Common Barcode Types Explained
A practical introduction to Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC and the kinds of jobs they are commonly used for.
In this guide
Code 128
Code 128 is a compact, high-density barcode commonly used for logistics, inventory and internal identification. It can represent a broad range of characters and is a useful general-purpose option when the receiving system supports it.
Code 39
Code 39 is an older format that is still found in some industrial and internal applications. It is straightforward, but it is not automatically the right choice for retail products.
EAN and UPC
EAN-13, EAN-8 and UPC formats are strongly associated with retail product identification. A generated pattern alone does not give a product a valid commercial identifier; the identifier itself must come from the appropriate system or standards process.
Always check the receiving system
Before producing labels, ask what barcode format, size and data rules the scanner or software expects. A technically valid barcode can still be useless if it is the wrong type for the system that needs to read it.
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If you came here because you need to do the calculation or create something now, you can use the matching KingToolsKit tool and then come back to the guide when you want the explanation.
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