Barcode Glossary
150 key terms and definitions in barcode technology, organized by topic.
1D Linear Symbologies
15Terminology for traditional linear (one-dimensional) barcode symbologies used in retail, logistics, and healthcare.
UPC-A
12-digit retail barcode standard used in North America since 1974.
FeaturedUPC-E
Compact 8-digit version of UPC-A using zero suppression.
EAN-13
13-digit barcode used worldwide for retail product identification.
FeaturedEAN-8
Compact 8-digit barcode for small products with limited space.
Code 39
Variable-length alphanumeric barcode for letters and digits.
FeaturedCode 128
High-density barcode encoding all 128 ASCII characters.
FeaturedCode 93
Higher-density improvement of Code 39 with dual check characters.
Codabar
Self-checking barcode for libraries, blood banks, and airbills.
ITF-14
14-digit barcode for outer cartons and shipping containers.
GS1-128
Code 128 subset with GS1 Application Identifiers for supply chains.
FeaturedGS1 DataBar
Compact barcode family for produce, coupons, and small items.
Interleaved 2 of 5
Numeric-only barcode encoding digit pairs for logistics.
MSI Plessey
Inventory control barcode for shelf labels and warehouse racking.
Pharmacode
Pharmaceutical packaging barcode for production error detection.
POSTNET
US Postal barcode encoding ZIP codes for automated mail sorting.
2D & Matrix Symbologies
10Terms for two-dimensional and matrix barcode formats that encode data in patterns of squares, dots, or hexagons.
Data Matrix
2D matrix barcode storing up to 2,335 characters compactly.
FeaturedPDF417
Stacked barcode for IDs, shipping labels, and boarding passes.
FeaturedAztec Code
2D barcode with bullseye pattern, no quiet zone needed.
MaxiCode
Fixed-size 2D barcode with hexagonal modules by UPS.
DotCode
2D barcode using disconnected dots for high-speed inkjet printing.
Han Xin Code
Chinese 2D barcode supporting native character encoding.
GS1 DataMatrix
Data Matrix with GS1 AIs for pharma and food traceability.
FeaturedMicro PDF417
Compact PDF417 variant for small items and components.
GS1 Composite
Linear barcode plus 2D composite for extra encoded data.
QR Code
2D matrix barcode encoding up to 7,089 numeric characters.
FeaturedBarcode Anatomy & Structure
15The physical components and structural elements that make up a barcode symbol.
Bar
Dark line element in a barcode that encodes data by width.
Space
Light gap between bars that carries encoded data.
Module
Narrowest bar or space; the basic unit of barcode width.
FeaturedX-Dimension
Width of the narrowest bar or space; fundamental sizing unit.
FeaturedQuiet Zone
Required blank margin on both sides of a barcode.
FeaturedStart Character
Opening pattern identifying symbology and scan direction.
Stop Character
Closing pattern signaling the decoder to stop reading.
Guard Bar
Fixed patterns framing data in EAN/UPC barcodes.
Check Digit
Calculated digit appended to barcode data for error detection.
FeaturedHuman-Readable Text
Printed text below a barcode for manual entry backup.
Bearer Bar
Thick border preventing edge misreads, common on ITF-14.
Character Set
Characters a symbology can encode: numeric, alpha, or ASCII.
Self-Checking
Symbology property ensuring single print errors are detectable.
Wide-to-Narrow Ratio
Width ratio of wide to narrow elements in two-width barcodes.
Symbology
Rules defining how data is encoded into bars and spaces.
FeaturedGS1 Standards & Identifiers
15Global Standards One (GS1) identifiers, data structures, and numbering systems for supply chain identification.
GS1
Global standards body for barcodes, GTINs, and supply chains.
FeaturedGTIN
Unique numeric product identifier encoded in EAN/UPC barcodes.
FeaturedGTIN-8
8-digit product identifier for EAN-8 barcodes.
GTIN-12
12-digit product identifier for UPC-A barcodes in North America.
GTIN-13
13-digit product identifier for EAN-13, the global standard.
GTIN-14
14-digit identifier for ITF-14 barcodes on cases and pallets.
GS1 Company Prefix
Unique GS1-assigned number forming the start of product GTINs.
FeaturedApplication Identifier
2-4 digit prefix defining data type in GS1-128 barcodes.
FeaturedSSCC
18-digit GS1 identifier for pallets and shipping containers.
GLN
13-digit GS1 identifier for locations and business entities.
GS1 Digital Link
Web URI standard enabling QR codes to replace traditional barcodes.
FeaturedFNC1
Special character marking GS1-formatted data in barcodes.
GS1 General Specifications
Comprehensive GS1 document defining all barcode standards.
NDC
US FDA 10-digit drug identifier encoded in barcodes.
UDI
FDA system requiring barcodes on medical devices for tracking.
Check Digit & Validation
10Algorithms and techniques for calculating and verifying barcode check digits to ensure data integrity.
Check Digit Algorithm
Math formula calculating verification digits for error detection.
FeaturedModulo 10
Most common check digit algorithm, used by EAN/UPC barcodes.
FeaturedModulo 43
Code 39 check digit algorithm dividing character sums by 43.
Modulo 103
Code 128 check digit using weighted positional values mod 103.
Weighted Sum
Digit calculation using position-dependent multiplier weights.
Digit Verification
Recalculating a check digit to confirm data integrity.
Misread
Scanner decoding incorrect data; detected by check digits.
First Pass Read Rate
Percentage of successful reads on the first scan attempt.
Decode Rate
Overall success percentage across multiple scan attempts.
No-Read
Failed scan where the barcode cannot be decoded at all.
Scanning Technology
12Hardware and software technologies used to read and decode barcode symbols.
Laser Scanner
Scanner using a swept laser beam to read reflected light.
FeaturedCCD Scanner
Scanner using a CCD sensor array with no moving parts.
Area Imager
Camera-based scanner reading 1D and 2D barcodes from any angle.
FeaturedOmnidirectional Scanner
Scanner reading barcodes regardless of orientation.
Mobile Scanning
Using smartphone cameras to scan barcodes via apps.
FeaturedDepth of Field
Distance range for successful barcode scanner reads.
Scan Line
Path of the laser or sensor across a barcode during reading.
Reflectance
Percentage of light reflected by bars and spaces.
Print Contrast Signal
Reflectance difference between spaces and bars (PCS formula).
Decode Algorithm
Software converting captured light patterns into barcode data.
Presentation Scanner
Fixed-mount hands-free scanner for retail checkout counters.
Wand Scanner
Pen-like contact scanner; the earliest barcode reader type.
Printing & Quality
12Barcode printing methods, materials, and quality assessment standards.
Thermal Transfer Printing
Heat-ribbon printing producing durable, high-quality barcodes.
FeaturedDirect Thermal Printing
Heat-sensitive paper printing for temporary barcode labels.
Inkjet Barcode Printing
Inkjet printing for industrial case coding and production.
Laser Etching
Permanent barcode marking on metal, glass, or plastic via laser.
ISO/IEC 15416
International standard grading linear barcode print quality A-F.
FeaturedISO/IEC 15415
International standard for 2D barcode print quality grading.
Barcode Verifier
Device grading barcode print quality per ISO standards.
Magnification
Barcode scaling factor relative to nominal size (80%-200%).
Truncation
Reducing barcode height below spec, risking scan reliability.
Bar Width Reduction
Narrowing bars in prepress to compensate for ink spread.
Ink Spread
Printed bars widening from ink absorption, affecting readability.
Substrate
Material a barcode is printed on, affecting print quality.
Retail & Supply Chain
12Barcode applications in retail point-of-sale, inventory management, and supply chain operations.
Point of Sale
Retail checkout system scanning barcodes for pricing.
FeaturedSKU
Retailer's internal product identifier, distinct from GTIN.
PLU Code
4-5 digit number for fresh produce at retail checkout.
Coupon Barcode
Barcode encoding coupon value and manufacturer for POS redemption.
EAN Supplement
2- or 5-digit add-on for periodicals and book pricing.
Case Marking
Barcoding outer shipping cases for warehouse operations.
Pallet Label
GS1-128 label on pallets encoding SSCC and product data.
Cross-Docking
Logistics process redirecting scanned goods without storage.
EDI
Automated business communication triggered by barcode events.
Advance Ship Notice
Pre-delivery EDI document with scannable SSCC data.
Receiving Scan
Scanning incoming shipments to update and verify inventory.
Shrinkage
Inventory loss from theft, damage, or scan errors.
Healthcare & Pharmaceutical
12Barcode systems for patient safety, drug traceability, and medical device identification.
HIBC
Healthcare barcode standard predating GS1 in hospitals.
FMD
EU regulation requiring serialized 2D barcodes on drug packaging.
FeaturedSerialization
Assigning unique serial numbers to products for track-and-trace.
FeaturedAggregation
Linking individual item barcodes to their shipping containers.
Drug Pedigree
Record of each drug custody transfer verified by barcode scans.
DSCSA
US law requiring barcode serialization of pharmaceuticals.
FeaturedBedside Scanning
Scanning wristband and medication barcodes to prevent errors.
Wristband Barcode
Patient wristband barcode for hospital identification.
Specimen Labeling
Barcoding blood samples and lab specimens to prevent errors.
Blood Bank Barcode
ISBT 128 barcodes on blood products encoding donation data.
Vaccine Barcode
GS1 DataMatrix on vaccine vials encoding NDC and lot data.
Surgical Instrument Barcode
Laser-etched Data Matrix on instruments for sterilization tracking.
Logistics & Warehousing
10Barcode-driven processes in warehouse management, shipping, and last-mile delivery.
Warehouse Management
Barcode-driven inventory, picking, packing, and shipping.
FeaturedPick to Light
Barcode scanning with illuminated pick locations.
Location Barcode
Barcodes on shelves and bins encoding storage location IDs.
Cycle Counting
Periodic barcode-scanned verification of selected inventory.
Wave Picking
Processing multiple orders simultaneously via barcode scanning.
Last Mile Tracking
Barcode scanning at each stage from warehouse to doorstep.
Proof of Delivery
Electronic delivery confirmation via barcode scans and signatures.
Sortation
Automated conveyor routing packages via barcode scanning.
Dimensional Weight
Shipping cost calculation from package dimensions.
Voice Picking
Voice-directed picking with barcode scan verification.
Standards & Regulations
12International standards organizations and regulatory frameworks governing barcode implementation.
ISO/IEC
Joint body publishing international barcode standards.
AIM International
Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility standards.
ANSI
US standards body that adopted barcode symbology standards.
GS1 Member Organization
National GS1 affiliates assigning company prefixes locally.
Sunrise Date
GS1 deadline for mandatory new barcode format acceptance.
Compliance Labeling
Meeting barcode labeling requirements to avoid chargebacks.
Chargeback
Retailer penalty for non-compliant or unreadable barcodes.
Data Carrier
Physical barcode symbol carrying encoded data.
Symbology Identifier
Scanner-transmitted prefix identifying the barcode type read.
Automatic Identification
Technology category: barcodes, RFID, NFC, and biometrics.
Data Structure
Defined format and meaning of barcode-encoded data.
Application Standard
Industry-specific barcode rules like HIBC or AIAG standards.
History & Innovation
15Key milestones, inventions, and innovations in the evolution of barcode technology.
Woodland & Silver Patent
1949 US patent describing the first barcode concept.
FeaturedBull's Eye Barcode
Original 1949 circular barcode inspired by Morse code.
First UPC Scan
June 26, 1974: first product barcode scan in Troy, Ohio.
FeaturedIBM and Barcodes
George Laurer at IBM designed UPC-A in 1973.
DENSO WAVE 2D Innovation
DENSO WAVE invented QR Code in 1994 for consumer use.
UPS and MaxiCode
UPS developed MaxiCode in 1992 for package sorting.
Ad Hoc Committee
1970s committee that selected UPC from competing proposals.
Laser Scanning Invention
1970s HeNe laser scanners enabling high-speed barcode reading.
GS1 Formation
2005 merger of EAN International and UCC into GS1.
Sunrise 2005
2005 deadline requiring scanners to read both UPC-A and EAN-13.
2D Barcode Evolution
1980s-1990s development of PDF417, Data Matrix, and QR codes.
RFID vs Barcode
Ongoing comparison of RFID tags versus barcodes for Auto-ID.
GS1 Digital Link Future
GS1 initiative replacing barcodes with QR-based web URIs by 2027.
Mobile Commerce and Barcodes
Barcode transformation via smartphone scanning and mobile payments.
Sustainable Barcoding
Eco-friendly barcoding with recycled labels and soy-based inks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the barcode glossary cover?
The glossary defines 150+ barcode terms across 12 categories including symbologies, encoding algorithms, print specifications, and GS1 standards.
What is a barcode symbology?
A barcode symbology is the specific encoding standard that defines the pattern of bars and spaces used to represent data in a barcode.
What is the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?
1D barcodes encode data in horizontal bar widths; 2D barcodes encode data in both horizontal and vertical patterns, storing far more information.
What is a quiet zone in a barcode?
A quiet zone is the blank margin of white space required on each side of a barcode to allow scanners to distinguish it from surrounding content.