What is the best barcode to use?
The type of barcode to use for a particular situation depends upon:
(1) the implementation; (2) the data-to-encode in the
barcode and (3) how the barcode will be printed. There are several
different types of barcode standards for different purposes - these
are called symbologies. Each type of symbology (or barcode type) is
a standard that defines the printed symbol and how a device such as
a barcode scanner reads and decodes the printed symbol.
If an industry standard was established for the chosen barcode then
most likely there is not a choice in selecting the barcode symbology.
Industry standards are usually established when multiple parties or
companies are involved in the process. Note that the standard is not
necessarily the same as the barcode symbology. Barcode standards define
how to use the barcode symbology in a particular situation. For example,
ISBN is a standard for labeling books and periodicals that uses the
EAN-13 symbology. Below is a list of a few established barcode standards
and what they are used for:
| Established
Standard: |
For Identification
of: |
Barcode Symbology: |
| UPC-A or UPC-E |
items for sale in the USA and Canada |
UPC/EAN |
| EAN-8 or EAN-13 |
items for sale worldwide |
UPC/EAN |
| ISBN, ISSN & Booklan |
books and periodicals |
EAN-13 with UPC/EAN |
| UCC-128, EAN-128 or SSCC-18 |
shipping cartons |
Code 128 |
| SCC-14 |
shipping cartons |
Interleaved 2 of 5
or Code 128 |
| EAN-14 |
shipping cartons |
Interleaved 2 of 5
or Code 128 |
| SSCC-18 |
shipping cartons |
Code 128 |
| SISAC |
serial numbers for serial publications |
Code 128 |
| SICI Code |
serial numbers for serial publications |
Code 128 |
| POSTNET |
US mail addresses for the US Post Office |
POSTNET |
| USPS Special Services |
US mail return receipts and registered mail |
Interleaved 2 of 5
or Code 128 |
| MICR |
bank checks |
MICR E-13B or CMC-7 |
| LOGMARS |
United States Department of Defense standard |
Code 39 |
Before selecting a symbology to use, check to determine if there
is an established standard for the industry by contacting the respective
industry standard board for the correct symbology choice.
View the Barcoding for Beginners
presentation for assistance in selecting the right barcode
- (PDF version)
Proprietary Implementations:
If it has been determined that there is not a standard for the chosen
implementation, there are several symbologies to choose from. It is
assumed that a decision has been made as to how the barcodes will be
printed. However, if the decision has not been made, review the
products available
for printing section first, then refer to the document titled
"what data
is encoded in various barcodes" to choose the barcode type.
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