Barcode Technology

Barcode History

Barcode Label Paper

Barcode Printer

Barcode Application

Inventory Management

AI Barcode QRCode

Barcode Scanner

Barcode Software

Barcode Software B

Barcode Software C

Barcode Software D

Barcode Software E

New Technology A

New Technology B

Robot Technology

Barcode Types

Barcode Types B

Barcode Types C

Barcode Types D

Barcode Types E

Barcode Types F

Electronic Technology

Psychology at Work

ActiveBarcode Component

Part 2 of 17 Supported Barcode Symbologies and Standards Coverage

1. Introduction to Symbology Support in ActiveBarcode

The ActiveBarcode ActiveBarcode Component distinguishes itself through broad, standards-focused barcode symbology support, aimed squarely at real-world business, logistics, retail, healthcare, and administrative use cases.

Rather than chasing experimental or rarely used academic codes, ActiveBarcode concentrates on industry-recognized, standards-based barcode formats that are widely accepted by scanners, printers, logistics providers, postal operators, and regulatory authorities.

This part provides a comprehensive, structured analysis of the barcode types supported by ActiveBarcode, including their technical characteristics, business relevance, and typical implementation considerations.

2. Classification of Supported Barcode Types

ActiveBarcode organizes barcode support conceptually into several major categories:

1. Linear (1D) barcodes

2. Stacked linear barcodes

3. Matrix (2D) barcodes

4. Postal barcodes

5. Specialized and industry-specific barcodes

Each category reflects distinct encoding philosophies and usage scenarios.

3. Linear (1D) Barcode Symbologies

Linear barcodes remain the backbone of global commerce. ActiveBarcode provides extensive support for this category due to its dominance in retail, warehousing, and manufacturing.

3.1 Code 39 (Code 3 of 9)

Code 39 is one of the earliest alphanumeric barcode symbologies and remains popular due to its simplicity.

Key characteristics include:

1. Support for uppercase letters, digits, and a limited symbol set

2. Optional check digit

3. Self-checking structure

4. Wide scanner compatibility

ActiveBarcode allows precise control over:

1. Wide-to-narrow bar ratio

2. Optional checksum calculation

3. Start/stop character visibility

Typical use cases include asset tagging, industrial labeling, and internal tracking systems.

3.2 Code 128

Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode optimized for compact data encoding.

ActiveBarcode fully supports:

1. Code Set A

2. Code Set B

3. Code Set C

4. Automatic code set switching

Technical highlights include:

1. Mandatory check digit

2. Efficient numeric compression via Code Set C

3. Full ASCII support

Code 128 is widely used in logistics, shipping labels, and GS1-compliant systems.

3.3 GS1-128 (formerly EAN-128)

GS1-128 extends Code 128 with structured application identifiers.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Application Identifier parsing

2. FNC1 insertion

3. Fixed and variable-length data elements

This symbology is critical for supply chain traceability, expiration date encoding, and batch number tracking.

3.4 Code 93

Code 93 improves upon Code 39 by offering higher density and enhanced error detection.

ActiveBarcode handles:

1. Dual check character computation

2. Extended character encoding

3. Compact symbol generation

Code 93 is often found in logistics and industrial environments where moderate density and reliability are required.

3.5 Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)

Interleaved 2 of 5 is a numeric-only barcode commonly used for carton labeling.

ActiveBarcode provides:

1. Optional bearer bars

2. Configurable checksum handling

3. Precise bar width control

This symbology is widely used in packaging and distribution centers.

3.6 Industrial 2 of 5

Industrial 2 of 5 is an older numeric-only barcode.

Although less common today, ActiveBarcode includes it for:

1. Legacy system compatibility

2. Industrial retrofitting projects

3.7 Codabar

Codabar is designed for applications requiring simple encoding and manual data entry.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Start/stop character selection

2. Optional checksum variants

Common usage includes libraries, blood banks, and logistics labels.

3.8 MSI (Modified Plessey)

MSI is used mainly in inventory and warehouse management.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Multiple checksum algorithms

2. Numeric-only encoding

3. Adjustable module width

4. Retail-Oriented Linear Barcodes

Retail barcodes require strict compliance with international standards. ActiveBarcode emphasizes dimensional accuracy and check digit correctness.

4.1 EAN-13

EAN-13 is the global retail standard outside North America.

ActiveBarcode ensures:

1. Correct guard bar placement

2. Mandatory checksum calculation

3. Proper quiet zones

EAN-13 is commonly used for consumer goods and point-of-sale systems.

4.2 EAN-8

EAN-8 is a compact version of EAN-13.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Automatic checksum generation

2. Precise size scaling

3. Retail scanner compatibility

4.3 UPC-A

UPC-A is the dominant retail barcode in North America.

ActiveBarcode guarantees:

1. Proper number system digit handling

2. Manufacturer code and product code alignment

3. Correct check digit calculation

4.4 UPC-E

UPC-E is a compressed version of UPC-A.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Automatic expansion and compression

2. Zero-suppression rules

3. Scanner-compatible formatting

5. Stacked Linear Barcode Symbologies

Stacked barcodes bridge the gap between 1D and 2D formats.

5.1 PDF417

PDF417 is a high-capacity stacked barcode.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Variable row and column configuration

2. Error correction level adjustment

3. Binary and text encoding modes

PDF417 is widely used in ID documents, transport tickets, and regulatory forms.

5.2 MicroPDF417

MicroPDF417 is optimized for smaller labels.

ActiveBarcode includes:

1. Compact symbol variants

2. Adjustable error correction

3. Reduced footprint configurations

6. Matrix (2D) Barcode Symbologies

Matrix codes allow significantly higher data density and robust error correction.

6.1 QR Code

QR Code is one of the most widely recognized 2D barcodes.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Numeric, alphanumeric, byte, and Kanji modes

2. Error correction levels L, M, Q, and H

3. Version auto-selection

QR Codes are used for marketing, URLs, payments, and mobile scanning.

6.2 Data Matrix

Data Matrix is heavily used in industrial and healthcare applications.

ActiveBarcode provides:

1. ECC 200 compliance

2. Square and rectangular formats

3. High-density encoding

Data Matrix is often used for small item labeling and direct part marking.

6.3 Aztec Code

Aztec Code is optimized for compact encoding without requiring a quiet zone.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Full-range symbol sizes

2. Configurable error correction

3. Transport industry compatibility

7. Postal Barcode Symbologies

Postal services impose strict formatting requirements.

7.1 USPS POSTNET

ActiveBarcode supports POSTNET for legacy U.S. postal applications.

7.2 USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb)

IMb is the modern USPS standard.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. Correct bar height encoding

2. Tracking and routing information

3. USPS dimensional compliance

7.3 Royal Mail RM4SCC

Used in the United Kingdom, RM4SCC is supported for international postal compatibility.

7.4 KIX Code

Used in the Netherlands, KIX Code is included for European postal systems.

8. GS1 DataBar Family

GS1 DataBar barcodes are optimized for point-of-sale and variable-weight items.

ActiveBarcode supports:

1. GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional

2. GS1 DataBar Truncated

3. GS1 DataBar Stacked

4. GS1 DataBar Expanded

These are used for fresh produce, coupons, and healthcare items.

9. Industry-Specific and Specialized Codes

ActiveBarcode also includes support for less common but still relevant symbologies:

1. Plessey

2. Pharmacode

3. Telepen

4. Custom numeric encodings

These are often required in niche regulatory or industrial contexts.

10. Character Encoding and Unicode Considerations

ActiveBarcode carefully manages:

1. ASCII encoding

2. Extended character sets

3. Unicode input normalization

This ensures consistent output regardless of system locale.

11. Check Digit and Error Detection Handling

Check digit calculation is handled automatically for supported symbologies.

ActiveBarcode ensures:

1. Standards-compliant algorithms

2. Optional manual override

3. Input validation before rendering

12. Dimensional Accuracy and Print Fidelity

Barcode dimensions are critical for scan reliability.

ActiveBarcode enforces:

1. Minimum module width

2. Quiet zone requirements

3. Aspect ratio consistency

13. Scanner Compatibility Philosophy

ActiveBarcode prioritizes maximum scanner compatibility by:

1. Avoiding non-standard encodings

2. Respecting symbology tolerances

3. Producing conservative, readable symbols

14. Legacy Support and Backward Compatibility

Older symbologies are retained to support:

1. Long-lived enterprise systems

2. Industrial retrofits

3. Archival document reproduction

15. Choosing the Right Symbology

ActiveBarcode documentation encourages users to select symbologies based on:

1. Data density requirements

2. Scanner environment

3. Print quality constraints

4. Regulatory acceptance

16. Summary of Symbology Coverage

ActiveBarcode symbology coverage can be summarized as:

1. Broad but conservative

2. Standards-driven

3. Business-oriented

4. Enterprise-compatible

17. Transition to Encoding Internals

With symbology coverage established, Part 3 will dive into:

1. Barcode encoding algorithms

2. Internal data validation

3. Symbol construction logic

4. Error prevention strategies

EasierSoft Barcode Label Design & Bulk Printing Software

---- Use Excel Data to Batch Print Barcodes on Label Sheets or Roll Labels  

---- How to use this barcode software

Download:  Free Barcode Software + Barcode Label Designer Download Free Barcode Software at Softonic      Download at CNET

Once you obtain a GS1/UPC/EAN barcode, or other barcode type and QR code, you can use our free software to batch print barcode labels onto Roll label paper using a professional label printer, or to batch print barcodes onto Avery 5160 label sheets using a regular laser or inkjet printer. Our software has free and paid versions.

The free version fully meets your needs for batch printing GS1/UPC/EAN barcodes. The paid version can import data from Excel and databases to batch print barcode labels with different values.

How to Use & FAQ:

Highlights

Excel integration: Import data directly from Excel to generate and print barcodes in bulk.

Label designer: Create complex labels with multiple barcodes, text, logos, and shapes.

Batch printing: Print thousands of barcodes at once using standard inkjet/laser printers or professional barcode printers.

Flexible editions:

Standard Edition: Simple batch printing with Excel data.

Professional Edition: Adds command-line automation for workflow integration.

Label Designer Edition: Advanced design features for complex labels.

Why Choose Our Barcode Solutions?

Cost-effective: Free online generator and permanent free desktop version available.

Easy to use: No technical expertise required—just input data and print.

Versatile: Supports nearly all 1D and 2D barcode types, including QR codes.

Trusted: Recommended by CNET and widely downloaded by users worldwide.

Suitable Use Cases

Small businesses and startups needing quick barcode labels for products.

Retailers and online sellers managing inventory with batch barcode printing.

Manufacturers requiring sequential or custom barcode labels for packaging.

Educational and testing environments where barcodes are used for tracking.