Barcode Types and Uses: A Complete Overview
Discover different barcode formats, their applications, and how to choose the right type.
Open the barcode generator tool in your web browser. No registration or installation required.
Select the barcode format that matches your needs: Code 128, EAN-13, Code 39, UPC-A, or QR Code. Each format has different capabilities.
Enter the data you want to encode. This can be a product number, serial number, text, URL, or other alphanumeric data depending on the format.
Customize the barcode appearance by adjusting size, colors, and background. Ensure good contrast for reliable scanning.
Click the generate button to create your barcode instantly. The barcode will appear in the preview area.
Test the barcode with a scanner or smartphone app to ensure it reads correctly before using it in production.
Download your barcode in PNG, SVG, or PDF format. PNG is best for digital use, SVG for scalable graphics, and PDF for printing.
Use your barcode on products, labels, documents, or anywhere you need automated data entry or tracking.
Barcodes can encode product numbers, serial numbers, URLs, text, and other alphanumeric data. Different barcode formats support different types and lengths of data.
Common formats include Code 128 (alphanumeric), EAN-13 (product codes), QR Code (2D, various data), Code 39 (alphanumeric), and UPC-A (product codes). Choose based on your data type and requirements.
Yes, all barcode generation happens entirely in your browser. Your data never leaves your device or is sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy.
Yes, you can customize barcode colors, background colors, and size. However, be careful not to modify the bars themselves too much, as this can affect scanability.
Barcode scanners use light sensors to read the pattern of bars and spaces. The scanner decodes the pattern according to the barcode format's specification to retrieve the encoded data.
Yes, you can print barcodes on labels, packaging, documents, or any surface. Ensure adequate contrast (usually black bars on white background) and sufficient size for your scanner to read.
The maximum data length depends on the barcode format. Code 128 can encode up to 80 characters, while simpler formats like EAN-13 encode fixed-length numbers (13 digits).
Yes, you can generate barcodes for inventory management, product tracking, asset management, document identification, or any application that requires automated data entry.
Barcodes themselves don't expire. However, if a barcode encodes a URL or other dynamic data, that data may change or become unavailable over time.
Yes, you can download barcodes as PNG (raster image), SVG (vector image), or PDF (for printing). PNG is best for digital use, SVG for scalable graphics, and PDF for professional printing.
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