What barcode formats exist and what are they used for?

There are over 15 common formats: EAN-13 and UPC-A for retail, Code 128 and Code 39 for industry and logistics, ITF-14 for shipping cartons, GS1-128 for supply chains, ISBN for books, PZN and Pharmacode for pharmaceuticals, plus 2D codes like Data Matrix, PDF417, and Aztec.

Which barcode format is best for retail?

EAN-13 is the global standard for retail products and is supported by every supermarket checkout worldwide. In North America, UPC-A with 12 digits is used alternatively. Both formats are compatible through GS1 and require a registered manufacturer number.

What is the difference between Code 128 and Code 39?

Code 128 encodes all 128 ASCII characters and is significantly more compact than Code 39, which supports only 43 characters (uppercase letters, digits, special characters). Code 128 is preferred for shipping labels and logistics, while Code 39 is found in older industrial systems and US military applications.

What is Data Matrix used for?

Data Matrix is a 2D code that stores large amounts of data in a very small area. It is used for marking electronic components, in medical devices (UDI marking), and in the automotive industry. Its error correction allows reading even with partial damage.

What is GS1-128 and where is it used?

GS1-128 (formerly EAN-128) is an extension of Code 128 that includes standardized Application Identifiers (AI) for additional information such as expiration date, batch number, weight, and serial number. It is the standard for supply chains, logistics, and food wholesale.

Barcode Formats – The 15 Most Popular Standards

From supermarket shelves to pharmaceutical production lines – barcodes are everywhere. BlueChilliesQR supports over 100 barcode symbologies. This guide covers the 15 most widely used formats, organised by industry.

Retail & Product Identification

EAN-13

The global standard for retail products. 13 digits with check digit. Used in over 100 countries at point of sale.

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EAN-8

Compact 8-digit version of EAN-13 for small products where space is limited, such as candy bars or lipsticks.

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UPC-A

The North American retail standard. 12 digits, mandatory for products sold in the USA and Canada.

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ISBN

International Standard Book Number. Used worldwide for book identification in libraries, bookstores, and publishers.

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Logistics & Supply Chain

Code 128

High-density alphanumeric barcode. The workhorse of shipping labels, inventory management, and logistics.

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Code 39

Self-checking alphanumeric barcode. Standard in automotive (AIAG), defence (MIL-STD-1189), and healthcare.

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ITF-14

14-digit code for outer cartons and pallets. Designed for rough surfaces like corrugated cardboard.

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GS1-128

Encodes Application Identifiers (AI) for batch numbers, expiry dates, weight, and serial numbers in supply chains.

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2D Barcodes

Data Matrix

Compact 2D code for small items. Standard in electronics (PCB marking), healthcare, and aerospace (AS9132).

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PDF417

Stacked linear code holding up to 1,800 characters. Used for IDs, driving licences, boarding passes, and shipping.

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Aztec

Concentric square pattern. Needs no quiet zone. Standard for transport tickets, boarding passes (IATA BCBP).

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Pharmaceutical & Healthcare

Pharmacode

Binary code for pharmaceutical packaging lines. Encodes values 3–131,070 for production line verification.

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PZN

Pharmazentralnummer – German pharmacy product identifier. 8-digit Code 39 for medicine packaging in Germany.

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Banking & Payments

Swiss QR Code

Mandatory on Swiss payment slips (QR-Rechnung). Contains IBAN, amount, and creditor data for bank transfers.

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Codabar

Legacy format still used in libraries, blood banks, and FedEx airbills. Encodes digits and six special characters.

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Quick Comparison

Format	Type	Characters	Industry
EAN-13	1D	13 digits	Retail (global)
EAN-8	1D	8 digits	Small products
UPC-A	1D	12 digits	Retail (N. America)
Code 128	1D	Alphanumeric	Logistics
Code 39	1D	A–Z, 0–9	Automotive, Defence
ITF-14	1D	14 digits	Cartons, Pallets
GS1-128	1D	Variable	Supply chain
Data Matrix	2D	Up to 2,335	Electronics, Healthcare
PDF417	2D	Up to 1,850	IDs, Transport
Aztec	2D	Up to 3,832	Tickets, Boarding
ISBN	1D	13 digits	Books, Publishing
Pharmacode	1D	3–131,070	Pharmaceutical
PZN	1D	8 digits	German pharmacies
Swiss QR	2D	Variable	Swiss banking
Codabar	1D	0–9, -$:/.+	Libraries, Blood banks

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