Barcodes have been used for years to keep track of products and make processes more efficient. When determining the best solution for your business, you may be wondering the difference between 1D vs 2D barcodes. While 1D barcodes are widely used for simple applications like inventory management, 2D barcodes offer advanced capabilities, with higher data capacity and compatibility with smartphones.
When deciding between 1D barcodes vs 2D barcodes, the good news is that both can have a place in your daily operations. In this guide to barcodes, we’ll explain what they are, how they’re different, and the best uses and applications of each.
What Is a 1D Barcode?
A 1D, or one-dimensional, barcode, is a series of parallel lines and spaces of varying widths. These bars are able to encode data in a linear format. The information is read horizontally, using a barcode scanner or optical reader. Each sequence of bars and spaces represents specific characters or numbers, which makes for quick and accurate data entry.
Comparing 1D vs 2D barcodes, one-dimensional barcodes can only encode a small amount of data. Depending on the code used, only numeric or alphanumeric characters are used. 1D barcodes are widely used in retail, warehousing, and logistics.
Some of the most common types of 1D barcodes include:
- UPC (Universal Product Code): Used in retail in North America for product identification.
- Code 39: Used in inventory management and the automotive industry.
- EAN (European Article Number): Similar to UPC, but includes country codes. Used more commonly abroad.
- ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5): Used for packaging and shipping.
What Is a 2D Barcode?
A 2D, or two-dimensional, barcode is a graphical code that encodes data both horizontally and vertically. This allows it to store tons of data in a small space. Instead of only using lines and spaces, 2D barcodes use patterns of squares, dots, and other shapes.
When it comes to 1D barcodes vs 2D barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes can store more information, including text, numbers, URLs, and even binary data like images or files. Even though they store more information, 2D barcodes are smaller and more versatile in shape. Many types also have a high degree of error correction. This means that if some of the code is damaged, it can still be read.
Some of the most common types of 2D barcodes include:
- QR Code (Quick Response Code): Widely used for URLs, marketing, and contactless payments. It can store up to 7,000 characters.
- Data Matrix: Used in healthcare, aerospace, and manufacturing for small items due to its compact size.
- PDF417: Commonly used on driver’s licenses, shipping labels, and boarding passes. Stores text and binary data.
- Aztec Code: Often used in transportation, such as on electronic train tickets.
Vertical vs Horizontal Barcodes
1D Barcodes vs 2D Barcodes: Differences
Both types of barcodes are commonly used in a wide variety of industries, but they differ in a number of ways. Here are some of the main differences when it comes to 1D vs 2D barcodes:
- Structure: Structure is one major difference between 1D and 2D barcodes. 1D barcodes use a linear structure with parallel lines and spaces. 2D barcodes, on the other hand, use a grid or matrix format with patterns of dots, squares, or shapes.
- Data storage: Another difference between 1D and 2D barcodes is the amount of data they can store. 1D barcodes have a much lower data capacity, typically between 20-25 characters, depending on the type of code used. 2D barcodes can store thousands of characters or multimedia data.
- Dimensions: 1D barcodes store data in one direction (horizontally), but 2D barcodes store data both horizontally and vertically.
- Size: Depending on the type of code used, 1D barcodes are usually longer and need more space. 2D barcodes are compact, even for large data capacities.
- Error correction: 1D barcodes have minimal to no error correction. If the code is damaged, it usually cannot be scanned. 2D barcodes can be read even if partially damaged.
- Scanning technology: 1D barcodes require laser scanners to be read, but 2D barcodes can be read with imaging scanners or smartphones.
- Applications: 1D barcodes are used for simpler applications that require small amounts of data, such as price and product ID. 2D barcodes are used for more complex applications that need more info, such as URLs, inventory details, or multimedia links.
Best Applications and Uses for 1D Barcodes
When choosing between 1D vs 2D barcodes, it’s important to consider how they’re best used. 1D barcodes can only encode a small amount of data, which makes them better for tasks like tracking, identification, and inventory control. Here are some of the best applications and uses for 1D barcodes:
- Point-of-Sale: 1D barcodes like UPC are used on almost all retail products in the US. They allow for fast scanning at the point of sale and easy management of large inventories.
- Inventory management: Warehouses, distribution centers, and retail stores rely on 1D barcodes to track stock levels, item movement, and locations.
- Shipping and logistics: 1D barcodes are used to track packages and shipments through the supply chain to streamline delivery and ensure accurate tracking.
- Library systems: Libraries often rely on 1D barcodes to manage the organization and check-in/check-out processes of books and media.
- Healthcare: Healthcare organizations use 1D barcodes on patient ID bracelets, medication labels, medical equipment, and lab specimens to improve accuracy and reduce errors in patient care.
- Manufacturing: Manufacturers rely on 1D barcodes to label raw materials, parts, and finished products. This helps increase production efficiency while also minimizing errors.
- Asset tracking: Many organizations label assets like equipment, tools, or IT devices to track expensive equipment, simplify audits, and keep track of maintenance.
What Is A Data Matrix Barcode?
Best Applications and Uses for 2D Barcodes
2D barcodes are versatile and able to encode high amounts of data in a compact design. Here are some of the best applications and uses for 2D barcodes:
- Marketing and advertising: Many businesses rely on 2D barcodes like QR codes to connect customers to digital content and promotions. Most customers have smartphones, which means they can easily scan the 2D code to access websites, social media, or app downloads.
- Mobile payments: 2D barcodes allow for fast and secure payment transactions without the need for physical cards. They’re commonly used on platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or WeChat Pay.
- Ticketing: 2D barcodes can be used in place of physical tickets for access to events, transportation, and flights.
- Inventory management: 2D barcodes help with comprehensive tracking and inventory management in logistics and manufacturing of items with detailed data.
- Healthcare: 2D barcodes can be used to accurately track patient records, medications, and medical devices. Their reliable error correction makes them readable even if damaged.
- Logistics: 2D barcodes like PDF417 can be used to enhance tracking with detailed information. They store more info than 1D barcodes for better logistics management.
- Product packaging: 2D barcodes can be used on product packaging to provide product details and promotional links. For example, some companies use QR codes to provide digital user’s manuals.
- Identity documents: 2D barcodes are used by the government to secure personal information on IDs, licenses, and passports.
Pros and Cons of 1D Barcodes
When deciding between 1D vs 2D barcodes, it’s important to consider pros and cons of each. 1D barcodes have been used for years because of their many benefits. However, they may not be right for every application. Here are some of the pros and cons of 1D barcodes:
Pros
- Cost-effective: Inexpensive to implement, requiring minimal technology investment.
- Fast scanning: Designed for quick and accurate scanning in high-speed workflows like retail checkouts.
- Universal: Used globally and supported by most barcode systems worldwide.
- Great for linear data: Efficient for applications that require simple data.
- Low training: Require little training to operate in your business practices.
Cons
- Limited data capacity: Can only store small amounts of data. Not suitable for complex information.
- Space requirements: Requires a long, unobstructed line to store more data.
- No error correction: Cannot be read if damaged, dirty, or partially obscured.
Pros and Cons of 2D Barcodes
Here are some of the pros and cons of 2D barcodes:
Pros
- High data capacity: Can store thousands of characters, like alphanumeric data, URLs, images, and binary files.
- Compact: Requires less physical space, even for large amounts of data.
- Error correction: Built-in redundancy allows the barcode to be scanned even if it’s partially damaged.
- Supports modern technology: Can be scanned with imaging devices like smartphones, making them suitable for mobile payments and marketing.
- Secure information encoding: Can store encrypted or sensitive data.
- Customizable: Encodes URLs, multimedia links, products details, and more.
Cons
- Higher initial cost: Requires more advanced imaging scanners or cameras, requiring a higher initial investment.
- Complex implementation: Creating, reading, and integrating 2D barcodes into systems can require specialized software or training.
- Overkill for simpler tasks: Unnecessary for tasks that require only basic data.
1D vs 2D Barcodes Conclusion
When it comes to 1D barcodes vs 2D barcodes, both have a place in modern organizations. 1D barcodes are great for simple tracking and identification, while 2D barcodes can handle much more complex tasks.
If you need 1D or 2D barcode labels, you can count on Coast Label. We use the highest quality materials to manufacture labels that last. And with the TruCheck verification system, we can make sure the barcodes are up to industry standards. Contact Coast Label today for a proposal!
