The Barcode Encyclopedia
Browse 30 barcode symbologies with full technical specifications, interactive tools, and comprehensive guides.
Featured Symbologies
UPC-A
1D Linear · 12 digits
The Universal Product Code Type A is the original barcode symbology that launched the retail scanning revolution. Its 12-digit numeric …
EAN-13
1D Linear · 13 digits
The European Article Number 13-digit barcode is the global standard for retail product identification, used in over 100 countries. It …
ISBN (Bookland)
1D Linear · 13 digits
The International Standard Book Number barcode is an EAN-13 with a 978 or 979 prefix that uniquely identifies books and …
Code 39
1D Linear · variable (1-80 characters)
The first barcode symbology capable of encoding the full alphanumeric character set (A-Z, 0-9, plus special characters). Code 39 is …
Code 128
1D Linear · variable (1-80 characters)
The most versatile and widely used linear barcode symbology, encoding all 128 ASCII characters with the highest density available in …
ITF-14
1D Linear · 14 digits
A 14-digit barcode standard for identifying trade items at the packaging level (cases and cartons). ITF-14 uses bearer bars — …
GS1-128
1D Linear · variable
A specialized application of Code 128 that uses GS1 Application Identifiers to encode structured supply chain data — batch numbers, …
Data Matrix
2D Matrix · variable
A 2D matrix barcode that stores data in a square or rectangular pattern of black and white cells, capable of …
PDF417
Stacked · variable
A stacked linear barcode encoding up to 1,850 alphanumeric characters across multiple rows, with built-in Reed-Solomon error correction. PDF417 is …
GS1 DataMatrix
2D Matrix · variable
A Data Matrix barcode carrying GS1 Application Identifier data, mandated for pharmaceutical serialization and medical device identification worldwide. GS1 DataMatrix …
Categories
1D Linear
Traditional line-based barcodes that use vertical bars and spaces of varying widths to encode data. …
21 symbologies
2D Matrix
Grid-based codes that encode data in both horizontal and vertical dimensions, allowing for much higher …
6 symbologies
Stacked
Multiple rows of 1D barcodes stacked vertically to increase data capacity while maintaining laser scanner …
2 symbologies
Composite
A hybrid approach combining a 1D barcode (UPC/EAN) with a 2D component above or below …
1 symbologies
Related on QRCodeFYI
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is BarcodeFYI?
BarcodeFYI is a free barcode encyclopedia with technical specs for 30+ symbologies, interactive tools, guides, and a searchable glossary.
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What tools does BarcodeFYI offer?
BarcodeFYI provides 10 browser-based tools: barcode generator, check digit calculator, GS1 prefix lookup, barcode reader, validator, and more.
How many barcode symbologies does BarcodeFYI cover?
BarcodeFYI covers 30+ symbologies across 1D linear, 2D matrix, and stacked barcode categories with full technical specifications.
Can I use BarcodeFYI to generate barcodes for products?
Yes. The barcode generator creates print-ready SVG and PNG files for retail, logistics, and industrial use cases at no cost.
Does BarcodeFYI cover QR codes?
BarcodeFYI focuses on traditional 1D and 2D barcode symbologies. For QR codes, visit our sister site QRCodeFYI (qrcodefyi.com) — a dedicated QR code encyclopedia with types, tools, and guides.