Today, various types of barcodes track and process all kinds of data.

Where Are Barcodes Used?

Here are some examples of how barcodes are used:

How Do Barcodes Work?

Barcode on an item being scanned at a checkout register

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Newer barcode formats, such asQR codes, are square and feature more complex coding that resembles pixel artwork.

Every system has its own set of numbers and codes.

What Are One- and Two-Dimensional Barcodes?

QR barcode for data labeling

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There are two main categories for barcodes: one-dimensional and two-dimensional.

One-dimensional barcodes are first-generation barcodes.

These barcodes store information by using vertical black-and-white lines of varying length and thickness.

ISBN code on a book

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ISBN, UPC, EAN, and Code 39 codes are all one-dimensional barcodes.

Two-dimensional barcodes, also referred to as matrix code or 2D code, are newer.

2D codes are typically square and can store more data than 1D codes.

UPC Barcode

QR code, Aztec code, Data Matrix, and AR code are all two-dimensional barcode formats.

QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that differ from the traditional black-and-white vertical line format.

QR Code reader app accessing iOS camera

You’ll often encounter QR codes on store windows and business cards.

ISBN

International Standard Book Number (ISBN) barcodes are used to track books and ebooks globally.

ISBN barcodes originally contained 10-digit numerical codes, but since 2007 they’ve evolved to incorporate 13.

Barcode scanner app reads a book’s barcode

UPC

UPC stands for Universal Product Code.

The UPC barcode format consists of 12 numbers represented by black-and-white vertical lines.

These barcodes only store numbers.

Barcode scanner reads a QR code and takes you to more information

To get this process started, you’ll need a barcode scanner.

These are available from various online marketplaces, including Amazon.

You’ll also need a computer or laptop to connect to the scanner equipment and receive information from it.

bring up the app and position a QR code in front of your gadget.

The camera app should scan the code and extract its information.

Download and open QR Code Reader-Barcode Maker.

Tap the large circular barcode icon in the center of the screen.

TapOKto allow the app to access your camera.

Your gear’s camera activates.

Position a barcode within the camera’s view, and the app automatically extracts the information.

If you scanned a book’s barcode, tapSearch(magnifying glass).

You’re taken to a Google search results page about the book.

If you scanned a QR code, tapSearch(magnifying glass).

You’re taken to a web page with the intended information.

This free app creates barcodes, and it reads many barcode types.

Open Barcode Generator on your Android smartphone or tablet.

TapMenu(three horizontal lines) in the upper-left corner of the app.

Your equipment’s camera activates from within the app.

Place the barcode within the camera’s line of sight.

Your Android rig’s camera must be able to focus on text or images within a very close range.

Cameras on some inexpensive Android tablets and phones may not be able to scan a barcode.

Once detected, the app extracts any information contained within the barcode and displays it on screen.

The barcode is also saved to the app’s library for future access.

The BarcodeLookup iOS andAndroidapps also let you scan barcodes directly via your machine’s camera.