Should I use a 1D or 2D barcode?

While 2D barcodes are much more powerful than 1D barcodes, able to encode more data in the same space, your application may not require the added functionality that 2D barcodes provide. 1D barcodes are often a cheaper alternative to 2D barcodes. 1D barcodes are easier to print as they are less dense than 2D barcodes, and 1D barcode scanners are typically less expensive than 2D barcode scanners.