All barcode types at a glance
Overview of all 149 barcode types of the free online generator: linear codes, 2D codes, GS1, EAN/UPC, postal barcodes, healthcare, ISBN, banking, mobile tagging.
Linear Codes
One-dimensional barcodes consist of parallel bars and spaces of varying width. They are the industry standard for logistics, warehousing, inventory, tickets and product marking, readable by any laser or camera scanner.
Postal Codes
Postal barcodes are used by postal operators for automatic sorting and tracking. Many are 4-state codes (ascender, descender, tracker, full bars) that fit even in narrow address areas.
GS1 DataBar
The GS1 DataBar family (formerly RSS) identifies trade items with a GTIN plus optional attributes such as weight, lot or best-before date – especially for fresh produce, coupons and small packs. Composite variants (CCA) add a 2D component.
EAN / UPC
EAN and UPC barcodes are the world's most common retail barcodes at the point of sale. They encode the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and require a correct check digit, which our generator calculates or verifies automatically.
2D Barcodes
Two-dimensional codes store data as a matrix or stacked rows and achieve a far higher data density than linear barcodes – including error correction. QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec and PDF417 are the key members.
GS1 2D Barcodes
GS1 2D codes combine the application identifier data structure – e.g. (01) GTIN, (17) expiry, (10) lot – with the compact Data Matrix and QR Code symbols. They are mandatory in pharma serialisation and the basis of GS1 Digital Link.
Electronic Banking / SEPA
Payment QR codes carry all transfer data (IBAN, amount, remittance info) in a standardised format. The EPC QR code ("GiroCode") is read by German and Austrian banking apps, the Swiss QR Code is mandatory on Swiss QR-bills.
Mobile Tagging
Mobile tagging codes connect print with the smartphone: one scan opens a website, dials a number, sends an SMS or leads to a social media profile. Available as QR Code, Data Matrix (Semacode) and Aztec.
Healthcare
Pharma and medical device barcodes such as PZN, PPN, NTIN, HIBC and Pharmacode follow strict rules (securPharm, UDI, EU FMD). Our generator calculates check digits and builds the data structures to specification.
ISBN Codes
ISBN, ISSN and ISMN identify books, periodicals and printed music. Technically they are EAN-13 barcodes with the prefixes 978/979 or 977, often extended by a 2- or 5-digit add-on for price or issue.
Business Cards
Contact data as vCard or MeCard in a 2D code: one scan saves name, phone, email and address straight into the smartphone address book – ideal for business cards, email signatures and trade fair stands.
Calendar Codes
Event codes contain an iCalendar event (VEVENT) with title, location, start and end. After scanning, the smartphone adds the appointment to the calendar – perfect for invitations, posters and tickets.
Wi-Fi Barcodes
Wi-Fi codes contain SSID, encryption and password. iOS and Android join the network automatically after scanning – the most convenient solution for guest Wi-Fi in holiday rentals, cafés and offices.