Barcodes are the backbone of modern commerce. From the grocery store checkout to global supply chains, these simple black-and-white lines carry essential data that keeps the world moving.
1D vs 2D Barcodes
The most basic distinction in barcodes is between one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) codes.
- 1D Barcodes: Traditional linear barcodes like UPC and EAN. They hold less data (usually just an ID number) but are universally recognized by laser scanners.
- 2D Barcodes: Formats like QR Codes and Data Matrix. They can hold thousands of characters, including URLs and contact info, and are scanned by cameras.
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Choosing the Right Format
If you're selling a product in a retail store, you'll almost always need a UPC (in North America) or an EAN (in Europe). If you're managing internal inventory or logistics, Code 128 is highly recommended because it supports letters and numbers.