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Bar codes - Information

What is a Bar code? How does a Bar code Work?

Bar codes are a method of storing information graphically so that it can be read by a laser scanner. This allows information to be scanned into a computer using the laser scanner rather than having a human enter the information manually. Long strings of numbers and letters can be entered into the computer with one single scan of a barcode in a fraction of a second. Therefore, the primary purpose of a bar code is to eliminate the possibility of human data entry errors and to speed up data entry.

There are dozens of types of barcodes in use throughout the world today for a variety of purposes. EAN bar codes (also known as GTIN-13 or EAN-13 codes) are the 13-digit barcode used on retail products throughout all countries except the United States of America and Canada, making them the most common type of retail barcodes.

Then there is the UPC code. UPC codes (also known as GTIN-12 or UPC-A codes) are the 12-digit numerical codes used on retail products in the USA and Canada.

There are PostNet barcodes used on U.S. Mail, SCC and SSCC codes used on product shipments, Code 39 and Code 128 used for a variety of purposes such as inventory tagging, and many more.

One way in which bar code types differ is the size of barcode required to store a given amount of information. To illustrate this concept, think of a bar code like a font. Using the Arial Narrow font, you can make the numbers 12345 look like this:

but using the Copperplate Gothic font you can make it look like this:

. Do you see how the Copperplate font requires much more space to display the number 12345 as compared to Arial Narrow?

The same holds true for bar codes. Take a look at the images below. We stored the exact same information (12345) in several types of barcodes:

Code 128,
RSS/Databar,
PDF417 Code,
QR Code,
and many more.

Most barcodes appear as vertical lines, often in black on white. These bar codes are referred to as one-dimensional (or 1D) barcodes since they are read across. Other bar codes look like a checkerboard. These are called two-dimensional (2D) bar codes because they are read across and up/down at the same time. 2D bar codes are increasingly popular because of their capability to store large amounts of information in a very small space. However, 2D barcodes can only be read by newer model barcode scanners that have the ability to read both left/right and up/down at the same time.

Another differentiating factor between bar code types is their capability to store different type of information. Some codes store just numbers, others store both numbers & letters and yet other codes allow the encoding of all characters. Some barcode types only accept a certain number of digits. UPC barcodes, for example, encode exactly 12 numbers. EAN barcodes encode exactly 13 numbers. Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes encode an even number of numerical digits.

For additional discussion on more specific bar code topics, please see the other sections of our barcode guide.

To request more information regarding Official EAN/UPC Bar codes, please call 1-404-885-6066 (international) or 1-877-768-4977 (toll-free in USA and Canada). We sell authentic Bar codes that originate through GS1. You can also order online - Buy a single EAN/UPC code for only US$89 and receive fast email delivery of the EAN bar code image. There are no memberships, renewals or annual fees, setup charges, or any other ongoing commitments when you buy EAN/UPC bar codes from us!


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