Barcode Symbology Definitions

Auspost

The barcode used by Australia Post is called a 4-state barcode. It comprises four types of bars (states), each of which is identified by both a name and a value.

Aztec Code

Aztec Code is a two-dimensional matrix symbology containing dark and light square data modules. It has a finder pattern of concentric square rings centered on a single dark module located in the center of the symbol. A two-dimensional imaging device such as a CCD camera is necessary to scan the symbology.

azteccodecompact

The compact Aztec code core may be surrounded by 1 to 4 layers, producing symbols from 15×15 (room for 13 digits or 12 letters) through 27×27. There is additionally a special 11×11 "rune" that encodes one byte of information. The full core supports up to 32 layers, 151×151 pixels, which can encode 3832 digits, 3067 letters, or 1914 bytes of data.

Aztec Rune

Aztec Rune is a variant of Aztec Code that is designed to be graphically compatible with Aztec Code. It consists of the core symbol of the compact version of Aztec Code together with a numerically distinct data message that conveys 8 bits of data. Aztec Rune contains 256 11 x 11 module square marks that can be scanned by any Aztec Code reader. Printing white on black is an option.

BC412

BC412 is a proprietary symbology that was developed by Computer Identics and IBM in 1988. In 1992, it was adopted by the Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) organization as a standard for marking serial numbers on silicon semiconductor wafers for identification.

The "BC" in the symbology name stands for "binary code," and the "412" is derived from the fact that each character is encoded by a set of four bars in 12 module positions. BC412 is a single-width code, meaning that all bars are the same width. This provides better readability on the low-contrast wafer surface than multi-width bars would provide. The symbology is well-suited for encoding data in small spaces. BC412 is defined in the BC412 Barcode document and in the SEMI T1-95 standard.

Channelcode

Channel Code is a linear, continuous, self-checking, bidirectional barcode symbology that encodes between two and seven digits in a short space.

CODABLOCK F

CODABLOCK F is a two-dimensional stacked symbology that contains from 2 to 44 stacked Code 128 barcodes. It was invented by Identcode Systeme GmbH in Germany in 1989 as a way of fitting a long data message into a small space, and it has been used primarily in the medical and electronics industries.

Code 11

Code 11, also known as USD-8, is a high-density, discrete symbology that is primarily used for the labeling of telecommunications equipment.

Code 128

Code 128 was invented in 1981 by Ted Williams of Laserlight Corporation to solve the problem of representing both alphabetic and numeric characters without sacrificing barcode density. Code 128 enables you to encode all 128 ASCII characters, as Code 39 - Full ASCII does. Additionally, when you encode only numbers, Code 128 can encode them more densely than Interleaved 2 of 5 does.

The most common use of Code 128 is for certain shipping labels, primarily as defined by GS1 in the GS1-128 barcode standard.

Code 16 K

Code 16K is a two-dimensional stacked symbology based on Code 128. It was developed in 1989 by Ted Williams and has been used primarily in the health care industry. Code 16K is defined in AIM-BC7-2000 Uniform Symbology Specification - Code 16K.

Code 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5 is a member of the Code 2 of 5 symbology family, which was first developed in 1968. It is sometimes referred to as ITF and forms the basis for the ITF-14 symbology that is widely used for shipping and transport logistics.

Code 32

Code 32, also known as Italian PHARMACODE, is used to identify pharmaceutical products in Italy. It encodes numeric data in a compressed format by using the Code 39 - Regular character set.

Code 32 is partially defined in the Specifiche PHARMACODE (o CODE32) document.

Code 39

Code 39 was developed in 1974 by David Allais and Raymond Stevens, then with Interface Mechanisms Inc. (now Intermec Corporation). It was the first barcode symbology to use alphabetic characters in addition to numeric digits. Variations of Code 39 have been used extensively in multiple industries, notably in the US military as a component of the Logistics Applications of Automated Marking and Reading Symbols (LOGMARS) system.

code39ext

No definition

Code 49

Code 49 is a continuous, variable-length stacked symbology developed in 1987 by David Allais of Intermec Corporation. It combines some of the characteristics of Universal Product Code (UPC) and Code 39 into a single barcode language. It was the first stacked barcode symbology, and it supports the use of the full 128-character ASCII set. The code is in the public domain.

Code 93

Code 93 is an alphanumeric, variable-length symbology that was developed in 1982 and is maintained by Intermec Corporation. It combines some of the characteristics of Code 39 - Full ASCII and GS1-128 into a single barcode language that has very high density.

Code 93 Ext

Code 93 Extended is based on Code 93 and can encode all 128 ASCII characters. The characters represented by Code 93 are represented in Code 93 Extended as single barcode characters, but all other characters are represented by a control character plus another character.

Code One (1)

Code 1 is a two-dimensional matrix symbology containing dark and light square data modules and a finder pattern of parallel lines in the symbol's interior. A two-dimensional imaging device such as a CCD camera is necessary to scan the symbology.

Coop 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) is a numeric only barcode used to encode pairs of numbers into a self-checking, high-density barcode format. In this symbology, every two digits are interleaved with each other to create a single symbol.

DAFT

DAFT is a term used for a "generic" system of transcribing "four-state" bar codes such as those used in various postal systems (e.g., Intelligent Mail barcode, Australia Post standard customer barcode, and PostBar) without having to know the specific symbology which translates the raw codes into particular numbers or symbols.

Databar expanded

The DataBar Expanded Barcode specification is used in IDAutomation Barcode Fonts, Components and Applications to create a DataBar Expanded Barcode. This barcode type can encode the 14-digit GTIN along with several GS1 Application Identifiers in a single symbol. It is also commonly used to encode coupon data.

Databar expanded composite

GS1-Databar Expanded Composite Symbology™ The GS1 DataBar Composite Symbology™ that uses an GS1 DataBar Expanded™ Bar Code Symbol as linear component. Variable length data fields (with Application Identifiers) can be encoded in the linear component as well as in the 2D component.

Databar expanded stacked

A DataBar Expanded Stacked barcode symbol is created by reducing the “Segments” property to a low, even value, such as 4, 6 or 8. The number of segments chosen may produce multiple rows.

Databar expanded stacked composite

The GS1 Composite Symbology is the specification for a 2D barcode symbol included above a DataBar, UPC, EAN, or Code 128 barcode to encode additional data. Composite symbols are not supported by all barcode scanners and implementation can be more difficult than other options. IDAutomation recommends using DataBar Expanded to encode Application Identifiers (AIs) with additional data when possible, because DataBar is approved for use in all POS systems after January 1, 2010, all data is encoded in a single symbol and implementation is much easier.

Databar limited

GS1 DataBar Limited encodes the Element String AI (01), which is based on the GTIN-12, GTIN-8, GTIN-13, or GTIN-14 Data Structures, in a linear barcode symbol for use on small items that will not be scanned in an omnidirectional scanning environment. GS1 DataBar Limited is capable of encoding 4000000000000 (4 x 10 ^ 12) numbers values. These values are expressed as digits called Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs).

Databar limited composite

Databar stacked

A GS1 DataBar Stacked consists of two GS1 bar codes piled on top of one another, in order to pack more consecutive information into a small, square space

Databar stacked composite

The GS1 Composite Symbology is the specification for a 2D barcode symbol included above a DataBar, UPC, EAN, or Code 128 barcode to encode additional data.

Databar Truncated

GS1 DataBar Truncated is a GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional symbol that is reduced in height to as low as 13 modules. As a result, this symbology cannot be accurately read omnidirectionally.

Databar Truncated Composite

GS1 DataBar Truncated is a GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional symbol that is reduced in height to as low as 13 modules

Datalogic 2 of 5

Datalogic 2 of 5 (also known as 2 of 5 Datalogic and China Post) is a member of the Code 2 of 5 symbology family, which was first developed in 1968. Datalogic 2 of 5 is used by the Chinese Postal Service for automatic processing and sorting of mail.

DataMatrix

GS1 DataMatrix is a variant of the Data Matrix symbology that conforms to GS1 specifications and has been in the public domain since 1994. GS1 DataMatrix is used in the aerospace, medical device manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries, among others, and by the US Department of Defense.

Datamatrix rectangular

A Data Matrix is a two-dimensional code consisting of black and white "cells" or dots arranged in either a square or rectangular pattern, also known as a matrix.

Dotcode

DotCode is a two-dimensional (2-D) matrix symbology that is composed of dots that are arranged in a specified rectangular array.

EAN13

The European Article Numbering (EAN) system (also known as International Article Number) and the Japanese Article Numbering (JAN) system are members of the UPC barcode family that was developed in the 1970s for automatic identification of retail products. EAN-13 is used around the world for automatic identification of retail products, including in the US, where retail scanning systems have been required to read EAN-13 since 2005.

EAN 13 Composite

GS1-128 with CC-C GS1 composite symbologies consist of a one-dimensional (1-D) linear barcode or a two-dimensional (2-D) stacked barcode beneath a Composite Component A ( CC-A ), CC-B , or CC-C symbol and a separator pattern between them.

EAN 14

The EAN 14 code is used for traded goods. The code is always 14 numeric digits long.

EAN 2

The EAN-2 is a supplement to the EAN-13 and UPC-A barcodes. It is often used on magazines and periodicals to indicate an issue number.

EAN 5

The EAN-5 is a 5-digit European Article Number code and is a supplement to the EAN-13 barcode used on books. It is used to give a suggestion for the price of the book.

EAN 8

An EAN-8 is an EAN/UPC symbology barcode and is derived from the longer International Article Number (EAN-13) code. ... EAN-8 barcodes may be used to encode GTIN-8 (8-digit Global Trade Identification Numbers) which are product identifiers from the GS1 System.

EAN-8 Composite

EAN-8 Composite Barcode is an EAN-8 linear barcode linked to a 2D barcode called CC-A or CC-B.

Flattermarken

Flattermarken (a German plural; the singular is "flattermarke") are the marks used on the edge of printed material such as sections of books to facilitate their being arranged in the proper order.

GS1-128

GS1-128 is an application standard of the GS1 implementation using the Code 128 barcode specification

GS1-128 Composite Barcode

GS1-128 Composite Barcode is an GS1-128 linear barcode linked to a 2D barcode called CC-A or CC-B or CC-C.

GS1-CC

GS1-128 Composite Barcode is an GS1-128 linear barcode linked to a 2D barcode called CC-A or CC-B or CC-C.

GS1 DataMatrix

GS1 DataMatrix is a matrix (2D or two-dimensional) barcode which may be printed as a square or rectangular symbol made up of individual dots or squares.

GS1 DataMatrix Rectangular

GS1 DataMatrix is a matrix (2D or two-dimensional) barcode which may be printed as a square or rectangular symbol made up of individual dots or squares. This representation is an ordered grid of dark and light dots bordered by a finder pattern.

GS1 North American Coupon

The acceptance of coupons has become commonplace for many retailers. To improve efficiency and accuracy, barcode symbols are included on the face of the coupon. The information below discusses the GS1 Databar Coupon, which is most common symbol used by many North American retailers. There are some stores that utilize proprietary symbols, such as Sears and Target.

GS1 QR Code

GS1 QR Code. GS1 QR Code is a variant of QR Code that conforms to GS1 specifications. It was designed specifically for sharing extended packaging information, such as lot number, product ID, and quantity.

HanXin

Han Xin Code is a two-dimensional, variable-size matrix symbology that was designed in 2007 specifically to encode Simplified Chinese characters in addition to all ASCII characters and numeric digits. The symbol consists of an array of square modules that are arranged in a square pattern.

Hibc Aztec Code

When Aztec Code is used, all HIBC data should be encoded in a single symbol. This symbology is recommended for use in patient identification (multiple symbols can be printed side by side on patient wristbands), in drug identification, and on curved surfaces, such as intravenous (IV) bags.

Hibc Coda Block F

The Health Industry Number (HIN), Labeler Identification Code (LIC), and Universal Product Number (UPN) data systems that are monitored by the Health Industry Business Communications Council (HIBCC) can be encoded by several symbologies, in accordance with the Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) application standard. The choice of which symbology to use is left to the labeler.

HIBC Code 128:

When Code 128 is used, HIBC primary and secondary data should be encoded in separate symbols but may be concatenated if space allows. Code 128 is recommended over Code 39 due to its higher density and its ability to be decoded when printed sideways ("ladder" style).

HIBC Code 39 - Regular:

When Code 39 is used, HIBC primary and secondary data should be encoded in separate symbols but may be concatenated if space allows. The Code 39 - Regular format (not Full ASCII) should be used, and the Full ASCII function in the barcode reader must be turned off. The wide-to-narrow ratio should be 3:1, the intercharacter gap should be equal to the X dimension, and the modulo 43 check character is used.

HIBC Aztec Code:

HIBC Data Matrix ECC 200:

When Data Matrix ECC 200 is used, all HIBC data should be encoded in a single symbol. This symbology is recommended for use on employee badges, in patient identification, and in drug identification.

HIBC MicroPDF417:

When MicroPDF417 is used, all HIBC data should be encoded in a single symbol. This symbology is recommended for use on employee badges.

HIBC QR Code 2005:

When QR Code 2005 is used, all HIBC data should be encoded in a single symbol.

IATA 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) is a continuous two-width barcode symbology encoding digits. ... Typically, an odd number of digits is encoded by adding a "0" as first digit, but sometimes an odd number of digits is encoded by using five narrow spaces in the last digit.

Identcode

The Identcode is a numeric code using the numbers 0.. ... This code is used by the Deutsche Post AG (DHL). The base of this code is Code 25 Interleaved, but with a different check digit.

Industrial 2 of 5

Industrial 2 of 5 Barcode. Standard 2 of 5 (developed in 1960s) is a low-density, variable-length numeric symbology. The symbology is called "2 of 5" due to the fact that digits are encoded with 5 bars, 2 of which are always wide (generally 3 times as wide as narrow bar) and the remaining three are narrow.

Interleaved 2 of 5

Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) is a continuous two-width barcode symbology encoding digits. It is used commercially on 135 film, for ITF-14 barcodes, and on cartons of some products, while the products inside are labeled with UPC or EAN. ... Because digits are encoded by pairs, only an even number of digits can be encoded.

ISBN

An ISBN is an International Standard Book Number. ISBNs were 10 digits in length up to the end of December 2006, but since 1 January 2007 they now always consist of 13 digits. ISBNs are calculated using a specific mathematical formula and include a check digit to validate the number.

ISMN

The ISMN (Internationally Standard Music Number) is used for marking printed musical publications. It was conceived in 1993 and today it is applied in in 48 regions and countries. The construction of an ISMN: An ISMN has always 10 digits.

ISSN

The ISSN exists of 8 digits, which are split by a hyphen in two groups of 4 digits. The hyphen itself has no meaning for the code. ... An ISSN barcode is created using the EAN-13 symbology with a special prefix. So the ISSN is a special form of the EAN-13 code

ITF-14

ITF-14 is the GS1 implementation of an Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) bar code to encode a Global Trade Item Number. ITF-14 symbols are generally used on packaging levels of a product, such as a case box of 24 cans of soup. The ITF-14 will always encode 14 digits.

JapanPost

The Japanese postal barcode is used in mail sorting for Japan. It encodes an 7-digit postal/zip code plus an optional alphanumeric address code. ... These sorts of bar codes are used by a number of countries in their postal systems, though the specific symbologies by which they encode characters can vary

KIX

The KIX system encodes alphanumeric characters, and is a slight variant of the Royal Mail 4-State system, omitting the start and end symbols and checksum

Leitcode

The Leitcode is a numeric code using the numbers 0. This code is used by the Deutsche Post AG (DHL). The base of this code is Code 25 Interleaved, but with a different check digit.

Matrix 2 of 5

Maxicode

Maxicode is an international 2D (two-dimensional) barcode that is currently used by UPS on shipping labels for world-wide addressing and package sortation. MaxiCode symbols are fixed in size and are made up of offset rows of hexagonal modules arranged around a unique finder pattern.

MicroPDF417

MicroPDF417 is a multi-row symbology which may be utilized by applications needing to encode a moderate amount of data in a two-dimensional (2D) symbol (up to 150 bytes, 250 alphanumeric characters, or 366 numeric digits), and when minimizing symbol size is a primary concern. MicroPDF417 is based on PDF417 standard.

Micro QR Code

Micro QR Code was designed by Denso Wave in Japan to be a smaller, more compact version of their regular QR Code. Micro QR is intended for use where QR Code would take up too much space or where less data needs to be encoded, as with direct parts marking on small components. It also encodes kanji characters.

MSI

MSI (also known as Modified Plessey) is a barcode symbology developed by the MSI Data Corporation, based on the original Plessey Code symbology. It is a continuous symbology that is not self-checking. MSI is used primarily for inventory control, marking storage containers and shelves in warehouse environments.

OneCode

USPS Intelligent Mail (aka: OneCode) is a height-modulated 4-state barcode type used in the USA. It allows both PLANET and POSTNET barcode information to be combined into a single barcode to track mailings, request address-quality services (including updated address-change information) and return-mail service.

PDF417

PDF417 is a stacked linear barcode format used in a variety of applications such as transport, identification cards, and inventory management. "PDF" stands for Portable Data File. The "417" signifies that each pattern in the code consists of 4 bars and spaces in a pattern that is 17 units (modules) long.

PDF417 Compact

The PDF417 is a 2D barcode. It is based on stacked barcodes. The characters are coded in code words. A code word consists of 17 modules, which consist respectively of 4 strokes and 4 spaces. The PDF417 is a very compact and flexible code with variable length.

PharmaCode

2D-Pharmacode is a variant of the Data Matrix symbology that is designed for use in pharmaceutical packaging. It combines a Data Matrix symbol with two optional supplemental modules: color fields and a trigger mark.

Planet

The PLANET Code is a 12 -or 14- digit barcode - a “two-state” barcode similar in structure to the POSTNET Code address barcode used by mail processing equipment to sort the mail. PLANET Codes consist of a series of tall and short bars.

Plessey Code

Plessey Code (sometimes called UK Plessey Code) is a continuous, variable-length symbology that has been used to encode hexadecimal data. ... Plessey Code does not encode numbers efficiently, and other characteristics of the language make it one of the most error-prone of all barcode languages.

PosiCode

Posicode is a continuous, variable length, non-self-checking, bidirectional barcode symbology that is designed for use within printing processes where it is difficult to precisely control the width of a bar.

POSTNET

(Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) is a barcode symbology used by the United States Postal Service to assist in directing mail. The ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code is encoded in half- and full-height bars. Most often, the delivery point is added, usually being the last two digits of the address or PO box number.

PZN

(Pharma-Zentral-Nummer) is a code for medicine identification in Germany and maybe other countries.

QR CODE

QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or two-dimensional barcode) first designed in 1994 for the automotive industry in Japan.

Rationalized CodaBar

Codabar is a linear, discrete, self-checking, bidirectional barcode symbology that can encode digits, six symbols and four delimiter characters. ... Also known as: Rationalized Codabar, Ames Code, NW-7, USD-4, USS-Codabar, ABC Codabar, Monarch, Code 2 of 7.

Raw

No definition

Royal Mail

Royal Mail Mailmark™ barcodes was developed for machine readable Business Mail in Letter and Large Letter formats. ... Mailmark™ barcodes are either 4-State or 2 Dimensional (2D) Complex Mail Data Mark (CMDM) barcodes. The amount of data needed to be encoded in the barcode will dictate which version needed to be used.

SSCC

The serial shipping container code (SSCC) is an 18-digit number used to identify logistics units. In order to automate the reading process, the SSCC is often encoded in a barcode, generally GS1-128, and can also be encoded in an RFID tag. It is used in electronic commerce transactions.

Symbol

Dark bars or stripes (some narrow some wide) printed side-by-side on merchandise and other items. Each bar represents a number, and together they represent a code that can be read by machines called bar code readers or scanners (such as those used at supermarket checkout counters).

Telepen

Telepen is a name of a barcode symbology designed in 1972 in the UK to express all 128 ASCII characters without using shift characters for code switching and using only two different widths for bars and spaces. (Unlike Code 128, which uses shifts and four different element widths.)

Telepen Numeric

See Telepen

Ultracode

The Ultracode™ is an Electronic Key Cutting Machine for code cutting cylindrical, automotive, and flat keys. This revolutionary machine is able to operate stand-alone or connected to a personal computer in conjunction with Ilco's Kreate-A-Key™ code soft- ware.

UPCA

The Universal Product Code (UPC) (redundantly: UPC code) is a barcode symbology that is widely used in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries for tracking trade items in stores.

UPCA Composite

(UCC) Composite Symbology consists of a linear component, which encodes the item's primary data and an adjacent 2D composite component, which encodes supplementary data to the linear component. The linear component will be GS1-128, EAN-8, EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E or any barcode in the GS1 DataBar family.

UPCE

To allow the use of UPC barcodes on smaller packages, where a full 12-digit barcode may not fit, a 'zero-suppressed version of UPC was developed, called UPC-E, in which the number system digit, all trailing zeros in the manufacturer code, and all leading zeros in the product code, are suppressed (omitted)

UPCE Composite