The Barcode tool allowed you to add a barcode with a dynamic field, color, symbologies (e.g., Interleaved 2 of 5, Code 39, Code 128A, UPC-A), and much more.
Barcodes are a crucial component of modern ID card systems, offering a reliable way to encode and retrieve information quickly and accurately. With various barcode formats available, each serves specific purposes across industries such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and access control.
Understanding Barcode Formats
Barcodes fall into two main categories: 1D (Linear) and 2D (Matrix).
- 1D Barcodes: These linear barcodes use lines and spaces of varying widths to represent data. They are commonly used for inventory tracking, retail products, and simple identification systems. Examples include CODE 128, EAN-13, and UPC-A.
- 2D Barcodes: Unlike 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes encode data both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to store significantly more information. The most popular 2D barcode is the QR Code, ideal for encoding URLs, contact information, or other complex data in a compact format.
QR Codes: The Versatile 2D Barcode
QR Codes (Quick Response Codes) are widely used in various applications due to their ability to store a large amount of data in a compact space. They are ideal for digital interactions, such as:
- URLs: Direct users to websites, portals, or product information.
- Contact Details: Share business cards or attendee information via vCards.
- Event Tickets: Validate entry using QR code scanning.
- Payment Systems: Facilitate cashless payments through QR code-enabled systems.
Choosing the Right Barcode
Selecting the appropriate barcode format depends on your project’s requirements. Consider the following:
- Data Type: Use 1D barcodes for simple numeric or alphanumeric data and QR Codes for URLs or other complex information.
- Space Constraints: QR Codes are better suited for scenarios requiring high data density in limited space.
- Scanner Compatibility: Ensure your scanners are capable of reading the barcode format you choose, especially for QR Codes.
Best Practices for Barcodes
To ensure your barcodes work efficiently, follow these best practices:
- Provide a quiet zone (margin) around the barcode to improve scan accuracy.
- Use high-contrast colors, such as black on white, for better readability.
- Test your barcodes with your scanners before final production.
- Ensure the barcode size is proportional to the expected scanning distance.
Barcode Integration
Barcodes, including QR Codes, can be easily integrated into your ID card designs, allowing you to encode essential data for fast and reliable scanning. This flexibility ensures that your ID cards meet the needs of modern systems, enhancing security and convenience.
Supported Barcode Types
The following barcode formats are widely supported and recommended for various applications:
Format Name | Description | Type |
---|---|---|
CODABAR | Codabar (rationalized) - numbers and A B C D - $ : / . +![]() | varchar |
CODE 11 | Digits 0–9 and the dash character![]() | decimal |
CODE 128 | Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode symbology for alphanumeric or numeric-only barcodes. It can encode all 128 ASCII characters. It generally results in more compact barcodes than other methods like Code 39, especially when the texts contain mostly digits.![]() | varchar |
CODE 128 A | Code 128A - upper case, numbers, punctuation and control characters![]() | varchar |
CODE 128 B | Code 128B - upper and lower case, numbers and punctuation![]() | varchar |
CODE 128 C | Code 128C - numbers only![]() | decimal |
CODE 39 (default) | Code 3 of 9 (also called Code 39) - numbers, upper case, and - . * $ / + %![]() | varchar |
CODE 39 EXTENDED | Extended 3 of 9 (also called Extended Code 39) - full ASCII character set![]() | varchar |
CODE 93 | Code 93 - numbers, upper case, and - . * $ / + %![]() | varchar |
EAN-13 | 13-Digits UPC-Based Extension - numbers only![]() | decimal |
EAN-2 | 2-Digits UPC-Based Extension - numbers only![]() | decimal |
EAN-5 | 5-Digits UPC-Based Extension - numbers only![]() | decimal |
EAN-8 | 8-Digits UPC-Based Extension - numbers only![]() | decimal |
Interleaved 2 of 5 | Interleaved 2 of 5 - numbers only![]() | decimal |
MSI | Variation of Plessey code![]() | decimal |
PHARMACODE | Pharmaceutical Binary Code![]() | decimal |
PHARMACODE TWO-TRACKS | Pharmaceutical Binary Code - 2 Tracks![]() | decimal |
PLANET | The Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique![]() | decimal |
POSTNET | Postal Numeric Encoding Technique![]() | decimal |
RMS4CC | Royal Mail 4-state Customer Code![]() | varchar |
Standard 2 of 5 | 2 of 5 - numbers only![]() | decimal |
UPC-A | UPC-A - numbers only (11 numbers and a check digit)![]() | decimal |
UPC-E | UPC-E - numbers only - used for zero-compression UPC symbols.![]() | decimal |