There are a variety of barcode formats, or symbologies, commonly used in industry and retail. Each format has particular strengths and weaknesses, and thus the barcode symbology chosen for a specific application should be the one that best addresses the specific needs of the environment and user.
Modern barcode scanners such as those carried by CSSI will typically be capable of reading a variety of different symbologies. When selecting barcode scanners, it’s important to understand the symbologies which the scanner will need to detect.
Common Barcode Symbologies
Here are the 10 most commonly used barcode formats and their common applications:
| 1D Barcodes | ||
| UPC (Universal Product Code) | Typically used for retail items in North America. Great for high volume scanning. |  " width=200"> |
| EAN (European Article Number) | Used for retail items in Europe. Good choice for high volume scanning. |  |
| I 2 of 5 / ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5) | Used in industrial and logistics applications, as well as in some retail environments. Frequently seen in shipping, warehouse, and laboratories. |  |
| Code 39 | Used for inventory and shipping management in various industries. |  |
| Code 128 | Used for various applications including product tracking, inventory management, and shipping. |  |
| 2D Barcodes | ||
| QR Code | Used for mobile phone scanning and access to digital content such as URLs and social media. |  |
| Data Matrix | Used for small items and high-density data storage, often in harsh environments. Manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, packing/sorting. |  |
| PDF417 | Used for 2D barcode symbology, often in transportation and logistics, identification cards, and postal services. |  |
| Aztec Code | Used in retail, transportation, and event ticketing applications, among others. |  |
| MaxiCode | Used in shipping and package delivery services, as well as some automotive applications. |  |
Contact CSSI
Need help selecting scanners or the right barcode format? Contact CSSI for assistance.