We all know what barcodes (or 1D barcodes) are and see them everyday on products. Cashiers in retail stores scan these codes with optical readers to bill the items that we want to purchase. Each barcode (typically the UPC-A) contains a 12-digit numerical code that helps the billing software identify the product.
But this was obviously not enough. Retailers and manufacturers wanted more information in a smaller space. Enter 2D Barcodes.
What is a 2D Barcode?
A 2D Barcode is a two-dimensional way to represent information. It is similar to a linear 1D barcode, but can represent more data per unit area. Typically, it can store upto 350 times the information a 1D barcode can store.
What are the types of 2D Barcodes?
There are quite a few widely-accepted standards of 2D Barcodes:
QR Code
This is the most popular standard of 2D Barcodes and is widely used in inventory management, marketing & advertising, education, and tourism.
A QR Code can contain information such as alphanumeric text, web URLs, contact information, Wifi network name and password, calendar event information, and maps location. A QR Code can store upto 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
Another interesting advantage of a QR Code is that it doesn’t have to be black-and-white and can easily be designed.
QR Codes can be created and designed online using QR Code Generators. Both handheld optical readers and smartphone-based QR Code readers can scan a QR Code.
Aztec Code
An Aztec Code is primarily used in the transport industry by companies such as Eurostar and Deutsche Bahn on online tickets and printed by customers. Unlike barcodes, an Aztec Code can store alphanumeric information.
Data Matrix
A Data Matrix is another 2D Barcode that can store text or numeric data – a total of upto 1556 bytes. Its most common use case is to mark small items such as small electronic components, and food and beverage items.
PDF417
The PDF417 format of a 2D Barcode is primarily used in the transport industry. One can find these codes on boarding passes of flights. The barcode has patterns each of with contain 4 bars and is 17 units long.
How to create 2D barcode?
Depending on your use case, you can create QR Codes in three possible ways:
1. Using a QR Code generator
If you need a small number of QR Codes which are both editable and trackable, you can use an online QR Code generator. Using Scanova for a demo, here’s how you can do it.
2. Using a bulk generation service
If you need a large number of QR Codes (in hundreds or thousands), you can use a bulk generation service. That means no need to create QR Codes individually. Just upload a data file with all the details to be encoded and download your QR Codes in a zip folder.
3. Using QR Code API
If you have an app (such as payments or ticketing app) and you want to integrate QR Code generation with it, you can use QR Code generation API.
Create your first QR Code now
Still have questions? Ask in the comments section below.
