Barcode symbologies
ActiveBarcode supports all common barcode types
The following comparison chart will help you to choose the right barcode symbology for your project. Many different barcodes types have been developed over the years. Each of these different barcode types has special characteristics. This comparison helps you to decide which barcode type will match your needs best.
ActiveBarcode calculates the check digit automatically.
ActiveBarcode calculates the check digit automatically.
Logistics
GS1-128, EAN-128
This special form of the Code 128 is used for goods and palettes in commerce and industry. More than one data field can be encoded using Application Identifiers.
GS1 QR Code
2D barcode for encoding mass text or data in only one code. Often used for Mobile-Tagging with cell phones.
GS1-Data Matrix
This special form of the Data Matrix is used for goods and palettes in commerce and industry. More than one data field can be encoded using Application Identifiers.
GTIN-14, EAN-14
The EAN 14 code is used for traded goods.
DUN-14
Distribution Unit Number. Also have a look at EAN-14 and ITF-14.
SCC-14
Shipping Container Symbol. Also have a look at EAN-14 and ITF-14.
ITF-14
The ITF-14 barcode is used to create the Shipping Container Symbol. This code is used to mark cartons and palettes that are including goods with an EAN-13 code.
EAN-18/NVE
The EAN 18/NVE is used to display the Nummer der Versandeinheit (NVE).
SSCC-18
Serial Shipping Container Code. It is used throughout the supply chain as an identifier for item tracing and internal control.
MSI Plessey
Old code type. Was used for goods and books in the past. General Industry & common codes
Code 128
Modern 1D barcode type with high data density. Very wide distribution in all areas. Has 3 character sets that are switched automatically.
QR Code
2D barcode for encoding mass text or data in only one code. Often used for Mobile-Tagging with cell phones.
Data Matrix
2D barcode for encoding mass text or data in only one code.
PDF417
2D barcode for encoding mass text or data in only one code.
Code 39
Also known as Code 3 of 9. Widely used in industry, commerce and government. Self-checking code.
Code 39 Extended
Also known as Code 3 of 9 Extended. Extension of Code 39.
Code 25
Also known as Code 2 of 5 and Code 25 Industrial. Rather old code for industrial use.
Code 25 Interleaved
Also known as Code 2 of 5 Interleaved. Industrial use.
Codabar
Old barcode type. Often used in medicine in the past.
Code 93
Same characterset as Code 39 but more compacted code that requires less space.
Code 93 Extended
Same characterset as Code 39 Extended but more compacted code that requires less space.
Code 128A
Subcode of Code 128. This type is normally not used for itself. Use Code 128 or EAN 128 instead.
Code 128B
Subcode of Code 128. This type is normally not used for itself. Use Code 128 or EAN 128 instead.
Code 128C
Subcode of Code 128. This type is normally not used for itself. Use Code 128 or EAN 128 instead. Product identification
GTIN-13, EAN-13
European Article Number for the labelling of products in the retail trade. The EAN code is mainly used in supermarkets to identify products at the point of sale.
GTIN-8, EAN-8
This is the short version of EAN-13 for extremly small products.
ISBN-13
International Standard Book Number. ISBN standard type since 01. January 2007.
ISSN
International Standard Serial Number. The ISSN serves the identification of sequentially appearing publications, e.g., magazines.
ISMN
The ISMN (Internationally Standard Music Number) is used for marking printed musical publications.
UPC-A, GTIN-12
The UPC A code is the standard version of the UPC code and has 12 digits. It is also called UPC 12 and is very similar to the EAN code.
UPC-E
This is the short version of UPC-A for extremly small products.
JAN
Japanese Article Numbering. It's primarily used in supermarkets to identify product at the point of sales.
EAN-5
AddOn code. For example for books (see ISBN).
EAN-2
AddOn code. For example for magazines.
EAN-99
EAN-99 is a special form of the EAN-13, which just starts with 99. EAN 99 is used as an in-store coupon.
RCN-8
This code can be used to identify and sell own-brand products that do not have an assigned EAN-13 or EAN-8 code. Mail & Shipping Services
Leitcode
The Leitcode is used by Deutschen Post/DHL.
Identcode
The Identcode is used by Deutschen Post/DHL.
PostNet
This code us used to improve the speed of sorting and delivering of mail.
Royal Mail
The Royal Mail 4 State Customer Code (RM4SCC) was created for automated mail sortation processes. Pharma & Healthcare
PZN7
Pharmaceutical registration number for medicine. Special form of Code 39.
PZN8
Pharmaceutical registration number for medicine. Special form of Code 39. Retired, old types
ISBN-13 Dual
International Standard Book Number. ISBN transitional type from 01. January 2006 to 31. December 2006.
ISBN-10
International Standard Book Number. ISBN standard type until 31. December 2005.