Barcode
Barcode
Barcode
Ed.: 02/2018
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Ed. 19/02/2018
ii
REVISION INDEX
09/2017 22/09/2017 ii
NOTE:
We sometimes update the documentation after original publication. Therefore, you should also
review the documentation at www.datalogic.com for updates.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
iv
4.1.19 Code 93 Extended 27
4.1.20 DAFT Code 27
4.1.21 DOD Logmars 27
4.1.22 DUN-14 28
4.1.23 DUNS 28
4.1.24 EAN-128 (GS1-128) 28
4.1.25 EAN-13 29
4.1.26 EAN-13 with 2 Digits Add-On 29
4.1.27 EAN-13 with 5 Digits Add-On 29
4.1.28 EAN-14 30
4.1.29 EAN-18 30
4.1.30 EAN-8 30
4.1.31 EAN-8 with 2 Digits Add-On 31
4.1.32 EAN-8 with 5 Digits Add-On 31
4.1.33 Flattermarken 31
4.1.34 GS1-128 32
4.1.35 GTIN 32
4.1.36 HIBC 32
4.1.37 I-2/5 32
4.1.38 ISBN Code (ISBN 13) 33
4.1.39 ISBT-128 34
4.1.40 ISMN 34
4.1.41 ISSN 35
4.1.42 ITF-14 35
4.1.43 JAN 35
4.1.44 LOGMARS 36
4.1.45 MSI 36
4.1.46 NVE-18 (Nummer der Versandeinheit) 36
4.1.47 NW-7 37
4.1.48 Pharmacode One-Track 37
4.1.49 Pharmacode Two-Track 37
4.1.50 Pharma Zentralnummer (PZN) 38
4.1.51 Plessey Code 38
4.1.52 Rational Codabar 38
4.1.53 SCC-14 38
4.1.54 SSCC-18 39
4.1.55 Telepen Alpha 39
4.1.56 Telepen 39
4.1.57 UCC-128 39
4.1.58 UPC 12 Digits 40
4.1.59 UPC Version A 40
4.1.60 UPC Version A, 2 Digits Add-On 40
4.1.61 UPC Version A, 5 Digits Add-On 41
4.1.62 UPC Version E 41
4.1.63 UPC Version E, 2 Digits Add-On 41
4.1.64 UPC Version E, 5 Digits Add-On 42
4.1.65 UPC SCS (Shipping Container Symbols) 42
4.1.66 USD-4 43
4.1.67 USS ITF 2-5 43
4.1.68 USS Code 128 43
4.1.69 USS Code 39 43
4.1.70 VIN Code (Vehicle Identification Number) 43
4.2 POSTAL CODES (LINEAR/1D) 44
4.2.1 Australian Post Customer 44
4.2.2 Australian Post Customer 2 44
4.2.3 Australian Post Customer 3 44
4.2.4 Australian Post Redirection 45
4.2.5 Australian Post Reply Paid 45
4.2.6 Australian Post Routing 45
4.2.7 Brazilian CEPNet / Brazilian Postal Code 45
4.2.8 Deutsche Post Identcode 46
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4.2.9 Deutsche Post Leitcode 46
4.2.10 DPD Code 46
4.2.11 Italian Postal Code 2 of 5 47
4.2.12 Japanese Postal Code 47
4.2.13 KIX – Dutch Postal Code 48
4.2.14 Korean Postal Authority 48
4.2.15 Planet 12 49
4.2.16 Planet 14 49
4.2.17 Royal Mail 4 State (RM4SCC) 50
4.2.18 Singapure Post 4-State Customer Code (SinPost) 50
4.2.19 Singapore Post 50
4.2.20 USPS Intelligent Mail® Barcode or IM® Barcode 50
4.2.21 USPS Intelligent Mail® Package Barcode 51
4.2.22 USPS Postnet 5 52
4.2.23 USPS Postnet 6 52
4.2.24 USPS Postnet 9 52
4.2.25 USPS Postnet 10 53
4.2.26 USPS Postnet 11 53
4.2.27 USPS Postnet 12 53
4.3 2D SYMBOLOGIES 54
4.3.1 Aztec Code 54
4.3.2 Codablock F 54
4.3.3 Data Matrix 55
4.3.4 DotCode 57
4.3.5 Han Xin Code 57
4.3.6 MaxiCode 58
4.3.7 MicroPDF417 61
4.3.8 Micro QR-Code 61
4.3.9 PDF417 61
4.3.10 PDF417 Truncated 62
4.3.11 QR-Code (Model 2) 63
4.3.12 QR-Code 2005 65
4.4 HIBC – HEALTH INDUSTRY BAR CODE 65
4.4.1 Supplier Labeling Standard Formats 65
4.4.2 Provider Application Standard Formats 67
4.4.3 HIBC LIC 128 68
4.4.4 HIBC LIC 39 68
4.4.5 HIBC LIC Data Matrix 69
4.4.6 HIBC LIC QR-Code 69
4.4.7 HIBC LIC PDF417 69
4.4.8 HIBC LIC MicroPDF417 70
4.4.9 HIBC LIC Codablock F 70
4.4.10 HIBC PAS 128 70
4.4.11 HIBC PAS 39 71
4.4.12 HIBC PAS Data Matrix 71
4.4.13 HIBC PAS QR-Code 71
4.4.14 HIBC PAS PDF417 72
4.4.15 HIBC PAS MicroPDF417 72
4.4.16 HIBC PAS Codablock F 72
4.5 GS1 DATABAR SYMBOLOGIES (RSS CODES) 73
4.5.1 GS1 DataBar (RSS-14) 73
4.5.2 GS1 DataBar Truncated (RSS-14 Truncated) 73
4.5.3 GS1 DataBar Limited (RSS Limited) 74
4.5.4 GS1 DataBar Stacked (RSS-14 Stacked) 74
4.5.5 GS1 DataBar Stacked Omni directional (RSS-14 Stacked Omni directional) 74
4.5.6 GS1 DataBar Expanded (RSS Expanded) 75
4.5.7 GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked (RSS Expanded Stacked) 75
4.6 GS1 COMPOSITE SYMBOLOGIES 75
4.6.1 Data Input 75
4.6.2 Data Capacity of GS1 Composite Symbols 75
4.6.3 GS1 DataBar Composite Symbology 76
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4.6.4 GS1 DataBar Truncated Composite Symbology 76
4.6.5 GS1 DataBar Limited Composite Symbology 77
4.6.6 GS1 DataBar Stacked Composite Symbology 77
4.6.7 GS1 DataBar Stacked Omni directional Composite Symbology 77
4.6.8 GS1 DataBar Expanded Composite Symbology 78
4.6.9 GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked Composite Symbology 78
4.6.10 GS1-128 Composite Symbology 78
4.6.11 EAN-8 Composite Symbology 79
4.6.12 EAN-13 Composite Symbology 79
4.6.13 UPC-A Composite Symbology 79
4.6.14 UPC-E Composite Symbology 79
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BARCODE REFERENCE
1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 SCOPE OF THIS DOCUMENT
This document describes barcode symbologies supported by Lighter software in a non-product-specific way.
Two-dimensional barcodes like MaxiCode, Data Matrix or QR-Code encode information in two dimensions.
Compared to stacked symbologies the information is not stored by using different bar (space) widths. Instead
the position of black (or white) dots is relevant.
(01)12345678901231
Figure 4: Composite Barcode Sample
Composite codes like GS1 DataBar Composite Symbology are combining linear with 2D (stacked)
symbologies. The advantage of such codes is that the linear code component encodes the most important
information. The 2D component is used for additional data. This separation ensures better migration (e.g.
with respect to scanning hardware) between linear and 2D technology.
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INTRODUCTION
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BARCODE REFERENCE
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2.2.1 Introduction
The module width (or X dimension) is the width of the smallest bar (or space) in the barcode. The minimal
module width depends on the used symbology. In most specifications the recommended module width is at
least 0.19 mms.
The default setting in Lighter software adapts the module width according to the bounding rectangle of the
barcode. The module width is computed automatically by dividing the width of the object by the number of
required modules. This depends on the number of data characters to be encoded. The module width
decreases as the data content increases.
When adjusting the module width to a fixed value, the resulting barcode can be wider than the bounding
rectangle. To avoid clipping, ensure that the entire barcode can be displayed with the maximum data content
and enlarge the barcode object if required.
Assume you want to print a barcode with a resolution of 300 dpi then one pixel equals 0.003333 inch (or
0.08466 mm) in such a case. To avoid raster errors, you should select a module width that is an integer
multiple of the pixel width (e.g. for 300 dpi a multiple of 0.08466 mm).
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IMPORTANT BARCODE PARAMETERS
2
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BARCODE REFERENCE
2
Sample values for dot gain (to be compensated) are approximately 100µm with flexographic printing, 50µm
with intaglio printing and 30µm with offset printing. The smaller the bar codes, the more precise must be
worked. Depending on the bar code orientation to the printing direction, the printing accuracy and printing
process may change.
Bar width reduction may be applied also for laser printers (e.g. with too high toner saturation) or inkjet
printers.
The software allows fine-tuning of the bar width reduction in percent, mm (µm), mils and inch.
As a rule, the quiet zone should be ten times the dimension of the module width or at least 1/4 inch (6.5 mm);
the exact value depends on the barcode symbology.
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IMPORTANT BARCODE PARAMETERS
2
Example:
The picture above shows a barcode with 4 different bar widths and 4 different space widths. Because the
software maintains the print ratio of bars and spaces separately, the ratio format is composed as follows:
1B:2B:3B:4B:1S:2S:3S:4S.
The first four values (1B:2B:3B:4B) refer to the 4 different widths of the Bars, the second four values
(1S:2S:3S:4S) refer to the 4 different widths of the Spaces. The numbers in the ratio hint (e.g. 1B stands for
the smallest bar, 2B for the bar with the next larger width and so on) are only used to denote the order – they
have no meaning with respect to the ratio itself.
Now set a new print ratio value. This string must be formatted according to the ratio format, but without the
letters: A value of “1:3:5:7.3:1:3:5:7.3” for the Ratio indicates that the width of the widest bar (4B) is 7.3 times
the width of the smallest bar (7.3:1).
Ratio Format Description
Specifier
nB The ratio of bar-width n with respect to the width of the smallest bar (bar-width 1)
nS The ratio of space-width n with respect to space-width 1 (smallest space)
1T This is specific to the symbology “Plessey Bidirectional”. It denotes the ratio of the width
of the terminator bar 1 to bar-width 1
nC This is specific to the symbology “Pharmacode”. It denotes the ratio of the width of color-
bar n to the width of the smallest bar
Table 3: Print Ratio Adjustment
2.6 FORMAT
Format acts like a ”mask” for formatting the barcode data prior to encoding it. Placeholders in the format
string can be mixed with constant data characters to build a final data string. With this feature it’s possible to:
Select subsets in Code 128, GS1-128 (even within the code!)
Insert control characters into the barcode
Select the required start/stop character for CODABAR
Change the position of the check digit
Set the MaxiCode values “date”, “preamble”, “service class”, “postal code” and “country code” directly
in the barcode data (with special escape sequences).
Placeholder Description
character
# Stands for the next data character of the input data (property Text)
& Stands for all remaining data characters in the input data (property Text)
^ Stands for the next check digit (use only if check digits will be computed!)
TBarCode 6 (or earlier) computes the check digit for all characters in the input data.
TBarCode 7 (or later) only uses input data left of the check digit placeholder for check
digit computation (see examples below!).
A Switch to Subset A (used in: Code 128, GS1-128)
Start- or stop character A (only in: CODABAR)
B Switch to Subset B (used in: Code 128, GS1-128)
Start- or stop character B (only in: CODABAR)
C Switch to Subset C (used in: Code 128, GS1-128)
Start- or stop character C (only in: CODABAR)
C Enable compatibility mode for CAPTIVA/IBML document scanning software (used in Data
Matrix only)
D Start- or stop character D (only in: CODABAR),
Only for Pharmacode: encode the Pharmacode directly (bar by bar)
Only for Data Matrix: use an alternative error correction algorithm for symbols of size
144x144.
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BARCODE REFERENCE
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Placeholder Description
character
E Translate the Escape Sequences that the input data contains.
J Only for Japanese Postal codes: the Address B data field can be automatically
compressed, i.e. Japanese characters are converted into ASCII characters by a defined
rule.
S Only for MaxiCode: enables setting the values of Date, Preamble, Service Class, Postal-
and Country- Code directly in the barcode data (only in conjunction with escape
sequences).
< Adds quiet zone markers at the left (“<”) and/or at the right (“>”) side of the barcode. These
markers are supported by the following barcode types:
>
EAN 8 and add-on variants (both sides)
EAN 13 and add-on variants (only right side)
UPC-A with 2 and 5 digit add-on (only right side)
UPC-E with 2 and 5 digit add-on (only right side)
ISBN (only right side)
Table 4: Format Placeholders
► You have to activate the decoding of escape sequences in the barcode properties – per default the
translation of escape sequences is turned off.
► With activated escape sequences you must use “\\” in the input data to encode a single backslash „\“
in the barcode.
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BARCODE REFERENCE
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IMPORTANT BARCODE PARAMETERS
2
► Per default the input can take place with and without a check digit. In the latter case the check digit is
calculated automatically and added to the barcode data.
Example (EAN13): If you enter 12 digits (= utilizable data), the 13th digit (= the checksum digit) is
computed and added automatically. If you enter 13 digits, the check digit is replaced by your data and
isn’t calculated.
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BARCODE REFERENCE
3
3.1 INTRODUCTION
Some barcode symbologies (e.g. GS1-128) use Application Identifiers (AIs) in order to provide information
about the structure of the encoded data. Application Identifiers are mostly used in industry-specific barcode
symbologies.
An Application Identifier (AI) is a prefix (built from 2 to 4 characters) used to identify the meaning and the
format of the data that follows. AIs have been defined by GS1 (formerly UCC/EAN) for identification,
traceability data, dates, quantity, measurements, locations, and many other types of information.
The data presented can be alphanumeric or numeric and with fixed or variable data lengths. The symbology
character FNC1 is used as field separator in connection with variable length data fields.
Depending on the barcode symbology you are able to concatenate multiple AIs and encode more data fields
into one symbol. If an AI is of variable length type, you have to separate the next data field with FNC1. FNC1
is specified in the barcode data with the escape sequence “\F” (see section 4.7).
► For encoding the FNC1 you have to activate Translate Escape Sequences.
► Do not encode the brackets which are usually used to denote an Application Identifier. The software
generates the brackets automatically for the human readable text. The brackets are not encoded in
the barcode itself.
For more information (e.g. a list of all available AIs) please follow the links below:
http://www.gs1.org/productssolutions/barcodes/technical/genspecs/index.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GS1-128
3.2 EXAMPLES
Description Value
Data (Text property) 10 + Production Number = 1012345678
Human readable text (10)12345678
Encoded data 1012345678
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APPLICATION IDENTIFIERS
3
Description Value
Batch number AI (10) – format n2 + an..20
Item number AI (01) – format n14
Data (Text property) 10+Batch Number+\F+01+Item Number =
1012345678\F0112345678901234
Human readable text (10)12345678(01)12345678901234
Encoded data 1012345678FNC10112345678901234
► The field separator FNC1 (encoded by the sequence „\F“) has to be used because the batch number
is a variable length data field.
In our example, the GTIN contains no check digit (e.g. when created based on the EAN-13 number). The
check digit has to be generated only for the first 13 digits of the supplied data and not for the full data
content.
Since TBarCode Version 7+ you can use the format property to solve this problem:
Description Value
Format property: 01#############^11######
Input Data (Text property): 1234567890123060606
Check Digit Method: EAN-14 (Mod-10)
Calculated Check Digit: CD = Mod-10 of (1234567890123) = 1
Result: 01 + 1234567890123 + CD + 11 + 060606
Data used for encoding: 011234567890123111060606
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BARCODE REFERENCE
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3.3.2.2 AI (01)
► If AI(01) is needed in the barcode, please ensure it is the first AI encoded (for optimal data
representation).
Combinations Description
AI (11) + AI (10) Date and Lot-Number
AI (17) + AI (10) Expiration Date und Lot-Number
Table 11: AIs in Composite Codes
3.4.2 AI (90)
AI (90) and the following data (which starts with an upper-case letter or a digit) may be used for encoding of
FACT IDs. Compression takes place only if AI(90) is the first data element of the sequence.
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BARCODE SYMBOLOGIES
4
4 BARCODE SYMBOLOGIES
This chapter describes all supported barcode types.
This code was invented 1972 by Monarch Marking Systems for retail purposes. 1977 the American Blood
Commission defined Codabar 2 as standard symbology for blood banks (=ABC Codabar).
The characters “A”, “B”, “C”, and “D” are useable as start or stop characters only. The barcode uses 2
element-widths and 4 different start/stop-characters (A, B, C, and D). These start/stop characters can be
utilized for additional information – e.g. "B1234B". The print ratio should be in the following range: 1:2 -1:3
(Pr >= 2.25:1). Since the symbology is “self-checking” there is no established check sum method.
The symbology is also known as Code 2 of 7, NW-7, ABC Codabar, USD-4, Monarch, Code-27, Ames code,
or Rationalized Codabar.
The “rationalized version” uses 2 different element widths in spite of the original symbology, which used 18
different element widths (Standard Codabar).
► Use the format property to determine the Start and Stop characters (see section 9.3).
► FedEx is using a special variant of the Codabar barcode. The format of the encoded number is as
follows: XXXX-XXXX-XXXY with a 4-digit ID at the end. The first 12 digits contain the tracking
number. The barcode starts with „C“ (start-character) and ends with „D“ (stop-character).
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BARCODE REFERENCE
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4.1.3 Code 11
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, “-“
Quiet zone: left/right: 10X
Module width: X= 0.191 mm
Standard print ratio: 1:2.24:3.48:1:2.24
Ratio format: 1B:2B:3B:1S:2S
Default check digit: None (eCDNone)
Possible check digits: 1 check digit (eCD1Code11) – or
2 check digits (eCD2Code11)
Symbol size: --
This symbology is mainly used in telecommunications for marking equipment and components. It was
invented in 1977 by INTERMEC. It is similar to Code 2 of 5 Matrix. The symbology is not self-checking
therefore 2 check digits are recommended. Code 11 is a high-density code, but requires also a high-density
output device (mainly because of the print ratio utilized).
Code 128 is heavily used in all areas. It is a modern high-density symbology and was invented 1981 by
Computer Identics.
Code128 uses a built-in check digit (Modulo 103). This check digit is part of the code and cannot be omitted.
It is never printed in the human readable text. Scanners are checking it when reading a code but do not
deliver the check digit to connected systems.
In conjunction with the symbology character "FNC1" this code is also known as GS1-128 barcode – see
section 6.1.24.
This is a variant of Code128 which uses character set (subset) A. It is suitable for encoding upper case
characters + ASCII control sequences. It switches to other Code128 subsets when required.
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BARCODE SYMBOLOGIES
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This is a variant of Code128 which uses character set (subset) B. It is suitable for encoding lower & upper
case letters. It switches to other Code128 subsets when required.
This is a variant of Code128 which uses character set (subset) C. It is suitable for encoding digits. It switches
to other Code128 subsets when required.
This is a self-checking code. It is used for industrial applications, article numbering, photo development,
ticketing.
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BARCODE REFERENCE
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This is a self-checking code. Start/stop-characters are identical to Code 2 of 5 Industry. It supports distance
reading (> 1m) and can be printed with very simple printing techniques.
It is used for baggage handling in air-transport applications (International Air Transport Agency = IATA).
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BARCODE SYMBOLOGIES
4
This self-checking code offers high data capacity due to encoding pairs of numbers (the first digit is encoded
in the bars, the second in the spaces). Thus, this symbology can encode only an even number of digits. If the
number of digits is odd a leading zero will be inserted automatically.
4.1.13 Code 2 of 7
This symbology is identical with Codabar 2 Widths and is also known as NW-7 or USD-4. See section 1.1.1
4.1.14 Code 25
Uniform Symbology Specification ITF 2-5. Identical to Code 2 of 5 Interleaved. Another alias is USS ITF 2-5.
Code 39 is in heavy use in industry, organizations and commerce. It was developed 1974 by INTERMEC
and got standardized by ANSI MH 10.8 M-1983 and MIL-STD-1189.
► The start- and stop characters “*” (asterisk) are created automatically and must not be included in the
input data. They are not displayed in the human readable text.
Code 39 is a self-checking code. Code concatenation is possible (if the first encoded character is a space
subsequent barcodes are concatenated by the scanner). Distance-reading is possible (> 1m).
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BARCODE REFERENCE
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4.1.16 Code 32
Valid characters: “0” - “9”
Quiet zone: left/right: 10X, min. ¼ inch
Module width: 0,25 <= X <= 0.254 mm
Standard print ratio: 1:2.5:1:2.5
Ratio format: 1B:2B:1S:2S
A012345676
Default check digit: Module 10 Luhn Reversed (eCDMod10LuhnRev)
Possible check digits: Module 10 Luhn Reversed (eCDMod10LuhnRev)
Symbol size: --
It is used by the Italian Pharma Industry. The code is also called Italian Pharmacode.
The Code 32 number, consisting of 9 digits, is converted to an equivalent Code 39 Barcode of 6 characters.
The letter the human readable text is prepended by “A” which is not encoded.
Code 39 Extended is rarely used because Code 128 offers much better compression. Code 39 Extended
uses the same symbology as Code 39 but encodes also lower-case letters and special characters („+A“
results in a lower case „a“ when scanned). Scanner must be configured correctly for decoding Code39
Extended.
► The start- and stop characters “*” (asterisk) are created automatically and must not be included in the
input data. They are not displayed in the human readable text.
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BARCODE SYMBOLOGIES
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4.1.18 Code 93
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, “A”..”Z”, “-“, “.”, Space, “$”, “/”, “+”, “%”
Quiet zone: left/right: 10X, min. ¼ inch
Module width: X >= 0.19 mm
Standard print ratio: 1:2:3:4:1:2:3:4
Ratio format: 1B:2B:3B:4B:1S:2S:3S:4S
Default check digit: Automatic (symbology specific). ABC123-/+
Modulo 47 (eCD2Mod47)
Symbol size: --
Print control: C=93
Code 93 was invented 1982 by INTERMEC to achieve better information densities (compared to Code 39).
Code concatenation is possible (if the first encoded character is a space subsequent barcodes are
concatenated by the scanner).
Modulo 47 (eCD2Mod47)
Symbol size: --
Print control: C=93E
Based upon Code 93 but encodes the complete ASCII character set. One of the four available control
characters is used to shift into the ASCII-character table.
DAFT Code is no symbology. It is a technique to generate arbitrary postal codes (like for instance the
Australian Postal Codes or the Royal Mail 4 State code).
Each input character stands for a specific bar type and there are 4 different bar types:
“D” or “d”: Descender
“A” or “a”: Acsender
“F” or “f’: Full
“T” or “t”: Transmitter
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BARCODE REFERENCE
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4.1.22 DUN-14
The DUN-14 (Distribution Unit Number) is not a barcode type. It's a numbering system for shipping
containers. The DUN-14 uses the ITF-14 or the EAN-14 barcode symbols. Modern installations always use
the EAN-14 (EAN-128) to encode the DUN-14.
The DUN-14 encodes the following data:
The first digit represents the number of units in the container: 1=6 units, 2=10 units, 3=12 units, 4=20
units, 5=24 units. (The digits 6,7 and 8 are standing for other numbers of units.)
The next 12 digits are representing the product number. In general this is the EAN-13 number without
check digit.
The last digit is the check digit.
4.1.23 DUNS
This is not a barcode standard. DUNS is a nine-digit number assigned and maintained by Dun and
Bradstreet to identify unique business establishments. DUNS numbers are assigned worldwide and include
US, Canadian, and international organizations.
The GS1-128 code is based upon Code-128. It has an FNC1 character at the 1st position (after the start
code). This allows scanners and data processing software to differentiate GS1-128 from other symbologies.
The GS1-128 code is in wide spread use (retail, logistics, food and beverage, etc.). It is used for marking
transport-units in supply chains. Besides the article-number it encodes quantities, weights, prices, dates, and
other information in a structured way. This is supported by the use of so-called Application Identifiers (AIs) –
see chapter 1. Within the GS1 system these Application Identifiers (AIs) prefix the encoded data.
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4.1.25 EAN-13
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, 12 digits + 1 check digit
Quiet zone: left: 11X, right: 7X
Module width: X=0.33mm
Standard print ratio: 1:2:3:4:1:2:3:4
Ratio format: 1B:2B:3B:4B:1S:2S:3S:4S
Default check digit: EAN-13 (eCDEAN13)
Possible check digits: User supplied
Symbol size: Standardized symbol sizes (see EAN).
Print control: C=E13
1
This code is reserved for the International Article Number administered by the standards organization GS1.
The numbers encoded into EAN bar codes are known as Global Trade Item Numbers, for EAN-13 they are
called GTIN-13.
EAN 13 is used for identifying articles or products uniquely (often sold at retail point of sale). Encoded are a
2-digit country code, 5-digits manufacturer code and a 5 digits products code. JAN and IAN are identical to
EAN-13.
The check digit is calculated automatically if it not specified in the input data (that is when only 12 digits are
used for creating the code).
This symbology extends EAN-13 with 2 add-on digits (see also EAN-8 with 2 Digits Add-On). The check digit
will be calculated automatically if not specified in the input data (e.g. 978020137968612).
This symbology extends EAN-13 with 5 add-on digits (see also EAN-8 with 5 Digits Add-On). The check digit
will be calculated automatically if not specified in the input data (e.g. 978020137968612345).
1
Formerly European Article Number (EAN)
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4.1.28 EAN-14
Valid characters: ASCII-characters between 0..127,
13 digits + 1 check digit
Quiet zone: see GS1-128, ITF-14
Module width: see GS1-128, ITF-14
Standard print ratio: see GS1-128, ITF-14
Ratio format: see GS1-128, ITF-14
Default check digit: EAN-14 (eCDEAN14)
Possible check digits: User supplied
Symbol size: see GS1-128, ITF-14
EAN-14 is used to encode the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) for numbering trade items. Within the GS1
system you can use 2 symbologies for encoding the GTIN:
GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128)
ITF-14.
EAN-14 uses GS1-128 with Application identifier (AI) 01. The AI is prefixed automatically; it must not be part
of the input data. The check digit is calculated automatically if not specified in the input data (that is when
only 13 digits are used).
4.1.29 EAN-18
Same as SSCC-18 (see section 1.1.1).
4.1.30 EAN-8
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, 7 digits + 1 check digit
Quiet zone: left/right: 7X
Module width: X=0.33mm
Standard print ratio: 1:2:3:4:1:2:3:4
Ratio format: 1B:2B:3B:4B:1S:2S:3S:4S
Default check digit: EAN-8 (eCDEAN8)
Possible check digits: User supplied
Symbol size: Standardized symbol sizes. See EAN.
Print control: C=E8
This symbology is derived from the longer EAN-13 bar code and encodes the GTIN-8, which is another set
of product identifiers from the GS1 system.
EAN 8 is used for marking small articles with restricted space. It encodes a unique article number, which
consists of a GS1 prefix, an item reference (no company prefix) and a checksum digit.
The check digit is calculated automatically if not specified in the input data (that is when only 7 digits are
used for creating the code).
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This symbology extends EAN-8 with 2 add-on digits which are mainly used for encoding the price or the
weight. The check digit will be calculated automatically if it not specified in the input data (e.g. 9031101712).
This symbology is also used for bar-coding paperbacks or newspapers. In this case a 2(3) digits country
code and a 4(5) article code are encoded.
This symbology extends EAN-8 with 5 add-on digits which are mainly used for encoding the price or the
weight. The check digit will be calculated automatically if it not specified in the input data (e.g.
072527272077)
FIN Code (Fahrzeug-Identifizierungsnummer)
This code is identical to the VIN Code (Vehicle Identification Number).
4.1.33 Flattermarken
Valid characters: “0”..”9”
Quiet zone: Application dependent
Module width: 2-3 mm
Standard print ratio: 1:1
Ratio format: 1B:1S
Default check digit: None (eCDNone)
Symbol size: Symbol height between 5 and 10mm
Print control: C=FLM
This is a special “barcode” used for recognizing the correct sequence of pages in print-shops.
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4.1.34 GS1-128
The GS1-128 is simply another name for the existing EAN-128 (or UCC-128) barcode. The EAN and UCC
standardization organizations founded GS1 in order to globalize (and harmonize) their different standards.
See section 6.1.24.
4.1.35 GTIN
GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number and is not a barcode symbology.
A GTIN is used for the unique identification of trade items worldwide within the GS1 (EAN.UCC) system. The
GTIN may be encoded in UPC-A, EAN-8, EAN-13, EAN-14, ITF-14 and GS1-128 symbologies.
Depending on the number of digits available in the bar code, the GTIN is divided into GTIN-8, GTIN-12,
GTIN-13 and GTIN-14.
4.1.36 HIBC
HIBC is an abbreviation for Health Industry Bar Code. The HIBC is a numbering system – and not a specific
barcode symbology. It is used for product identification codes as well as for worldwide identification of
shipping units.
The primary code contains the manufacturer id, the article number, the package number and a check digit.
The secondary code contains the serial number, the expiration date and the units per package.
The following symbologies are commonly used for encoding: Code 39, Code 128, Codablock F. For more
information, please refer to section 1.1 and to http://www.hibcc.org.
4.1.37 I-2/5
Short for Code 2 of 5 Interleaved (see section 6.1.12). It is also known as Code 25.
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ISBN is the abbreviation of International Standard Book Number. It uses the symbology EAN-13 and can be
optionally extended with 5 Add-On Digits. The add-on is used for additional pricing information. For more
information, please refer to http://www.isbn.org.
The EAN-13 barcode for a book is generated from the ISBN number assigned to it. When encoding ISBN in
an EAN-13 barcode, the ISBN number is preceded by the number 978 and the ISBN check digit is not used
(the rightmost digit of the ISBN). When the ISBN number is encoded in the EAN-13 barcode in this way it is
often called Bookland. A 5 digit add-on barcode is optional and can contain the price of the book.
► ISBN codes with 10 digits are automatically converted to the newer ISBN with 13 digits!
4.1.38.1 Example
You got the ISBN Number 1-56592-843-1 and a value for the second small barcode (as for the price) of
90000.
Therefore choose the symbology EAN 13 + 5 Digits encode the following data: 97815659284390000. The
check digit is calculated automatically (5).
The preceding digit ”5” (therefore also called EAN-5) marks the price encoded in US Dollar. Bookstores
recommend EAN-5. If there is no price, the value 90000 will be encoded instead (EAN-9). This value is used
when no additional information is available.
► For scanner in US bookstores ISBN, EAN codes are not readable without the 5 digit add-on (which is
called EAN-5 or EAN-9, depending on the first number encoded in the add-on).
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Values Description
59999 Price for $100 and more
90000-98999 For internal purposes (BISG recommend 90000 if no price is given)
99000-99999 Reserved for the industry market
99990-99999 Reserved for Nat’l Ass’n College Stores (NACS)
99990 NACS used books
99991 NACS copies
Table 14: ISBN Encoding – Price Samples
4.1.39 ISBT-128
This is the International Standard for the transfer of information associated with tissue transplantation and
Blood Transfusion. It provides a globally unique donation numbering system, internationally standardized
product definitions, and standard data structures for bar-coding and electronic data interchange.
It uses (but is not limited to) Code128B. For more information, please refer to http://iccbba.org.
4.1.40 ISMN
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, 12 digits + 1 check digit
Quiet zone: See EAN13
Module width: See EAN13
Standard print ratio: See EAN13
Ratio format: See EAN13
9 790123 456785
Default check digit: EAN-13 (eCDEAN13)
Possible check digits: User supplied
Symbol size: See EAN13
ISMN stands for International Standard Music Number. The ISMN is a standardized international code, which
identifies printed music.
The ISMN is preceded by the digits 9790. The ISMN (=EAN-13) check digit is calculated and appended
automatically!
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4.1.41 ISSN
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, 12 digits + 1 check digit + optionally 2 add-
on digits
Quiet zone: See EAN13 / EAN13 + 2 Digits
Module width: See EAN13 / EAN13 + 2 Digits
Standard print ratio: See EAN13 / EAN13 + 2 Digits
Ratio format: See EAN13 / EAN13 + 2 Digits 9 771234 567898
ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number. The ISSN is a standardized international code, which
identifies any serial publication independently of its country of origin, its language or alphabet, or its
frequency, medium, etc.
The ISSN is preceded by the digits 977. The check digit of an 8-digit ISSN code (the last of the 8 digits) must
be omitted! A two digit price code, almost always "00", is added to the end. Finally the EAN-13 check digit is
added.
Optionally the issue number can be appended as 2-digit add-on.
4.1.42 ITF-14
Valid characters: 13 digits + 1 check digit
Quiet zone: left/right: 10X
Module width: 0.051 – 1.02 mm (nominal size)
Standard print ratio: 1:2.5:1:2.5
Ratio format: 1B:2B:1S:2S
Default check digit: Mod-10 (eCDMod10)
Symbol size: 152.43 x 41.60 mm at nominal size (including Quiet
Zone and Bearer Bars)
Print control: C=I14
ITF-14 encodes the GTIN-14, this is a 14-digit number used to identify trade items at various packaging
levels (also referred as GTIN).
ITF-14 is based on the Code 2 of 5 Interleaved symbology. It encodes 14 digits (13 usable digits + 1 modulo
10 check digit). The check digit method complies with the EAN-14 method.
ITF-14 uses “Bearer Bars”, these are horizontal or surrounding bars, to prevent misreads.
► Symbol size and Bearer Bars are depending on printing method and scanning environment – for
details please follow the GS1 specification.
► When using vertical Bearer Bars, they must have at least a distance of 10 modules to the bar code.
4.1.43 JAN
JAN is the abbreviation for Japanese Article Number. This code uses EAN-13 symbology. The first two digits
have to be either 45 or 49 for identifying Japan.
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4.1.44 LOGMARS
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, “A”..”Z”, “+“, “-”, “*”, “/”, ”.”, ”$”, Space
Quiet zone: left/right: 10X, min. ¼ inch
Module width: X>=0.19 mm
Standard print ratio: 1:3:1:3
Ratio format: 1B:2B:1S:2S
Default check digit: None (eCDNone)
Possible check digits: Modulo 43 (eCDMod43), Modulo 11 Weight 7 AB12$+
(eCDMod11W7)
Symbol size: H>=15% of L (H>=6.3 mm!)
H: Height of barcode symbol without human
readable text
L: Width of barcode
This is a special variant of Code 39 used by the U.S. Department of Defense. This standard defines
acceptable ranges for a number of variables, include density, ratio, bar height, and size of the human-
readable interpretation line. The modulo-43 check digit, which is optional for Code 39, is defined and
recommended in the specification.
4.1.45 MSI
Valid characters: “0”..”9”
Quiet zone: left/right: 12X
Module width: --
Standard print ratio: 1:2:1:2
Ratio format: 1B:2B:1S:2S
Default check Digit: MSI 1 digit (eCDMSI1) 012345674
The MSI-Code is a variant of the Plessey-Code. MSI uses various check digit calculation methods.
NVE stands for “Nummer der Versandeinheit” (a German term for tracking number). This code uses an EAN-
128 symbology with a prefixed Application Identifier (AI) 00. The AI “00” is inserted automatically and must
not be included in the input data. It is similar to SSCC-18.
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4.1.47 NW-7
This symbology is identical with Codabar 2 Widths and is also known as Code 2 of 7.
The Japanese version of the Codabar 2 Widths barcode is called NW7. Another name for this symbology is
Code 2 of 7 – see section 1.1.1
The following symbols can be encoded in NW7: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, -, $, /, ., +
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PZN uses Code 39 as the base symbology. It uses a special check digit and the human readable text always
contains the prefix “PZN-“ (which is not encoded in the barcode data).
PZN7 is valid until the end of 2012 and will be replaced by PZN8 with the beginning of year 2013. PZN7
numbers will stay valid but are going to be extended to 8 digits by a leading “0”.
Plessey code is in use primarily in libraries. It is a pulse-width modulated code and was developed by
Plessey Company Limited in UK. The basic encoding principle in Plessey Code was used by MSE Data
Corporation to construct its MSI barcode.
The check digit is calculated with a polynomial CRC algorithm and is always part of the symbology.
4.1.53 SCC-14
Shipping Container Code – see DUN-14.
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4.1.54 SSCC-18
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, 17 digits + 1 check digit
Quiet zone: see EAN 128, sometimes ¼ inch
Module width: see EAN 128
Standard print ratio: 1:2:3:4:1:2:3:4
Ratio format: 1B:2B:3B:4B:1S:2S:3S:4S
Default check digit: Automatic (symbology specific). (00)012345678901234560
Modulo 10 (eCDMod10) and Modulo 103
(eCDEAN128)
Symbol size: see GS1-128
Print control: C=SSCC18
SSCC-18 is used for encoding the Serial Shipping Container Code. It is used for the unique identification of
trade items world-wide. SSCC-18 is based on the GS1-128 symbology with Application Identifier (AI) 00. The
check digit is encoded automatically if 17 digits are used for the input data.
The structure of the SSCC-18 is as follows:
The first two digits represent the Application Identifier (AI). The AI is always ‘00’.
The next digit is the Packaging Identifier.
The Packaging Identifier is followed by the ILN (the International Location Number) of the
manufacturer (7 digits).
The next 9 digits represent the Carton Serial Number.
The last digit is the check digit.
4.1.56 Telepen
Valid characters: pairs of digits, pairs of one digit with an ‘X’
Quiet zone: n/a
Standard print ratio: 1:3:1:3
Ratio format: 1B:2B:1S:2S
0123456X
Default check digit: None (eCDNone)
Symbol size: --
Telepen can encode pairs of characters only. A pair must consist of 2 digits or of one digit and the letter ‘X’.
4.1.57 UCC-128
Same as the EAN-128 (see section 6.1.24).
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UPC A is used in the United States for marking of products in retail applications (similar to EAN).
The numbers encoded into UPC bar codes are known as Global Trade Item Numbers, for UPC-A they are
called GTIN-12.
UPC-A is mainly used for scanning of trade items at the point of sale. The article number is maintained by
GS1 US and identifies manufacturer and product uniquely.
The code (11 digits + 1 check digit) is built from one system-digit, 5 digits manufacturer code and 5 digits
product code. The check digit is calculated automatically if not specified in the input data (that is when only
11 digits are used for the code).
It is identical to UPC-A, but with 2 add-on digits. The check digit will be calculated automatically if it is not
specified in the input data (e.g. 72527272070712). The check digit is not displayed in the human readable
text.
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It is identical to UPC-A, but with 2 add-on digits. The check digit will be calculated automatically if it is not
specified in the input data (e.g. 72527272070712345). The check digit is not displayed in the human
readable text.
UPC-E is used for product marking and article bar-coding. The code must begin with “0” or “1”. The check
digit is computed automatically if it is not specified in the input data (that is when only 7 digits are used for
creating the code).
This code is identical to UPC Version E, but with 2 add-on digits. The check digit will be calculated
automatically if not specified in the input data (e.g. 0123456512). The check digit is not displayed in the
human readable text.
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This code is identical to UPC Version E, but with 2 add-on digits. The check digit will be calculated
automatically if not specified in the input data (e.g. 0123456512345). The check digit is not displayed in the
human readable text.
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4.1.66 USD-4
This symbology is identical with Codabar 2 Widths and is also known as Code 2 of 7 and as NW-7.
VIN Code is used for vehicle identification. It is based on Code 39, but does not contain start and stop
characters. The set of valid characters consists of digits and upper case letters. The letters “I”, “O”, and “Q”
are not allowed because they could be easily mixed up with the digits “0”, and “1”.
VIN Code is implemented differently in Europe and North America. Both kinds are compatible but the North
American version is defined more strictly. So the check digit calculation method is only valid for the North
American implementation of the code
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This barcode is used by the Australian Post for marking shipments. Special code variants are available for
redirections, replies and so on. The barcode height is between 4.2mm and 5.8mm. The module width should
be adjusted to 0.47 mms. Usual no readable text is displayed. The length will depend on the use of
additional bars (code variants Customer 2 and Customer 3).
Due to its number of bars (37) Australian Post Customer is also called Australia Post 37-CUST.
This is the same barcode as the Australian Post Standard Customer, but with additional 5 characters for
customer specific data. The first 8 characters must be digits. This symbology is also called Australia Post 52-
CUST (Due to its 52 bars).
This is the same barcode as the Australian Post Standard Customer, but with additional 10 characters for
customer specific data. The first 8 characters must be digits. This symbology is also called Australia Post 67-
CUST (Due to its 67 bars).
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This code is used by the Brazilian Postal Services. An 8 digit ZIP-code is encoded. The check digit is
calculated automatically. It cannot be specified in the input data.
The barcode height should be adjusted to 3.2 mms; the module width to 0.423 mms; usually no plain text is
displayed. The encoding is based on US Postal codes.
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This symbology is used by Deutsche Post. The code is basically a Code 2 of 5 interleaved enhanced with a
special check digit calculation.
This symbology is used by Deutsche Post. The code is basically a Code 2 of 5 Interleaved enhanced with a
special check digit calculation. It is used for encoding the ZIP-Code, Street and number of the shipment.
DPD Code is used by DPD (Deutscher Paket Dienst). It is based on Code 128 and is limited to 28 encoded
characters. The encoded data and the human readable text differ slightly.
IPPPPPPPTTTTTTTTTTTTTTSSSCCC
PPPPPPPTTTTTTTTTTTTTTSSSCCCD
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With:
Character Description Data Type Length
I Identifier (in barcode data only) Alphanumeric 1
P Destination postal code Alphanumeric 7
X Depot number (first part of the tracking number) Alphanumeric 4
L Serial number (second part of the tracking number) Numeric 10
S Service Code Numeric 3
C Destination Country Code Numeric 3
D Check digit modulo 36 (in human readable text only) Alphanumeric 1
Table 16: DPD Format
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This code is used by the Korean Postal system. Encoded are a 6-digit ZIP and 1 check digit.
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4.2.14.1 Example
Description Value
Post number 305-600
Barcode Text property 305600 (no hyphen, 6 digits)
Encoded data in the symbol 0065036
th
The check digit (7 digit marked red) will be calculated
automatically.
► Hint: Will be scanned from right to left, so the data is encoded in the reverse order. The check digit
will be added at the right side, so it is the first digit read by a scanner.
4.2.15 Planet 12
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, 11 digits + 1 check digit
Quiet zone: left/right: 1/25 inch
top/bottom: 1/8 inch
Module width: --
Standard print ratio: 1:1
123456789014
Ratio format: 1B:1S
Default check digit: Modulo 10 Planet (eCDMod10Pla)
Possible check digits: User supplied
Symbol size: 11 digits + 1 check digit
This code was developed for the United States Postal Services. It is a 3-of-5 variant of the Postnet barcode.
4.2.16 Planet 14
Valid characters: “0”..”9”, 13 digits + 1 check digit
Quiet zone: left/right: 1/25 inch
top/bottom: 1/8 inch
Module width: --
Standard print ratio: 1:1
12345678901239
Ratio format: 1B:1S
Default check digit: Modulo 10 Planet (eCDMod10Pla)
Possible check digits: User supplied
Symbol size: 13 digits + 1 check digit
This code was developed for the United States Postal Services. It is a 3-of-5 variant of the Postnet barcode.
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This code is a height modulated code using 4 different vertical bars. It is used in mass-mailing applications
(Cleanmail, Mailsort) of the Royal Mail, United Kingdom and Singapore (also called SinPost barcode).
Encoded are ZIPs.
OneCode 4CB
USPS 4CB
4-CB
4-State Customer Barcode
USPS OneCode Solution Barcode.
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The barcode data consists of Routing Information and Tracking Information. The Routing Information is
optional. It is not printed in the human visible text and consists of:
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This code is used by the United States Postal Services for mass-mailing applications. Encoded are a 5 digit
ZIP-code and 4 to 9 additional digits. The check digit is calculated automatically. It cannot be specified in the
input data.
The barcode height should be adjusted to 3.2 mms; the module width to 0.423 mms; usually no plain text is
displayed.
The newer USPS Intelligent Mail® Barcode or IM® Barcode (4-State Customer Barcode) additionally
includes a 20 digits tracking code.
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4.3 2D SYMBOLOGIES
If you mix the character types the maximum data capacity cannot be predicted exactly (due to internal
compression and character set switching - this is by design).
If you use a combination of digits and text (lower & uppercase letters) the maximum data capacity would be
about 2500 characters - but this can vary due to your input data. If you want to encode large data amounts
we recommend using only capital letters or multiple symbols (structured append).
4.3.2 Codablock F
Valid characters: ASCII 0-127 + ISO 8859-1
Quiet zone: left/right/ top/bottom: 10X
Module width: X>=0.19mm
Print ratio: 1:2:3:4:1:2:3:4
Ratio format: 1B:2B:3B:4B:1S:2S:3S:4S
Default check digit: Automatic (symbology specific).
Size: 2 - 44 rows; 4 - 62 characters per row
Print control: C=CBF
Codablock F is de facto a “stacked” Code128 symbology. It is based upon Code 128 - each row is a single
Code 128 symbol extended with row indicator information and additional check digits. The UCC/EAN/GS1
format indicator is supported.
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Data Matrix is used for encoding large amounts of data and is also ideal for marking small objects. The
symbol size adjusts automatically depending on the amount of input data.
It was developed by RVSI Acuity CiMatrix for the Space Shuttle Program and then enhanced by the NASA
and the Symbology Research Center.
It is the de-facto standard symbology in the following areas:
Automotive
Aviation (SPEC2000)
Pharmaceutical areas
The maximum data capacity for binary data is equal to 1556 bytes using a Matrix of 144x144 dots. With a dot
size of 0.35 mm minimum, you get a symbol size of 50.4 * 50.4 mm.
The maximum data capacity for a matrix of 120x120 dots = 1048 Bytes.
The maximum data capacity for a matrix of 96x96 dots = 694 Bytes.
In practice, with a hand-held scanner, you can scan sizes up to 96x96 dots without problems. Symbol sizes
of 120x120 dots are ok if you are using (very) good scanners.
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► To turn on this compatibility mode, enter "C" into the format property (Data Matrix only).
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4.3.4 DotCode
Valid characters: Alphanumeric (ASCII 0.. 255) and/or bytes
Quiet zone: left/right/ top/bottom: 3X
Module width: --
Print ratio: 1:1
Ratio format: 1B:1S
Default check digit: Automatic (symbology specific).
Size: --
DotCode is 2D dot code symbology designed to be reliably readable when printed by high-speed inkjet or
laser dot technologies.
The encoding modes of DotCode are based on the Code128 data encoding (with modes A, B, and C)
extended by a so called Binary Mode.
The default interpretation for DotCode data is ECI 000003 representing the Latin-I character set.
The DotCode symbology does not have absolute capacity limits, but a maximum symbol size of 124x124
dots is recommended.
4.3.4.1 Code Format
The following code format is supported:
Auto Discriminate (If the data starts with 2 digits, barcode has GS1 format, otherwise generic format
is used)
Generic Format (barcode data does not fulfill any special format, if it starts with 2 digits, FNC1 is
inserted)
UCC/EAN/GS1 (the internal data must start with 2 digits and has to apply to a format of an so-called
application identifier)
Industry (a peculiar industry format, which adds FNC1 at 2nd position)
Macro 05 (the data is prefixed with “[)>” + RS + “05” + GS and suffixed with RS + EOT)
Macro 06 (the data is prefixed with “[)>” + RS + “06” + GS and suffixed with RS + EOT)
Macro 12 (the data is prefixed with “[)>” + RS + “12” + GS and suffixed with RS + EOT)
Custom Macro (the data is prefixed with “[)>” + RS and suffixed with RS + EOT; the rest of the format
specifier has to be encoded by the user)
Reader Programming (the barcode data is used to program the barcode reader)
The following unprintable characters are used with the Macro 05/06 modes:
RS (Record Separator): 0x1e
GS (Group Separator): 0x1d
EOT (End of Transmission): 0x04.
Han Xin Code is a 2D matrix symbology which is used for encoding large amounts of data and provides a
special support for encoding Chinese characters (character set GB18030).
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The maximum data capacity for binary data is equal to 3261 bytes using a Matrix of 189x189 dots.
4.3.6 MaxiCode
Valid characters: Alphanumeric (ASCII 0.. 255) and/or bytes
Default Mode: Mode-4 (standard symbol)
Quiet zone: left/right/ top/bottom: 1X
Module width: --
Print ratio: n/a
Ratio format: n/a
Default check digit: Automatic (symbology specific).
Size: Fix: 1.11 x 1.054 inch
Print control: C=MXC
®
MaxiCode is in use (and was invented) by UPS .
MaxiCode represents data by drawing hexagonal items, which are arranged around a circular center (a so
called "Bull's Eye"). Different encoding modes for including postal information (SCM) can be adjusted: UPS
Modes are Mode 2 (US Carrier) and Mode 3 (International Carrier).
The printing size is usually set to a fixed value. If you want to change the size of the symbol, adjust a custom
module width (default is 0.870 mm).
With Structured Append you can divide larger quantities of data into several MaxiCode symbols – they are
joined by the scanner when being read.
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4.3.6.2 Modes
The internal data structure is regulated by different "modes". For standard purposes, data can be encoded
with two different error correction levels:
Mode 4 - SEC / Standard Error Correction
Mode 5 - EEC = Enhanced E.C.).
®
The modes for "Structured Carrier Message" (SCM) were defined by the parcel transport service UPS . If
you want to use MaxiCode for UPS, please use these SCM modes.
Mode 2 - SCM numeric
Mode 3 - SCM alphanumeric
► Please use mode 2 or 3 (SCM) depending on your postal code. UPS MaxiCode compression works
only for these SCM modes.
If you want to encode a numeric Postcode (USA) set the mode to "SCM numeric" (Property MaxiCode.Mode
= 2). If you want to use letters in the Postcode (e.g. “D12345” for German PLZ) choose mode SCM
alphanumeric (Property MaxiCode.Mode = 3).
Then replace all control characters (Gs, Rs, Eot) with their hexadecimal encoding (\xnn):
Gs \x1d
Rs \x1e
Eot \x04.
Please refer to Escape Sequences for an overview of available escape sequences.
1Z12345677\x1dUSPN\x1d123556\x1d089\x1d\x1d1/1\x1d10\x1dY\x1d\x1dSALT LAKE
CITY\x1dUT\x1e\x04
This corresponds to the UPS Data fields: Tracking Number, SCAC, UPS Account Number, Julian
Day of Collection, place holder for Shipment ID Number, Package n/x, Package Weight, Address
Validation, Place Holder for Ship To Street Address, Ship To City, Ship To State, End Of
Transmission.
At last check Translate escape sequences (property EscapeSequences). This is necessary to
translate the hexadecimal codes (e.g. \x1d) into the special characters “Rs”, “Gs” and “Eot”.
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The parameters for SCM (Structured Carrier Message - used for UPS) can be set directly in the barcode
data string. This allows complete control of all necessary parameters in one step.
The values for the properties postal code, country code, service class, preamble and date are then extracted
from the barcode data (Text property). Values from the text string overdrive the belonging properties in the
barcode component.
The Text property should contain the whole data string according to UPS standard (see following picture)
including preamble, date, postal code, country code, and service class.
Special characters and separators must be replaced by escape sequences (also refer to Escape
Sequences).
Gs \x1d
Rs \x1e
Eot \x04.
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4.3.7 MicroPDF417
Valid characters: Alphanumeric and/or bytes
Quiet zone: left/right: 1X
Module width: --
Print ratio: 1:2:3:4:5:6:1:2:3:4:5:6
Ratio format: 1B:2B:3B:4B:5B:6B:1S:2S:3S:4S:5S:6S
Default check digit: Automatic (symbology specific).
Size: --
Print control: C=MPDF
Control sequence
For V1.x: $_tbcs b84 dThis is a MicroPDF417$_tbce
For V2.x: $_tbcs -b84 –d"This is a MicroPDF417"$_tbce
This 2D symbology is a small variant of QR-Code with a reduced number of overhead modules and a
restricted range of sizes. It was developed for fast readability (QR = Quick Response) by Denso. The symbol
size adjusts automatically depending on input data.
Micro QR-Code has 4 different symbol sizes (M1-M4). The smallest version (=size) M1 is restricted to
numeric data and error detection, M2 may contain also alphanumeric values, and M3 and M4 may use the
whole range of the QR-Code character sets (bytes, Kanji).
The maximum amount of data is 35 numeric, 21 alphanumeric, 15 byte, or 9 Kanji characters, in conjunction
with the lowest error correction level.
4.3.9 PDF417
Valid characters: Alphanumeric (ASCII 0.. 255)
Quiet zone: left/right: 2X
Module width: --
Print ratio: 1:2:3:4:5:6:7:8:1:2:3:4:5:6
Ratio format: 1B:2B:3B:4B:5B:6B:7B:8B:
1S:2S:3S:4S:5S:6S
Default check digit: Automatic (symbology specific).
Size: X >= 0.19 mm
Print control: C=PDF
This (stacked) 2D symbology was invented by Symbol Technologies. It is used to encode large quantities of
data. It is the de-facto 2D standard symbology in the automotive industry.
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The symbol is divided into rows and columns. The software adjusts the size automatically depending on the
amount of input data. A data density of up to 900 characters per square inch is possible.
The input data is always analyzed and the appropriate encoding mode is chosen automatically. Mode
switching is done as required to produce the most efficient encoding.
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Maximum data capacity for binary data is 2953 bytes using a matrix of 177x177 dots. As an example the
symbol version 22 (104x104 dots) can encode approximately 1 KB of data using a low error correction level.
The resulting symbol size is about = 37x37 mm when a dot-size of 0.35 mm is used.
The input data is always analyzed and the appropriate encoding mode is chosen automatically. Mode
switching is done as required to produce the most efficient encoding.
► Set the QR-Code mask pattern to a constant value. Changing this setting could affect readability.
► Set the symbol size to a constant value if the symbol should have always the same size.
► Set the error correction level to "low". Changing this setting could affect readability.
► Minimize computing steps: set the configuration properties of Laser Code only one time at startup of
your program, and do only change the text property for each barcode.
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The new ISO/IEC 18004:2006 standard for “QR-Code 2005” defines ISO-8859-1 (Latin-1) as default
character set in Byte mode!
Latin-1 - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO/IEC_8859-1
► Encoding the full Latin-1 character set by default is possible with QR-Code 2005.
Disadvantage
Using other code pages or other character sets as the default character set of a 2D bar code can lead to
problems on the decoding stage. Barcode readers try to decode the QR Code data by using the default
character set (which is SHIFT JIS for QR-Code 97/2000).
Workarounds
You can use UTF-8 or ISO-8859-1 in closed applications. If the data is transmitted in binary form (e.g. a
serial bar code reader or an image scanner will transmit the data as sequence of Bytes) you can decode the
bar code data as UTF-8 or Latin-1 format by the software, which receives the data. You may also have luck
with intelligent image decoding software (e.g. ZXing) which tries to find out if Latin-1, UTF-8 or Shift JIS is
used by auto detection. If you don’t have a closed application or don’t have control about the bar code
decoder, this workaround cannot be used.
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QR-Code 2005 is closely similar to QR Code Model 2 and, in its QR Code format, differs only in the addition
of the facility for symbols to appear in a mirror image orientation, for reflectance reversal (light symbols on
dark backgrounds) and the option for specifying alternative character sets to the default.
The default interpretation for QR-Code 2005 is ECI 000003 representing the ISO/IEC 8859-1 character
set.
QR-Code 2005 is the form of the symbology recommended for new and open systems applications
With:
Character Description Data Type Length
+ HIBC Supplier Labeling Flag '+' “+” 1
I Label Identification Code (LIC) Alphanumeric, first 4
character is a letter
P* PCN (Labelers Product or Catalog) Alphanumeric 1 - 13
U Unit of Measure ID Numeric 1
C Check Digit (mod 43) – also used as Link Character 1
in the Secondary Data Structure.
Table 22: HIBC LIC - Primary Format
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+R*Q*D*B*LC
With:
The Combined Data Structure (Primary and Secondary data structure in one piece) is defined as
+IIIIP*U/R*Q*D*B*C
When the fields are as described above and a separator character (“/”) is inserted between the Primary and
the Secondary data structure.
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+/F*G*DDDDDC1
With:
+/1F*G*DDDDC1
It is much the same as the Single Data Structure but has “1” as prefix.
+/2DDDDC1C2
With:
The Combined Data Structure (First and second data structure in one piece) is defined as
+/F*G1*D1D1D1/G2*D2D2D2C
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With:
In following you find a list of the bar code symbologies that are able to encode HIBC.
HIBC LIC 128 is based on the symbology Code 128. The data format corresponds to the HIBC LIC Format
described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC LIC 39 is based on the symbology Code 39. The data format corresponds to the HIBC LIC Format
described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required
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HIBC LIC Data Matrix is based on the 2D symbology Data Matrix. The data format corresponds to the HIBC
LIC Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC LIC QR-Code is based on the 2D symbology QR-Code. The data format corresponds to the HIBC LIC
Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC LIC PDF417 is based on the 2D symbology PDF417. The data format corresponds to the HIBC LIC
Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
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HIBC LIC MicroPDF417 is based on the 2D symbology MicroPDF417. The data format corresponds to the
HIBC LIC Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC LIC Codablock F is based on the stacked symbology Codablock F. The data format corresponds to the
HIBC LIC Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC PAS 128 is based on the symbology Code 128. The data format corresponds to the HIBC PAS Format
described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required
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HIBC PAS 39 is based on the symbology Code 39. The data format corresponds to the HIBC PAS Format
described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC PAS Data Matrix is based on the 2D symbology Data Matrix. The data format corresponds to the HIBC
PAS Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC PAS QR-Code is based on the 2D symbology QR-Code. The data format corresponds to the HIBC
PAS Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
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HIBC PAS PDF417 is based on the 2D symbology PDF417. The data format corresponds to the HIBC PAS
Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC PAS MicroPDF417 is based on the 2D symbology MicroPDF417. The data format corresponds to the
HIBC PAS Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
HIBC PAS Codablock F is based on the stacked symbology Codablock F. The data format corresponds to
the HIBC PAS Format described above. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.
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GS1 DataBar is used to encode the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) with Application identifier (AI) “01“.
The GTIN consists of a packaging indicator (0..9) followed by a 12 digit number (taken from the EAN-13
th
article number system) followed by a check digit. The check digit on the 14 position is computed
automatically if not provided in the input data.
The height of the symbol should be at least 33X in order to support omnidirectional scanning (X = module
width). The software prefixes the barcode data with the AI “01” automatically - do not provide the AI 01 with
your input data.
This symbology is similar to GS1 DataBar but the height should be at least 13X. Omni-directional scanning
may not be possible.
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This symbology is similar to GS1 DataBar, but it is smaller in size and limited to a packaging indicator (first
digit) 0 or 1.
This symbology is similar to GS1 DataBar, but it is split into 2 rows to make the symbol smaller. It is used for
pharmaceutical packaging. Omni-directional scanning is not possible.
This symbology is similar to the GS1 DataBar Stacked and supports omnidirectional scanning.
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This is a variable length symbology. It encodes up to 74 numeric or 41 alphabetic characters. Data should be
encoded with Application Identifiers (AIs). Omni-directional scanning is possible.
This is the stacked version of GS1 DataBar Expanded. The number of data segments per row can vary
between 4 and 22. The default number of data segments is 4.
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4.6.2.2 2D Component
CC-A up to 56 digits
CC-B up to 338 digits
CC-C up to 2361 digits
The maximum data capacity of the 2D component depends on the number of data columns, which also
depends on the type of the linear component.
For instance, GS1 DataBar Stacked allows a 2D component with 2-data columns (CC-A or CC-B). In this
case the maximum capacity of a CC-A would be 52 digits with special AI combination at the beginning of the
data (AI 11/17 + 10), otherwise the capacity would be 48 digits.
With the other variants having 4 data columns (GS1 DataBar, GS1 DataBar Expanded,...) the maximum data
capacity is a little bit higher = 56 digits.
This is a GS1 DataBar barcode with an attached 2D component (CC-A or CC-B). The leading Application
Identifier (AI) 01 (for the GTIN) is prefixed automatically by the software and must not occur in the input data.
The 2D component can encode additional information like lot number, quantity, expiration date…
This is a GS1 DataBar Truncated barcode with an attached 2D component (CC-A or CC-B).
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This is a GS1 DataBar Limited barcode with an attached 2D component (CC-A or CC-B).
This is a GS1 DataBar Stacked barcode with an attached 2D component (CC-A or CC-B).
This is a GS1 DataBar Stacked Omni directional barcode with an attached 2D component (CC-A or CC-B).
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This is a GS1 DataBar Expanded barcode with an attached 2D component (CC-A or CC-B).
This is a GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked barcode with an attached 2D component (CC-A or CC-B).
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