BarcodeFAQ.com provides basic bar code information including answers to frequently asked questions, barcode tutorials and product recommendations for printing and scanning barcodes.

Information on this website is provided courtesy of IDAutomation.com, Inc.

One of the most common methods of reading barcodes is with a hand-held barcode scanner. The barcode scanners recommended and sold by IDAutomation all have built-in decoders and can read several different bar code types. There are some low priced scanners on the market, but they require complicated decoders. After ordering and programming the decoder, the cost will end up being more than if a scanner was purchased with a built-in decoder. Most of the bar code scanners sold by IDAutomation receive their power from the PC keyboard or USB port so no external power supply is required. When a barcode is scanned in, the data is sent to the PC as if it had been typed on the keyboard. For more information about using scanners with an application, please read how to scan data into applications.

Most barcode scanners can read common linear symbologies such as code 39, UPC, EAN, Code 128 and Codabar if it is enabled in the scanner. Keep in mind that most scanner manufacturers usually ship new scanners with most symbologies disabled, so make sure the symbology is enabled before attempting to scan. It is possible to scan barcodes that are printed at very small x dimensions (the x dimension is the width of the narrow bar in the code). Before attempting to read barcodes that are printed with small x dimensions, check the barcode scanner manual to make sure the scanner can read it. Also, make sure the printer can accurately reproduce barcodes at these sizes.

IDAutomation’s Code 39 font printed at 3 points, which is an x dimension of 4 mils, from a standard HP Laserjet at 600 DPI has been consistently scanned with the IDAutomation Plug 'n Play CCD scanner.  

IDAutomation also sells laser barcode scanners, but they cannot always read the small x dimensions that the CCD models can. However, laser scanners are able to read wider barcodes better.

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