Simpe online linear (1D) barcode generator
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Short introduction
One-dimensional (or 1D) barcodes systematically represent data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines. These include some of the most traditional and well-recognized barcode types, such as the UPC and EAN codes used to identify products. 1D barcodes are also commonly referred to as linear barcodes.
One-dimensional (1D) barcode types
1D barcodes are commonly used across enterprise operations to save time and make inventory workflows more efficient.
UPC Code
UPC barcodes are used to label and scan consumer goods at points of sale around the world - mainly in the United States.
The UPC-A variation encodes twelve numerical digits. It uses the same encoding scheme as EAN-13. The difference is that UPC-A barcodes do not show the leading zero of the barcode, which is a country code indicator for North America.
UPC-E is a smaller variation that encodes only six numerical digits.
Along with making the checkout process more efficient, UPC codes help streamline inventory systems within stores and warehouses. UPCs enable accurate and efficient product tracking all the way through production to distribution.
EAN Code
EAN barcodes are also used to label consumer goods worldwide for point-of-sale scanning, primarily in Europe. They look very similar to UPC codes, and the main distinction is their geographical application. While EAN-13 (comprising 13 digits) is the default form factor, you'll find EAN-8 (covering eight digits) barcodes on products where space is limited, like small candies.
The main advantage of EAN codes is their flexibility. EAN-13 is a high-density barcode that can encode relatively large amounts of data in a small area - while EAN-8 codes are ideal for identifying very small products or assets. EAN codes are also easy for 1D scanners to read, making the scanning process fast and seamless.
CODE 39
Code 39 barcodes (or Code 3 of 9) are used to label goods across many industries and are often found in the automotive industry and the U.S. Department of Defense. It enables the use of both digits and characters, and its name originates in the fact that it could only encode 39 characters - though in its most recent version, the character set has been increased to 43. It's similar to, but not as compact as, the Code 128 barcode.
One limitation of Code 39 is its relatively low data density. This can mean that barcodes are incorrectly scanned. If using Code 39 barcodes, we recommend that you use a checksum to verify data integrity.
The size required for these barcodes also makes them ill-suited for very small goods and assets. However, Code 39 remains a popular and versatile choice, namely because it eliminates the need to generate a check digit - and can be decoded by almost any barcode reader.
CODE 93
Code 93 barcodes are used in logistics to identify packages in retail inventory, label electronic components, and even provide additional delivery information for the Canadian Post. Like Code 39, Code 93 barcodes come with full ASCII support. Along with enabling additional security within the code itself, the high density and compact size of Code 93s make them around 25% shorter than barcodes produced in Code 39.
Code 93 acts as a more compact and secure alternative to Code 39, partly thanks to its additional characters. Its small size and data redundancy make it ideal for use across a wide range of industries, from automotive to retail and logistics.
CODE 128
Code 128 barcodes are compact, high-density codes used in logistics and transportation industries for ordering and distribution. They're geared toward non-POS products, such as supply chain applications label units with serial shipping container codes (SSCC). Because they support any character of the ASCII 128 character set, Code 128 barcodes can store highly diversified information.
The greatest advantage of Code 128 is its high data density. These barcodes can store large amounts of linear data in compact form, making them ideally suited for identifying shipped or packaged containers and items. These strengths make Code 128 barcodes a natural choice for shipping and supply chain operations.
ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)
ITF (or Interleaved 2 of 5) barcodes are used to label packaging materials across the globe. The most commonly used version is the ITF-14 barcode, which encodes 14 numeric digits.
One of the greatest strengths of ITF is that it can be printed directly on corrugated cardboard. As a result, this code is widely used for encoding information on product packaging. While the Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode can only encode numbers (not letters), it does not require a check digit.
Codabar
Codabar barcodes are used by logistics and healthcare professionals, including U.S. blood banks, FedEx, photo labs and libraries. Their main benefit is that they're easy to print and can be produced by any impact style printer - even a typewriter. Therefore, users can create many Codabar codes using consecutive numbers without the use of a computer. Codabar is a discrete, self-checking symbology that encodes up to 16 different characters with an additional 4 start/stop characters.
Advantages of Codabar barcodes include ease of scanning and self-checking, which reduces errors when entering the code. However, Codabar codes are being phased out in favor of newer code forms, which allow more data to be stored in a much smaller form. Regardless, Codabar is still commonly used across logistics, healthcare and even schools, where the code is applied to the spines of library books.
GS1 DataBar
GS1 DataBar barcodes (formerly known as Reduced Space Symbology) are used by retail outlets to identify consumer coupons, produce and perishables, as well as small objects in the healthcare industry. They are more compact than typical consumer-facing barcodes. GS1 DataBar was introduced in 2001 and has become the mandated barcode type for retail coupons in the U.S.
GS1 DataBar codes offer many potential benefits. For example, leading retailers use these compact tools to reduce point-of-sale transaction times.
MSI Plessey
MSI Plessey (or Modified Plessey) barcodes are used for inventory management in retail environments, such as labeling supermarket shelves. They're also used across warehouses and other storage facilities to support accurate inventory checking.
MSI Plessey codes are only capable of encoding numbers, but can be produced at any length - allowing them to encode nearly any amount of data. Its binary format is also less dependable and efficient than newer, more economic barcodes.