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symbology
A guide to
decoding barcodes
Symbology in barcodes

Barcode technologies provide fast reliable data collection to ensure part or product
traceability, error-proof assembly processes, and enhance customer service.

Barcodes are machine readable symbols that store identifying data about the part or product with
which they are associated. These symbols, when read by a barcode scanner, are decoded, recorded, and
processed to extract the data for a variety of uses (e.g., pricing, order fulfillment, traceability through
production, sortation, shipping, etc.)

Over the years, different forms of barcodes have been developed to help businesses around the world.
These include:

1-D linear 2-D matrix

barcodes codes
A 1-D (one-dimensional) barcode is the typical style with In the 2-D (two-dimensional) matrix code type, the data is
which we are most familiar. All the information in the code encoded as black and white ‘cells’ (small squares)
is organized horizontally in bar and space widths and read arranged in either a square or rectangular pattern. As well
left to right by a scanner. Several versions of 1-D codes store as being able to encode huge amounts of data, the matrix
only numerical data while others can encode additional code improves readability and resistance to poor printing.
characters. The height of the code varies based on the space They also include redundant data so even if one or more
available on a product and the ability of a barcode reader to cells are damaged, the code is still readable.
read a small or large sized barcode.

Stacked
Postal codes linear barcodes
This type of barcode lies somewhere in between a 2-D A stacked linear barcode is one of two types of 2-D
and a 1-D linear barcode. Instead of encoding data in barcodes. These simply consist of multiple linear
the black bar and white space widths, these primarily barcodes that are layered on top of one another,
use the height of the bars. The majority of postal codes allowing a greater amount information to be encoded.
only use numbers, but a few are now starting to include However, to fully decode the data, a barcode reader
letters as well. must be able to simultaneously read the code both
horizontally and vertically.

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 2

Decoding a barcode Let’s take a closer look at the makeup of
two of the most common barcode types:

Universal
Product
Code (UPC)

8 75678 16412 1

HUMAN READABLE CODE Check digit

The first six digits are the manufacturer identification Calculated by a formula using the other numbers in the
number which they pay an annual fee for and the next code, it enables the barcode reader to determine if it
five digits are an item number. scanned the number correctly.

Clocking Pattern
Provides a count of the number of rows and columns in the code.
Data
Matrix

CELL

DATA region
Can be text or numeric data up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters.
Redundant data is often included so even if one or more cells are
damaged, the code is still readable.

FINDER or ‘l’ pattern

Helps a barcode reader locate and determine the orientation of the code.

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 3

Barcodes in industry
Beep!

A brief history
It might be hard to remember a time when barcodes were not part of our daily lives,
but it was not until the 1970s that they first made an impact. Although the first
patent was actually issued in 1952, it was still some time later that they were
commercially used to label railroad cars.

However, it took until June 1974 before the first scanner was installed at a Marsh’s
supermarket in Ohio, USA, allowing a product with a barcode attached to be read
for the very first time. Unassumingly, this was just a simple packet of Wrigley’s®
chewing gum.

Today’s application
Decades after that first scan, we can hardly imagine a world without barcodes. Available in
various guises, barcodes continue to benefit industries that manufacture, buy, sell and
distribute products. They help collect data faster and more reliably, improve decision
making, eliminate the possibility of human error, reduce employee training time and track
products throughout their lifecycle. They are also extremely versatile, inexpensive to design
and print and ultimately reduce costs.

Quite simply they have changed the way businesses work across the globe.

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 4

 1-D BARCODE
Industry categories INDUSTRY
STANDARDS
It’s not just the obvious usage in retail and logisitics that benefit from
barcode solutions. Barcodes are now used in many different industries • GS1 • AIM-Global • ISO/IEC
throughout world including: • MIL-STD-1189 • ANSI
• HIBCC • US FDA
Aerospace Food
Automotive Logistics
Beverage Medical Devices
Consumer Products Pharmaceutical
Document Handling Semiconductors 2-D CODE
Electronics Solar Wafers INDUSTRY
STANDARDS
You could say that barcodes have earned their stripes. But that doesn’t mean • AIM-DPM • GS1
their work is done. As industries grow and technology develops at an ever • ISO/IEC 16022 • AIAG
increasing rate, it is more important than ever for barcodes to evolve too. • US DoD • ATA/IAQG
• MIL-STD• MIL-STD

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 5

1-D linear barcodes

1-D linear barcodes are probably the most commonly recognized style of barcode used today.
The following selection of symbols help illustrate their multiple forms:

Code 128
Code 128 is a more recently introduced symbol and the most robust 1-D barcode type. The
number 128 refers to the ability to hold any character of the ASCII 128 character set. That
includes all digits, characters and punctuation marks. This makes it fairly compact and very
powerful as it enables diverse storage of data.
Typical Usage: Logistics
Encoding Type: Alphanumeric | Format: Multi-width | Check Digit: Required

UPC-A EAN-13
By far the most common and well-known barcode used in the EAN-13 is the European counterpart of the UPC-A symbol.
U.S., UPC-A encodes 12 digits of data. The first digit is the The main difference between them is that the EAN-13 encodes
number system character followed by a five-digit manufacturer an extra digit of data to make a total of 13. The first two digits
number, a five-digit product number and a final check digit. of the barcode identify a specific country and the check digit is
Due to its limited encoding, UPC-A is primarily used in retail. the last number of the second group of six digits.

Typical Usage: Typical Usage:

Retail & Supermarkets Retail & Supermarkets
in United States in Europe

Encoding Type: Numeric Encoding Type: Numeric

Format: Multi-width | Check Digit: Required Format: Multi-width | Check Digit: Required

UPC-E EAN-8
UPC-E is a condensed variation of a UPC-A barcode. The code EAN-8 is the EAN equivalent of UPC-E in the sense that it
is condensed as a result of eliminating ‘extra’ zeros from the provides a short barcode. Set in two groups of four numbers,
digital data. Because the resulting barcode is about half the it is composed of two flag digits, five data digits and one
size of a UPC-A barcode, it is generally used on very small check digit. This is primarily used on small packaging where
packaging where space is limited. space is limited.

Typical Usage: Typical Usage:

Small Retail Packages Small Retail Packages
in United States in Europe

Encoding Type: Numeric Encoding Type: Numeric

Format: Multi-width | Check Digit: Required Format: Multi-width | Check Digit: Required

Each of these requires registration to an association to assign unique serial data.

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 6

1-D linear barcodes

Code 39
Code 39, also known as ‘3 of 9 Code’, was the first symbol to use numbers and
letters. It is a variable-length barcode that is self-checking so a check digit normally
isn’t necessary, but is recommended. Its popularity is due to its ability to encode up
to 43 numbers, letters and other characters. Code 39 is still widely used, especially
in non-retail environments.
Typical Usage: Military & Automotive
Encoding Type: Partial alphanumeric | Format: Wide/narrow | Check Digit: Optional

Extended Code 39
Extended Code 39 uses a combination of two standard Code 39 characters to
encode every one of the 128 ASCII characters. It also allows for special characters,
such as lowercase letters. Generally, the more special characters that are used, the
longer the barcode will become. Most barcode readers will not automatically read
Extended Code 39 without custom configuration.
Typical Usage: Military & Automotive
Encoding Type: Partial alphanumeric | Format: Wide/narrow | Check Digit: Optional

Code 93 Codabar
Code 93 was designed to encode data more compactly and Codabar is a discrete, self-checking barcode that allows encoding
with higher data redundancy than with older multi-length of up to 16 different characters, plus an additional four special
barcode types such as Code 39. start and stop characters, which include A, B, C and D.

Typical Usage: Typical Usage:

Military, Automotive U.S. Blood Banks,
& Healthcare Photo Labs, FedEx®
Airbills and Libraries
Encoding Type: Alphanumeric
Format: Multi-width | Check Digit: Required Encoding Type: Numeric plus four alpha characters
Format: Wide/narrow | Check Digit: Optional

Interleaved 2 of 5 MSI/Plessey
Interleaved 2 of 5 encodes any even number of numeric MSI/Plessey, also known as Modified Plessey, is used
characters. Unlike Standard 2 of 5 (a.k.a. Industrial 2 of 5), which primarily to mark supermarket shelves for inventory control.
only encodes information in the width of the bars, Interleaved 2 MSI is a continuous, non-self-checking barcode. While the
of 5 encodes data in the width of both the bars and spaces. This barcode can be of any length, a given application usually
allows Interleaved 2 of 5 to achieve higher density encoding. implements a fixed-length barcode.

Typical Usage: Typical Usage:

Distribution & Supermarkets
Warehousing

Encoding Type: Numeric Encoding Type: Numeric

Format: Wide/narrow | Check Digit: Optional Format: Wide/narrow | Check Digit: Required

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 7

1-D linear barcodes

GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional

GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional barcodes are self-checking, high
data density codes. Designed to hold the 14 digits of the GTIN
(Global Trade Item Number), it is smaller than the UPC and EAN
barcodes making it excellent for use on smaller items like produce.
It can also be stacked or combined with other codes to create
composite codes. Typical Usage: Retail & Supermarket Coupons

Encoding Type: Partial alphanumeric | Format: Multi-width | Check Digit: Required

GS1 DataBar Expanded

GS1 DataBar Expanded barcodes were designed to encode
Application Identifiers, allowing a greater range of data to be
encoded such as expiry date, weight, and batch number. Again,
these can also be stacked or combined with other codes to create
composite ones. Typical Usage: Retail & Supermarket Coupons

Encoding Type: Partial alphanumeric | Format: Multi-width | Check Digit: Required

Over the years nearly every country in the world has developed
Postal codes their own postal codes to best suit their needs. However, in recent
times there has been a move towards standardizing them.

POSTNET
The POSTNET (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) barcode
is used by the U.S. Postal Service to automatically sort mail.
Unlike most other barcodes in which data is encoded in the
width of the bars and spaces, POSTNET actually encodes
data in the height of the bars.

Intelligent Mail Barcode

The IMB (Intelligent Mail Barcode) is a U.S. Postal Service
barcode used to sort and track letters and flats. In addition to
the ZIP code used to generate a POSTNET barcode, the IMB
carries sender’s information.

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 8

2-D matrix codes

2-D symbologies are a more recent addition to the world of barcodes. By storing data
both horizontally and vertically, significantly more can be encoded than is possible with
a 1-D barcode. The following examples demonstrate the more popular ones available.

Data Matrix MaxiCode

Data Matrix codes allow encoding of large amounts of data MaxiCode is a fixed-size code which holds up to 93 data
(up to 2,335 alphanumeric or 3,116 numerical characters) and characters. It is composed of a central bulls-eye locator
use an error correction system to read codes that are as much and offset rows of hexagonal elements. It was created by
as 40% damaged. They are made up of black and white cells United Parcel Service® to allow quick, automated scanning of
in a square or rectangular pattern, a finder pattern and a packages on high-speed conveyor lines (high powered image-
timing pattern (see page three). based barcode readers can read a MaxiCode on a carton
traveling at up to 550 feet/minute or 168 meters/minute).

Typical Usage:
Aerospace, Components, Typical Usage:
U.S. Mail, HIBC, Defense, Logistics
& Printed Media

QR Aztec
QR (Quick Read) codes contain square blocks of black cells Named after the resemblance of the central finder pattern to
on a white background with finder patterns in the top an Aztec pyramid, the code is built on a square grid with a
left, top right, and bottom left corners. QR was developed bulls-eye pattern at its center for locating the code. Data is
with the intention of being used for tracking parts during encoded in concentric square rings around the bulls-eye
vehicle assembly. However, it has grown in popularity since pattern. Aztec codes have the potential to use less space
the introduction of readers on smartphones, and it is now than other matrix barcodes because they do not require a
commonly used in printed marketing materials. surrounding blank ‘quiet zone’.

Typical Usage: Typical Usage:

Automotive Parts & Travel Tickets & Car
Commercial Marketing Registration Documents

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 9

Stacked linear barcodes
GS1 DataBar Stacked PDF417
GS1 DataBar Stacked barcodes are designed to condense PDF417 barcodes can store up to 1,800 printable
the GTIN into a more compact and square barcode suitable ASCII characters or 1,100 binary characters per symbol.
for use on smaller packages (such as the label stickers on It is also possible to break large amounts of data into
fresh produce). several PDF417 codes which are linked together. In theory,
there is no limit to the amount of data that can be stored
in a group of PDF417 symbols.

Typical Usage: Typical Usage:

Supermarkets U.S. Driver’s Licenses
& Logistics

Encoding Type: ASCII characters | Format: Wide/narrow Encoding Type: ASCII characters | Format: Wide/narrow
Check Digit: Required Check Digit: Required

Marking types Labels

The most cost-effective and simplest way to apply barcodes
to an item is to use pre-printed labels, tags and stickers.
However, this is not always the most flexible way as the
data in the code has to be pre-determined.

Direct Part Marking

Direct Part Marking (DPM) is a process to permanently
mark manufactured parts without labels or packaging.
DPM is often used by automotive, aerospace, and
electronic manufacturers to ensure reliable tracking of their
parts throughout their lifecycle. The preferred codes for DPM
are the Data Matrix and QR Code.

Typical methods for DPM include:

Laser Printing Casting

Dot Peening Engraving
Chemical Etching
Without an advanced image-based reader, DPM codes are
difficult to scan because the contrast between light and
dark areas is very low.

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 10

Reading barcodes
There are many types of barcode scanners on the
market that address the many applications that use
barcodes. Decoding capability, performance reliability
and communications are key to getting the data into the system.

Ranking barcode readers

The most important way to rank barcode reader performance is by its read rate.
Read rate is the number of barcodes read divided by the number attempted. It’s usually
expressed as a percentage and the closer to 100%, the better. Read rate is the best measure
of how reliable and robust the reader is to the barcodes seen on the factory floor.

Barcode quality feedback

In many production lines, it is important to maintain the barcode print quality at a high
level to ensure that the code can be read by other readers in the product distribution chain.
Image-based readers can provide this feedback on every code they read. CALCULATING
READ RATE
Extracting the data If 9,900 barcodes are successfully
After marking the part or product and reading the code, the data is stored or used within read in 10,000 attempts, the
the plant or distribution center’s MES (Manufacturing Execution System). If available, read rate is calculated:
Ethernet communication is the fastest and most reliable method of data transfer. 9,900 ÷ 10,000 = .99 or 99%.

Cognex barcode readers offer high read rates, industrial

connectivity, and reliable performance, and come in
many shapes and sizes:

Fixed-mount
Handheld
Mobile Computers
Verifiers

From the smallest and highest performing fixed-mount

readers for direct part mark and high-speed code
reading, to the widest range of handheld readers,
Cognex has the solution for you.

Get more information about Cognex image-based

readers at:

www.cognex.com/id

Symbology Guide to Decoding Barcodes 11

 Companies around the world rely on Cognex vision and ID to optimize quality, drive down costs and control traceability.

Corporate Headquarters One Vision Drive Natick, MA USA Tel: +1 508.650.3000 Fax: +1 508.650.3344

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United Kingdom +44 1327 856 040 www.cognex.com
© Copyright 2013, Cognex Corporation. All information in this document is subject to change without notice. Cognex and the Cognex logo are registered trademarks
of Cognex Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Printed in the USA. Lit. No. DMEG5-1307.