Question 1

What is the difference between Code 128, EAN-13 and Code 39?

Accepted Answer

Code 128: high-density linear barcode that encodes all 128 ASCII characters. Most versatile barcode — used in shipping (FedEx, UPS, DHL), warehousing and internal logistics. No fixed length, supports numbers, letters and symbols. EAN-13: 13-digit barcode used for retail product identification worldwide (the barcode on most grocery and consumer products). Encodes only digits. First 2–3 digits identify the country (GS1 prefix). UPC-A: 12-digit US/Canada retail barcode (a subset of EAN-13). Used on most products sold in North America. Code 39: older barcode that encodes uppercase letters, digits and a few symbols. Used in healthcare (HL7), military and automotive industry. Larger than Code 128 for the same data.

Question 2

What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?

Accepted Answer

Traditional barcodes (Code 128, EAN-13, etc.) are one-dimensional (1D) — data is stored in the width and spacing of parallel vertical lines. They can only be read horizontally and store limited data (typically 10–80 characters). QR codes are two-dimensional (2D) — data is stored in a grid of black and white squares. They can be read from any angle, store much more data (up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric digits), and include error correction (a QR code still works even if 30% is damaged). QR codes are better for URLs, contact information and large data; traditional barcodes are better for retail POS systems, inventory and shipping labels where scanner compatibility with legacy systems matters.

Question 3

Do I need a GS1 number to create an EAN-13 barcode?

Accepted Answer

If you want to sell products in retail stores, yes — you need a GS1-registered barcode. GS1 issues Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) that are internationally unique identifiers. The process: join GS1 in your country, pay an annual fee (varies by country and company size), receive a company prefix, and assign GTINs to your products. For internal use only (inventory, shipping, internal labels) you do NOT need a GS1 number — you can use any barcode with any data you choose. The barcode generator can create any barcode including GS1-compliant ones, but obtaining an official GS1 company prefix must be done through your national GS1 organisation.

Question 4

What file format should I download — SVG or PNG?

Accepted Answer

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): vector format, scales to any size without quality loss, ideal for print, packaging and professional use. File size is usually very small. Use SVG when sending to a printer or when the barcode will appear at different sizes in the same document. PNG (Portable Network Graphics): raster format, fixed resolution. Barcodes should be exported at high resolution (300+ DPI for print). Use PNG when the software you're using doesn't support SVG, for web use, or when embedding in a Word/Google Docs document. For barcode scanning reliability: use the highest resolution PNG available (300–600 DPI), and ensure the 'quiet zone' (white space around the barcode) is preserved — scanners require it.

Format	Data supported	Best used for
Code 128	All 128 ASCII chars, any length	Shipping labels, logistics, warehousing — most versatile format
EAN-13	13 digits only	Retail products worldwide — the standard grocery store barcode
UPC-A	12 digits only	Retail products in USA and Canada — subset of EAN-13
Code 39	A–Z, 0–9, some symbols	Healthcare, military, automotive — older systems, easy to print
EAN-8	8 digits only	Small product packaging where EAN-13 is too wide
ITF-14	14 digits	Outer cartons and shipping containers (GS1 standard)

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