Different symbologies are used for different purposes. Below is a short list of popular symbologies and their intended use:
Code 128: A variable length barcode used to encode alphanumeric data. Used for many general purposes such as marking DVD's, tagging ID cards, and much more.
EAN.UCC-128: A variable length barcode used to encode alphanumeric data. The worldwide standard developed for exchanging data between different companies,UCC.EAN-128 not only encodes data, but also defines a set of Application Identifiers (AIs), that define the type of data encoded and the encoding format. UCC.EAN-128encodes the data using the Code 128 symbology algorithms.
Code 39: A variable length barcode used to encode alphanumeric data. Used widely for many years, Code 39 is the most popular general purpose barcode in the world, although it is losing ground to newer formats such as Code 128.
UPC-A: A 12 digit fixed length barcode used to encode numeric data. Used in US retail shops to uniquely identify products. Unique UPC-A barcodes are issued by the UC-Council. If you are looking to sell your item in US retail stores, you will most likely need to include a UPC-A barcode on your product.
UPC-E: A six digit fixed length barcode used to encode numeric data. UPC-E is a shortened version of the UPC-A barcode used to uniquely identify small retail items that are too small to include a full UPC-A barcode.
EAN-13 (JAN-13): A 13 digit fixed length barcode used to encode numeric data. Used in retail shops outside the US to uniquely identify products. Unique EAN-13 barcodes are issued by the EAN and are a superset of UPC-A, pre-pending a country code to the UPC-A barcode.
EAN-8 (JAN-8): An eight digit fixed length barcode used to encode numeric data. EAN-8 is a shortened version of the EAN-13 barcode used to uniquely identify small retail items that are too small to include a full EAN-13 barcode.
Standard 2 of 5: A variable length barcode used to encode numeric data. Standard 2 of 5 has been in use since the 1960's and is used for marking airline tickets, photo-finishing, and more. Also known as Industrial 2 of 5.
Interleaved 2 of 5: A variable length barcode used to encode numeric data. Interleaved 2 of 5 is a updated version of Standard 2 of 5 and has replaced it in most applications. Popular in the warehouse and distribution industry.
MSI Plessy: A variable length barcode used to encode numeric data. MSI Plessy is typically used for inventory control in retail stores.
Codabar: A variable length barcode used to encode numeric data. Primarily used by libraries, blood banks, and FedEx.
PostNet: A fixed length barcode used to encode numeric data. Used by the US Postal Service for mail sorting. Encodes either a 5 digit zip code, a 9 digit zip code, or an 11 digit delivery code.
DataMatrix: A variable length 2D barcode used to encode alphanumeric data. DataMatrix can encode much more data than a standard 1D barcode in a very small space and has built-in error detection and correction. Used widely to mark electronic parts, on shipping labels, in pharmacies, and on ID cards.
PDF417: A variable length 2D barcode used to encode alphanumeric data. PDF417 is similar to DataMatrix, sharing the benefits of being a 2D barcode, but typically requiring a slightly larger space. Typical applications include shipping labels, part marking, and ID cards.
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