Learn

Understand barcodes, QR codes and GTINs in plain language.

What Is a Barcode?

What a barcode is, the difference between 1D and 2D, common types like EAN/UPC/Code 128 and QR, and where they are used.

What a QR code is, how it works, error correction levels and content types like URL/Wi-Fi/vCard.

What an EAN-13 barcode is, what its 13 digits mean and how the check digit is calculated.

What UPC-A and UPC-E barcodes are, how many digits they hold and how they differ from EAN.

What a GTIN is, the difference between GTIN-8/12/13/14 and how it relates to EAN/UPC.

What a Code 128 barcode is, which characters it supports and where it is used.

What an ITF-14 barcode is, why it is used on cases/cartons and how it relates to GTIN-14.

What GS1-128 is, the Application Identifier (AI) structure and typical AI examples.

What Data Matrix is, why it is used on tiny parts and how it relates to GS1 DataMatrix.

Are QR codes safe, what risks they carry and what to watch for when scanning unknown QR codes.

How to read barcodes and QR codes from an image, a PDF or a camera — practical methods.

DPI, quiet zone, size and contrast settings so barcodes scan reliably.

What a check digit is, what it does and how it is computed with the GS1 modulo-10 method.

What GS1 Digital Link is, how it differs from a classic barcode and the rise of 2D barcodes (Sunrise 2027).