require it for nameplates in harsh environments. For a detailed head-to-head, read Code 128 vs Code 39.

ITF-14, Code 93, and Codabar: the specialists

ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5) prints the 14-digit GTIN of a shipping carton, usually inside a thick bearer bar rectangle that keeps the edges from curling on corrugated cardboard. Code 93 is a compact full-ASCII format used by Canada Post and some logistics systems. Codabar encodes digits with a small set of symbols and shows up in blood banks, libraries, and photo labs, where its simple structure is an advantage.

QR Code and Data Matrix: the 2D pair

QR codes store far more data than any 1D barcode: up to 7,089 numeric digits or 4,296 alphanumeric characters, plus Reed-Solomon error correction that recovers the data even if up to 30 percent of the symbol is damaged. That is why they carry URLs, Wi-Fi credentials, payment addresses, and boarding passes. Data Matrix packs similar capability into a smaller square, which is why electronics manufacturers print it directly onto circuit boards and medical devices mark it on tiny instruments. For the full comparison, see QR code vs barcode.

How to choose the right type

• Selling a product in stores: UPC-A for the US and Canada, EAN-13 for international retail. Get the number from GS1 first.
• Printing your own labels: Code 128 is the best default. Use Code 39 only if your system or customer requires it.
• Marking shipping cartons: ITF-14 with the carton GTIN-14.
• Linking to a website or app: QR Code.
• Marking very small items: Data Matrix.

Once you know the format, generate the barcode free right in your browser: this site draws Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, and UPC-A on a canvas with correct check digits and exports a print-ready PNG.