You can identify a barcode symbology identifier type just by looking at it.
It is a handy skill to have when a scanner or verifier is not readily available.
You do not need to understand how the barcode is structured or how the decode algorithm works.
Barcode symbol type, AKA “symbology”,is visually identifiable by the pattern of bars and spaces at the start and stop of the barcode.
Barcode identification plays a key role in enabling efficient barcoding operations.
One way to identify barcodes is through visual examination.
Different barcodes have distinct patterns and features that allow them to be identified visually.
By visually recognising the barcode type, one can determine the data type encoded in the code, its usage and the most suitable barcode readers to use.
In this article, we will provide you with an overview of the distinct features associated with the most popular barcode types that can be identified with the naked eye.
We will start by covering 1D barcodes, followed by 2D barcode types.
But first, here is a quick overview of what a barcode is.
Understanding the Basics of Barcode Technology
Barcodes are machine-readable symbols that store data about a product,item or object.
This data can be encoded in the form of numbers,letters and special characters.
Barcodes are composed of patterns such as lines,dots,rectangles and other shapes with varying widths arranged in a specific sequence.
Barcodes are of two types,namely,1D and 2D barcodes.
1D barcodes encode data horizontally,from left to right, in a single line,whereas 2D barcodes contain information both horizontally and vertically on a two-dimensional plane.
UPC/EAN
This symbology is the simplest to identify visually.
All begin with a pair of narrow bars with a narrow space between them.
The full 13-digit version also has an identical pair at the end.
The shortened EAN-8 and UPC-E versions also have this telltale pattern of start and stop bars.
ITF-14
This barcode also has an easily identifiable set of start/stop bars,with a pair of narrow bars with an equally narrow space between them at the start,and at the stop,a wide and narrow bar with a narrow space between them.
ITF-14 should also have a long dark horizontal bar above and below the bar/space pattern,and in many usages has a full-surrounding bearer bar frame.
ITF-14 is a GS1 barcode type.
Non-GS1 versions of ITF barcodes are in use in closed-loop systems,and may not have the same identifiable bar/space pattern characteristics.
Code 39 is identifiable by a start pattern of narrow and wide bars as follows:
Code 39 If you look closely,you will see the same pattern at the end of a Code 39 barcode.
GS1-128 is a bit more complicated.
Code 128 has three possible character sets,each of which encode data differently.
But all three character sets share a common stop character pattern: two wide bars flanking a narrow bar-space-bar pattern.
GS1-128 is a GS1 barcode type.
Non-GS1 versions of Code 128 are in use in closed-loop systems,and may not have the same identifiable bar/space characteristics.
Data Bar Code is readily identifiable in its stacked configuration.
Data Bar also makes common use of a single narrow start and stop bar.
Data matrix Code always has an L track consisting of a solid dark line of two adjacent sides,and a clock track of alternating light-dark elements on the opposite adjacent sides.
QR Code utilizes a finder pattern consisting of a dark square within a dark frame in three corners.
A similar, smaller alignment pattern is often located inboard of the fourth corner.
Scanning systems security often involves limiting the types of barcodes it will accept.
When a barcode fails to scan, it can be difficult to determine the cause.
Visual identification of a barcode type can simplify this.
