Explore popular barcode types like UPC, EAN, Code 39, Code 128, ITF, and more. Learn which barcode is right for your product, inventory, or packaging.

Which Barcode Format Should You Use? (UPC, EAN, Code 39, and More)

Barcodes are essential for product labeling, inventory tracking, retail checkout, and logistics. But not all barcodes are the same. There are many formats—each designed for specific industries and use cases.

In this guide, we explain the most popular barcode formats and help you decide which one fits your business needs.

📦 1. UPC-A (Universal Product Code)

UPC-A is the most commonly used barcode in retail across the U.S. and Canada. It encodes 12 numeric digits and is ideal for point-of-sale systems.

• Use case: Retail packaging (groceries, electronics, etc.)
• Characters: Only numbers (0–9)
• Example: 012345678905

🌐 2. EAN-13 (European Article Number)

EAN-13 is widely used internationally. It encodes 13 numeric digits and is similar to UPC-A but with added global compatibility.

• Use case: International retail products
• Characters: Numbers only
• Example: 8901234567890

🏭 3. Code 39

Code 39 supports both numbers and uppercase letters. It's widely used in industrial, military, and healthcare applications.

• Use case: Inventory, ID cards, labelling
• Characters: A–Z, 0–9, and -.$/+%
• Generate Code 39 Barcode

🚛 4. Code 128

Code 128 is a high-density barcode that can store all 128 ASCII characters. It's preferred for logistics, shipping, and tracking labels.

• Use case: Shipping, warehouse, courier labels
• Characters: All ASCII (letters, numbers, symbols)
• Generate Code 128 Barcode

📦 5. ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)

ITF is a numeric-only barcode used to encode pairs of digits. It's often printed on cartons or outer packaging.

• Use case: Distribution and shipping cartons
• Characters: Numeric only

🛡 6. PDF417 (2D Barcode)

PDF417 is a stacked, two-dimensional barcode used in government IDs, driver’s licenses, airline tickets, and boarding passes.

• Use case: IDs, tickets, forms
• Stores: Large data volumes (text, images)

🔢 7. DataMatrix

DataMatrix is a 2D barcode used in small-item labeling and manufacturing. It is space-efficient and supports error correction.

• Use case: Electronics, pharmaceuticals
• Stores: Text, numbers, special characters

📌 Choosing the Right Barcode Format

🔧 Try It Now – Free Barcode Generator

You can generate any barcode format using qrcreates.com. It’s fast, free, and doesn’t require registration.

• Code 39 Barcode Generator
• EAN-13 Barcode Generator
• Code 128 Barcode Generator

Published by qrcreates.com – Trusted by retailers, logistics teams, and small businesses to create accurate barcodes and QR codes.