Barcode Symbologies

TEKLYNX barcode label design software includes any type of barcode you need, each with different encoding abilities. These include 1D and 2D barcode symbologies, postal barcodes, and composite barcodes. 

Finding the right barcode type for your labeling or industry requirements should never be an issue. Understanding how much data you need to encode and the available space for the barcode will help determine the best barcode symbology for your needs.

Help me pick the right barcode

Full list of label design software barcode symbologies

Barcode Symbologies Available in CODESOFT

Barcode Symbologies Available in LABELVIEW

Barcode Symbologies Available in LABEL MATRIX

Most common barcode types used and included in TEKLYNX label design software

GS1 barcodes: GS1 barcodes are used for real-time product identification, tracking, traceability, and supply chain efficiencies. Many barcode types are GS1 barcodes, such as UPC, GS1-128, GS1 DataBar, QR codes, GS1 Data Matrix, and more. GS1 barcodes are common in industries such as retail, food & beverage, shipping, pharmaceutical, and automotive. TEKLYNX has a built-in GS1 barcode generator wizard for simple GS1-compliant barcode creation.

UPC/EAN: UPC-A is the most common 1D barcode in the United States retail industry, while EAN is just as common in Europe. UPC-A barcodes consist of 12 numeric digits, UPC-E barcodes consist of 6 digits, and EAN barcodes consist of either 8 or 13 numeric digits: the first set uniquely identifies a company, the second set is the item reference for tracking inventory, and the last digit is the check digit. The check digit is calculated using the other numbers on the barcode and an algorithm; if it doesn’t match, an error will be identified.

Code 128: Code 128 is a versatile 1D barcode that encodes alphanumerics, punctuation, symbols, and more. Each Code 128 barcode can encode any of the 128 ASCII characters, with each symbol containing three black and three white bars. Code 128 barcodes include subtypes such as Code 128A, Code 128B, and Code128C, each subtype encoding different data. Code 128 barcodes are often used for shipping labels, and packaging labels, or retail tags.

Code 39: Code 39, also called Code 3 of 9, is the oldest barcode. It requires more space on the label compared to Code 128 and can encode up to 44 characters, including numbers zero to nine, the letters A-Z, and some special characters. Code 39 barcodes are commonly used in the automotive, electronics, warehousing, and manufacturing industries.

Data Matrix: Data Matrix, a 2D barcode, consists of black and white modules, or cells, arranged in a square pattern, allowing a large amount of data to be encoded in a small space. TEKLYNX software can encode up to 2,335 ASCII characters. Data Matrix barcodes are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry to comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and the Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA). They are also found in food & beverage and defense industries where tracking is critical for supply chain operations.

QR Code: QR codes are another 2D barcode symbology. QR code stands for “Quick Response Code”, due to its fast readability. QR codes can encode up to 7,366 characters of numeric data, much more than the traditional 1D (or linear) barcode. They can be scanned in any direction while also partially damaged up to 30%. They are commonly used to direct users to a specific URL link, social media page, or coupon. The amount of data QR codes can hold helps manufacturers and retailers manage all that needs to be included on a label, as well as everything consumers want to know. 2D barcodes will start to be accepted at Point-Of-Sale (POS) or Point-Of-Care (POC). By the end of 2027 retailers will need to ensure their POS systems can scan both traditional 1D barcodes and 2D barcodes. After 2027, product packages will no longer require a 1D barcode, but 2D barcodes will still not be mandated.

PDF417: PDF417 is a linear stacked 2D barcode. The name 417 comes from the barcode's structure of four bars and four spaces, each 17 units long. Data in these units can be encoded vertically or horizontally, and as more data is encoded, the barcode gets larger. PDF417 is commonly used on United States driver’s licenses and in the transportation/automotive, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries.