Also called Matrix Barcodes – These barcodes encode information both vertically and horizontally, unlike traditional 1D barcodes. They can store significantly more information. QR Codes are the most common type of 2D Barcodes.

These barcodes consist of sequential numbers, usually encoded in Code-39 or Code-128 symbologies. Businesses apply labels with unique barcode numbers to their assets to track inventory movement. Libraries also use these formats to manage book lending.

This 2D Barcode features an Aztec pyramid-like centre finder pattern (a central pattern that helps the scanner locate the middle). Transport providers like Eurostar primarily use this code for tickets.

This refers to the height of the shortest bars in a barcode. It includes only the bars and excludes the number printed below.

For barcode specifications, this refers to the total width of all the bars, not including the quiet zones on either side.

This image holds a small amount of information and allows barcode scanners or mobile apps to read it quickly and easily.

This term refers to a purchase option offered by some barcode retailers where buyers receive both the barcode number and the barcode images. Some packages also include a guarantee certificate and optional barcode registration.

This optional service is available from some alternative barcode suppliers. It helps increase a barcode’s online visibility and ensures product information appears when scanned by mobile apps. No official or mandatory registration database for barcode numbers exists.

This extra digit is the last digit. The check digit is calculated using a specific algorithm. It helps prevent errors if someone manually enters a barcode number. If any digit is incorrect, the check digit will not match. People also refer to this as the check-sum digit.

This barcode symbology, mainly used for asset tracking, encodes only numeric data. It offers high data density, making it ideal for very small items, as Code 128 scans more easily than Code 39 in compact formats.

This barcode symbology, also commonly used for asset tracking, can encode alphanumeric data (letters and numbers). It has low data density, so people should avoid using it on small goods, as scanners may struggle to read compact Code 39 barcodes.

This refers to the section of a barcode number that follows the initial 3 digits. The Company Prefix identifies the part of the barcode that remains consistent across a company’s entire barcode range. The number of barcodes a company owns determines its length (i.e. if a company owns 10,000 barcode numbers, it requires a shorter prefix to fit within the 13-digit limit).

This refers to the first three digits of a retail barcode number and indicates which GS1 member organisation issued the barcode. Many people mistakenly believe this shows the product’s country of origin, but it only shows the country that issued the barcode.

This 2D Barcode is common in engineering and manufacturing industries. Manufacturers use it to track individual components during production.

The European Article Number is a 13-digit standard retail barcode used almost universally around the world. The USA uses UPC-A barcodes more frequently, but stores still accept EAN-13 barcodes. EAN-13 refers to both the barcode number and the format.

Encoding refers to the information used to generate the barcode. For an EAN-13 barcode, this means the 13-digit number it represents.

This can refer to the barcode image file type, the barcode’s symbology, or the way the barcode divides into sections.

Global Location Numbers are 13-digit numbers that some stores require before they trade with a supplier. These unique numbers act as location identifiers. GS1 and certain alternative suppliers provide these.

GS1, or Global Standards One, is the international organisation that develops and enforces barcode standards. Companies can purchase barcodes through them, though they usually must pay an initial joining fee and annual membership fees.

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. This includes all barcode numbers used in retail under the GS1 system, such as GTIN-13 (EAN-13), GTIN-12 (UPC-A), and GTIN-14 (ITF-14).

International Standard Book Number Barcodes appear on books. These start with 978 or 979 and typically appear as EAN-13 barcodes, usually with the number displayed above.

International Standard Book Numbers are 13-digit numbers that begin with 978 or 979 and identify books.

International Standard Serial Number Barcodes are 13-digit barcodes derived from 8-digit ISSN Numbers. These codes are displayed in EAN-13 symbology and used on magazines and other periodicals.

An International Standard Serial Number is an 8-digit code that magazine and periodical publishers receive and convert into a 13-digit magazine barcode.

ITF-14 barcodes (Interleaved Two of Five) derive from EAN-13 numbers, with one additional digit at the front. Manufacturers use them on cartons that contain multiple units (e.g., boxes of 6 or 12 items) to track stock rather than for individual retail sales.

Also known as 2D Barcodes, these encode information both vertically and horizontally. They hold more data than traditional 1D barcodes. QR Codes are the most widely recognized type.

This dotted 2D Barcode is used by some postal services. Although it stores limited information, its central bull’s eye enables scanners to read it even while parcels are in motion.

Parity refers to how a barcode scanner reads a set of numbers (0–9). Each number must be represented with a distinct pattern of black and white spaces. Each parity pattern used in a barcode must differ completely from others in that symbology.

This 2D Barcode type is commonly used on ID cards and e-tickets. Transport providers frequently implement it.

Quick Response codes are the most popular 2D Barcodes. Toyota originally developed them, but now people use them globally for various data types. Most often, they link smartphones directly to web addresses.

Quiet Zones are white spaces on either side of a barcode. These must meet specific size requirements for the barcode to scan properly and conform to specifications. Sometimes a ‘>’ symbol indicates the quiet zone’s required size.

Specifications define the dimensions a barcode must meet to be officially accepted. Different stores have varying tolerance levels for non-conforming barcodes. Smaller stores usually allow more leeway.

Serial Shipping Container Codes are 18-digit barcodes (with an additional 2-digit application identifier). You will see them on pallet loads of product going into large retail stores like Woolworths. Each pallet must display a unique SSCC code.

Symbology refers to the barcode type or its encoding method. People sometimes use this term interchangeably with format. Symbology includes the parities used and their sequence.

The Universal Product Code is a type of retail barcode common in the USA, though accepted globally. These 12-digit numbers use UPC-A symbology and represent a subset of EAN-13 numbers.

This text format encodes calendar events into a QR Code. When scanned, it automatically adds the event to a mobile phone’s calendar.

This text format encodes contact details into a QR Code. When scanned, it automatically adds the contact to a mobile phone’s address book.

GS1 and some barcode resellers (like members of the International Barcodes Network) offer this optional service. It involves test-scanning the barcode as it will appear on the product to check scanning reliability across environments. Some large retailers require verification, and the barcode must fully comply with specifications to pass.