One-dimensional (linear) barcodes (1D barcodes)

One-dimensional barcodes are normally linear barcodes that are used to encode values with a sequence of bars with different thicknesses. In this type of barcode format, only this sequence is relevant, i.e., the bars’ height is not important. In fact, this is the reason why these barcodes are called one-dimensional barcodes. Accordingly, 1D barcodes normally involve few, if any, requirements concerning the barcode height. In contrast, their width is subject to strict rules, as the sequence of empty spaces and bars, and their width ratio in particular, must strictly adhere to the relevant specifications without fail.

Codabar

Character set: A-D, 0-9,6 special characters	Capacity: 16 symbols +4 optional characters as start and stop symbols	Encoded value: A1234567890A
The Codabar linear code was originally developed for the retail industry, but only plays a secondary role in it nowadays. Now, it is primarily used by libraries, photo labs, blood banks, and other specific businesses. Normally, the start and stop symbols provide information about the purpose of the encoded information. Thanks to its typically large spaces and bar thicknesses, Codabar remains easy to read at low resolutions, as well as in printouts with poor quality. However, the format has little information capacity and requires considerable space, rendering these advantages less useful than would be expected.

Code 39

Character set: A-Z, 0-9,5 special characters	Capacity: Variable	Encoded value: WEBPDF$
The Code 3 of 9 barcode is named that way because of the fact that three of the nine elements (bars) used to encode a codeword are wider than the others. Code 39 can optionally be used with a check digit, but in general is already considered to be self-checking due to its codeword structure. Thanks to its large character set, its variable length, and the ease with which it can be generated, this barcode is widely used by a large number of industries, including the electronics, chemical, warehousing, and shipping industries, among others. The asterisk symbol is always used for the start and stop symbols. However, both the start and stop symbols are also often left out when entering/outputting a Code 39 barcode and are handled automatically in the background. Unfortunately, the format has a very low information density per unit of space, and its character set is more limited than that available with Code 128, for instance.

Code 128

Character set: 128A:A-Z, 0-9,ASCII special characters,ASCII control characters,FNC 1-4 * 128B:A-Z, a-z, 0-9,ASCII special characters,FNC 1-4 * 128C:00-99	Capacity: Variable	Encoded value: webPDF
Code 128 is named that way because of the fact that is supports all 128 ASCII characters. Code 128 features a couple of special characteristics, the first being the fact that it is possible to switch between 3 different character sets within the same barcode, which provides greater information density and expands the available range of characters even further. These three character sets do not constitute independent formats, as a Code 128 barcode will normally switch between all three of them as necessary in order to encode contents in as compact a manner as possible. In addition to this, Code 128 offers 4 FNC codes. Out of these, FNC4 extends the character set by adding all LATIN-1 (ISO 8859-1) characters. This format is extremely common worldwide, particularly in the packaging and shipping industries. It features its own specialized start and stop symbols, as well as the option of generating a checksum.

EAN-13

Character set: 0-9	Capacity: 13 digits	Encoded value: 5901234123457
The "European Article Number 13" format is a widely used barcode format used for product labelling in the retail industry – the number 13 refers to the barcode’s maximum capacity of 13 digits. The main reason why this barcode is useful is the fact that it has a set length and strictly standardized contents. More specifically, an EAN-13 barcode consists of a GS1 country code (GS1 Prefix), a company code, a product code, and a check digit. This means that the format is very easy and quick to read, as well as to enter manually. There is also added flexibility in the fact that the country code can be replaced, for example, with an internal code at supermarkets in order to specify the relevant product’s use.

EAN-8

Character set: 0-9	Capacity: 8 digits	Encoded value: 65833254
The "European Article Number 8" format is a shorter version of the EAN-13 barcode – the number 8 refers to the barcode’s maximum capacity of 8 digits. The main reason why this barcode is useful is the fact that it not only has a set length, but also one that is comparably very short. The EAN-8 barcode is primarily intended for labelling products for which an EAN-13 barcode would be too long. An EAN-8 barcode consists of a GS1 country code (GS1 Prefix), a product code, and a check digit. This means that the format is very easy and quick to read, as well as to enter manually.

UPC-A

Character set: 0-9	Capacity: 12 digits	Encoded value: 03600029145
Much like EAN barcodes, the Universal Product Code is a format for labelling products in the retail industry. UPC is compatible with EAN codes, and is the only format accepted for product labelling in the USA and Canada. Its main difference from EAN-13 is the numbering system digit that is found at its beginning:0 - Normal UPC code2 - Products sold by weight3 - NDC (National Drug Code) and HRI (Health Related Items) codes, i.e., medical products4 - Unrestricted UPC code5 - Coupon6 - Normal UPC code7 - Normal UPC codeDigits 1, 8, and 9 are reserved for later assignment. The second through sixth digits are used to indicate the product’s manufacturer, with this information being followed by the product number and, finally, a check digit. In contrast to EAN barcodes, UPC codes are accepted worldwide and accordingly are preferred primarily by companies with international operations. The format is very easy and quick to read, as well as to enter manually.

ITF

Character set: 0-9	Capacity: 14 digits	Encoded value: 98765432109213
Just like UPC and EAN barcodes, Interleaved 2 of 5 (or, more properly, ITF-14) is a barcode format used by the retail industry. However, it is used primarily for labelling shipping packages and pallets. The first digit specifies the type of packaging, the next 12 digits contain the product number, and the final digit is the check digit. The format’s name comes from the way in which information is stored in it – it encodes pairs of digits, with the first digit being encoded in five bars and the second digit being encoded in the five spaces that follow these bars. The advantage of this approach is that it allows for a relatively high information density. The original ITF format did not have any character limitations, but it has also fallen into disuse.