Template Editor- Barcode toolTemplate Editor- Barcode tool

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 NameDescriptionType
CODABARCodabar (rationalized) - numbers and A B C D - $ : / . +

CODABAR
varchar
CODE 11Digits 0–9 and the dash character

CODE 11
decimal
CODE 128Code 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.

CODE 128
varchar
CODE 128 ACode 128A - upper case, numbers, punctuation and control characters

CODE 128 A
varchar
CODE 128 BCode 128B - upper and lower case, numbers and punctuation

CODE 128 B
varchar
CODE 128 CCode 128C - numbers only

CODE 128 C
decimal
CODE 39 (default)Code 3 of 9 (also called Code 39) - numbers, upper case, and - . * $ / + %

CODE 39
varchar
CODE 39 EXTENDEDExtended 3 of 9 (also called Extended Code 39) - full ASCII character set

CODE 39 EXTENDED
varchar
CODE 93Code 93 - numbers, upper case, and - . * $ / + %

CODE 93
varchar
EAN-1313-Digits UPC-Based Extension - numbers only

EAN-13
decimal
EAN-22-Digits UPC-Based Extension - numbers only

EAN-2
decimal
EAN-55-Digits UPC-Based Extension - numbers only

EAN-5
decimal
EAN-88-Digits UPC-Based Extension - numbers only

EAN-8
decimal
Interleaved 2 of 5Interleaved 2 of 5 - numbers only

Interleaved 2 of 5
decimal
MSIVariation of Plessey code

MSI
decimal
PHARMACODEPharmaceutical Binary Code

PHARMACODE
decimal
PHARMACODE TWO-TRACKSPharmaceutical Binary Code - 2 Tracks

PHARMACODE TWO-TRACKS
decimal
PLANETThe Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique

PLANET
decimal
POSTNETPostal Numeric Encoding Technique

POSTNET
decimal
RMS4CCRoyal Mail 4-state Customer Code

RMS4CC
varchar
Standard 2 of 52 of 5 - numbers only

Standard 2 of 5
decimal
UPC-AUPC-A - numbers only (11 numbers and a check digit)

UPC-A
decimal
UPC-EUPC-E - numbers only - used for zero-compression UPC symbols.

UPC-E
decimal