Which barcode should you choose?

• Code 3 of 9 Standard (Also called Code 39) Code 39 Standard is the most commonly used barcode. Use Code 39 to store any of the 43 standard alphanumeric characters, including capital letters A-Z, numbers 0-9, and some punctuation.
• Code 128 Code 128 is the most easily read barcode and can be used to store any alphanumeric characters. If you are considering using barcodes in your company, Code 128 is a good choice.
• Interleave 2 of 5 This barcode can only contain numeric information, and is typically used in industrial and master carton labeling.
• Codabar Codabar is often used in libraries and blood banks.
• Code 93 Code 93 is similar to Code 39, but allows you to store more characters per inch.
• MSI Plessey This barcode can only store numeric information, and is commonly used in warehousing and inventory stock control.
• UPC-A UPC-A is a 12-digit fixed-length barcode. This is the most commonly used barcode in retail product labeling. The first 6 digits are unique to your business, and must be assigned to you by GS1 US.
• UPC-E UPC-E is a 6-digit fixed-length barcode. This barcode is a compressed code that is used to mark small packages and paperback books and magazines in retail.
• EAN/JAN-13 EAN/JAN-13 can only store 12, 14 or 17 characters. The barcode is similar to UPC-A, but allows you to include the first two digits of a country code.
• EAN/JAN-8 EAN/JAN-8 requires the use of 7, 9 or 12 characters. EAN/JAN-8 is similar to the UPC-E, but also allows you to store the first two digits of a country code.
• US Postal Code The US Postal Code barcode is also called POSTNET, and is used by the US Postal service for mail delivery.
• QR Code A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a type of 2D barcode that can hold more than 4,000 alphanumeric characters. This gives you the ability to store a significant amount of information in a small space.