Barcode NextBARCODE TYPES
Supported barcode types for retail, GS1, logistics and 2D workflows.
Barcode Next supports professional 1D and 2D symbologies, from retail EAN and UPC codes to GS1, logistics, postal and matrix formats.
CHOOSING A FORMAT
Start with the workflow, not the visual appearance.
The right choice depends on the data, available space and any standard required by a trading partner. Retail identifiers usually call for EAN or UPC; general operational data may use Code 128; structured GS1 data needs the appropriate GS1 carrier.
BARCODE FAMILY
Retail
Product identifiers and retail supplements.
EAN-13
13-digit retail barcode used widely on consumer product packaging. Common use: Retail products and GTIN-13 identifiers.
EAN-8
Compact 8-digit retail barcode for products where EAN-13 is too wide. Common use: Small retail packaging.
UPC-A
12-digit retail barcode commonly used in North American point-of-sale workflows. Common use: Retail products and GTIN-12 identifiers.
UPC-E
Compressed UPC format used where eligible UPC values need a smaller symbol. Common use: Small retail packaging.
ISBN
Publishing barcode workflow based on book identifiers and EAN-compatible retail encoding. Common use: Books and publishing.
ISSN
Publishing identifier used for serial publications. Common use: Magazines, journals and serial publications.
ISMN
Identifier used for notated music publications. Common use: Printed music and music publishing.
EAN-2 supplement
Two-digit supplemental symbol used next to compatible EAN/UPC publishing or retail barcodes. Common use: Issue or edition-style supplemental data.
EAN-5 supplement
Five-digit supplemental symbol used alongside compatible retail or publishing barcodes. Common use: Supplemental pricing or publishing data.
BARCODE FAMILY
General linear
Flexible one-dimensional codes for common operational data.
Code 128
High-density linear barcode supporting a broad range of characters and efficient numeric encoding. Common use: Inventory, logistics, shipping and internal identifiers.
Code 39
Established linear format with uppercase alphanumeric data and a limited symbol set. Common use: Industrial, automotive, government and legacy systems.
Code 93
Compact linear symbology related to Code 39 with higher data density. Common use: Identification and legacy operational systems.
Codabar
Simple linear barcode historically used in libraries, blood-bank workflows and other established systems. Common use: Legacy identification systems.
Interleaved 2 of 5
Numeric-only linear format that encodes digits in pairs for relatively compact output. Common use: Logistics, cartons and legacy numeric identification workflows.
Standard / Industrial 2 of 5
Numeric linear format used in older industrial and identification systems. Common use: Legacy industrial workflows.
BARCODE FAMILY
GS1
Structured GS1 formats for supply chain and healthcare workflows.
GS1-128
Code 128-based GS1 carrier for structured element strings. Common use: Logistics, case labels and supply-chain data.
GS1 DataMatrix
Compact 2D GS1 carrier using Data Matrix ECC 200. Common use: Traceability, product marking and compact GS1 data.
GS1 QR Code
QR-based GS1 carrier for structured GS1 Application Identifier data. Common use: GS1 workflows requiring QR geometry.
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional
Compact GS1 retail-oriented linear symbol designed for omnidirectional scanning. Common use: Smaller retail items and specialized point-of-sale workflows.
GS1 DataBar Limited
Compact GS1 DataBar variant with a restricted identifier range. Common use: Space-constrained GS1 identification workflows.
GS1 DataBar Expanded
GS1 DataBar variant capable of carrying additional structured data. Common use: Retail and supply-chain workflows needing more than a basic identifier.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked
Stacked form of GS1 DataBar Expanded for layouts where horizontal width is constrained. Common use: Space-constrained structured GS1 data.
BARCODE FAMILY
Logistics / postal
Transport, packaging and postal symbologies.
ITF-14
GTIN-14 carrier based on Interleaved 2 of 5 and commonly used on cartons and outer packaging. Common use: Shipping containers and packaging.
USPS Intelligent Mail
Postal barcode used in United States mail-processing workflows. Common use: USPS mail routing and tracking workflows.
Royal Mail
Postal barcode format used in Royal Mail workflows. Common use: United Kingdom postal processing.
Australia Post
Postal barcode format used in Australia Post mail workflows. Common use: Australian postal processing.
Japan Post
Postal barcode format used in Japan Post address and mail-processing workflows. Common use: Japanese postal processing.
BARCODE FAMILY
2D codes
Matrix and high-capacity symbols for compact or structured data.
QR Code
General-purpose matrix barcode with built-in error correction and broad scanner support. Common use: URLs, identifiers, text and general-purpose 2D workflows.
Micro QR
Compact member of the QR family designed for smaller payloads and smaller physical symbols. Common use: Space-constrained QR-family workflows.
Rectangular Micro QR (rMQR)
Rectangular QR-family format designed for narrow or elongated spaces. Common use: Layouts where a square QR symbol is not a good fit.
Data Matrix
Compact matrix barcode with a distinctive L-shaped finder pattern and built-in error correction. Common use: Manufacturing, product marking and compact identification.
Aztec
Matrix barcode built around a central bullseye finder pattern. Common use: Ticketing, documents and compact general-purpose 2D workflows.
PDF417
Stacked 2D barcode designed for larger data payloads and document-oriented workflows. Common use: Documents, identification and high-capacity structured data.
MicroPDF417
More compact stacked barcode derived from the PDF417 family. Common use: Smaller labels and constrained stacked-code layouts.
MaxiCode
Fixed-size 2D symbol originally designed for high-speed logistics and parcel workflows. Common use: Specialized logistics identification.
PRODUCTION CHECK
A valid symbol still needs the right identifier and final production check.
Barcode Next does not assign GTINs, ISBNs or other official identifiers. Confirm the required standard and verify the final printed output in its real environment.