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Barcode Basics: What is a Barcode?

A barcode is an optical, machine-readable representation of data, usually printed as parallel lines or a square pattern and read by a scanner or camera.
A barcode encodes data as either a line pattern or a square/dot pattern. Linear, or 1D, barcodes represent data as a series of parallel lines and spaces of different widths. 2D barcodes represent data as a grid of squares or dots, which lets them hold more information in the same space. Barcodes are read with a barcode scanner, a barcode reader, or camera-based software, and are widely used for Auto ID Data Capture (AIDC): identifying an item quickly and accurately without typing it in. For BSD Infotech's own barcode hardware, software and business solutions, see Barcode Solutions.

1D vs 2D Barcodes

1D (linear) barcodes, such as the codes used on most retail products, store a limited amount of data, usually a numeric or alphanumeric code, and are read with a single linear scan. They are the most common and lowest-cost option for general products, inventory and retail use.

2D (matrix) barcodes store more data in the same space by using a grid of squares or dots instead of lines, and are read with a camera or imager rather than a single linear scan. They suit applications such as document tracking and logistics labels, where more information needs to travel with the item.

Barcode vs QR Code

A QR code is a specific, widely recognized type of 2D barcode. Every QR code is a 2D barcode, but not every 2D barcode is a QR code — there are other 2D symbologies used in logistics and documents. QR codes are commonly used for links and mobile scanning; other 2D barcodes are more common in industrial and logistics labelling.

A short history

The first barcode patent (US patent 2,612,994) was issued to Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in October 1952, following their work on a system to identify goods automatically. Barcodes were not put to commercial use until the mid-1960s, and did not become commercially successful in retail until the 1980s.

Where barcodes are used

  • Retail and grocery products, for pricing and checkout
  • Inventory and warehouse management, for stock identification and movement
  • Document management, for indexing scanned and filed documents
  • Shipping and logistics, for tracking parcels and shipments
  • Tickets and passes, for validating entry at events and venues
  • Asset tracking, for identifying fixed and IT assets
Barcode hardware and software on this site

Frequently Asked Questions

The first barcode patent (US 2,612,994) was issued to Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver in October 1952, though practical implementation and commercial use came later as scanning technology matured.
Traditional barcode symbologies like UPC encoded only numbers, but newer symbologies can also encode uppercase letters and other characters.
We supply barcode printers, desktop and receipt barcode printers, barcode scanners, labels and reader hardware and software.

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