Barcode Types & Fact Sheets

All supported barcode types: QR, EAN-13, Code 128, Data Matrix and more. Learn what each one is and generate a barcode for free.

1D or 2D — which one do you need?

Of the 14 types below, 10 are linear (1D) and 4 are matrix (2D). A linear barcode is read along a single axis and is what retail and shipping labels use; a matrix code is read across two axes and fits more data into the same area. The Capacity column shows what each type can actually hold.

2D · MOST POPULAR
QR Code

A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a square matrix. Because a…

1D · RETAIL
EAN-13

EAN-13 is a linear barcode that carries the 13-digit international article number…

1D · LOGISTICS
Code 128

Code 128 is a linear barcode that encodes the full ASCII set at high density. Its…

2D · INDUSTRY
Data Matrix

Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode that packs a large amount of data into a very…

1D · RETAIL
EAN-8

EAN-8 is the shortened 8-digit version of EAN-13 for small packages. It is used on small…

1D · RETAIL
UPC-A

UPC-A is the 12-digit product barcode used mainly in North American retail. It belongs to…

1D · RETAIL
UPC-E

UPC-E is a compressed version of UPC-A that suppresses zeros to fit on small packages…

1D · INDUSTRY
Code 39

Code 39 is a linear barcode that accepts uppercase letters and digits. Long established…

1D · CARTON
ITF-14

ITF-14 is a linear barcode that carries the GTIN-14 of a shipping container or outer…

2D · DOCUMENT
PDF417

PDF417 is a stacked, two-dimensional barcode that stores large amounts of data across…

2D · TICKET
Aztec

Aztec is a two-dimensional barcode that needs no surrounding quiet zone, so it fits where…

1D · ARCHIVE
Codabar

Codabar is a linear barcode that encodes digits and a few symbols, framed by start/stop…

1D · INDUSTRY
Code 93

Code 93 is a denser, check-digit version of Code 39 that encodes the same letters and…

1D · INVENTORY
MSI

MSI (MSI Plessey) is an older linear barcode that encodes only digits. It is mainly used…

Compare all barcode types

Year, standard and capacity come from the same catalog the generator uses, so this table and the barcodes you create cannot drift apart.

Type	1D / 2D	Capacity	Standard	Year
QR Code	2D	up to 4,296 characters	ISO/IEC 18004	1994
EAN-13	1D	12 digits + check	ISO/IEC 15420	1977
Code 128	1D	Full ASCII	ISO/IEC 15417	1981
Data Matrix	2D	up to 2,335 characters	ISO/IEC 16022	1994
EAN-8	1D	7 digits + check	ISO/IEC 15420	1977
UPC-A	1D	11 digits + check	ISO/IEC 15420	1974
UPC-E	1D	Compressed UPC	ISO/IEC 15420	1974
Code 39	1D	Letters + digits	ISO/IEC 16388	1974
ITF-14	1D	13 digits + check	ISO/IEC 16390	1987
PDF417	2D	up to 1,850 characters	ISO/IEC 15438	1991
Aztec	2D	up to 3,000 characters	ISO/IEC 24778	1995
Codabar	1D	Digits + limited symbols	—	1972
Code 93	1D	Letters + digits	—	1982
MSI	1D	Digits only	—	1970s

Frequently asked questions

How many barcode types are listed here?

14 types: 10 linear (1D) and 4 matrix (2D). Each one has its own fact sheet.

What is the difference between a 1D and a 2D barcode?

A 1D (linear) barcode is read along one axis; a 2D (matrix) code is read across two. The Capacity column above shows what that difference means in practice.

Which of these types are 2D codes?

QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec.