OptimiDoc Cloud Barcode Types

Here is a List of Barcode types OptimiDoc Cloud Supports when using the OptimiDoc Cloud Pro License OCR Engine, if you select the ABBYY OCR Options you cannot extract barcodes nor perform Barcode Document separation.

Also if you choose to use the ABBYY OCR Engine you do not get all the Deskew, Or Zonal OCR Extraction, Watermark, Redaction, so please be aware of limited features if you decide to use the ABBYY OCR Options.

Add5 

The Add-5 barcode appends extra information to EAN-13, UPC-A, or UPC-E barcodes. It typically appears just to the right of the original barcode and is separated by a small space to differentiate the two codes. Similar to the Add-2 format, Add-5 codes are designed to communicate specific information in a small space using just five digits. There is no check digit in an Add-5 barcode.

Add2

The 1D Add 2 barcode format adds two digits to the end of EAN 13, EAN 8, or UPC-A barcodes covered by the GS-1 framework. Printed just to the right of the original barcode, Add 2 codes are strictly limited in the format and amount of data they can encode. These codes don’t contain a digit check and can’t be used independently. They must be used in conjunction with supported barcode formats to be accurately read by scanners. 

For this reason, both the Add 2 and Add 5 formats are considered supplementary codes; while they can contain critical data that provides a unique identifier, they can’t function in isolation. This makes them ideal for cases where companies have large amounts of similar objects — such as books or manuscripts — that still require unique identification.

Aztec

Aztec Barcode

The Aztec barcode was developed in 1995 by Andrew Longacre, Jr. and Robert Hussey. Its name is derived from the similarity of the barcode’s central “finder” pattern to square, multi-stepped Aztec pyramids. While it was originally patented by Longacre and Hussey, the patent was made public domain in 2008 and is now registered as ISO/IEC 24778:2008 which defines the requirements for developing both the barcode itself and devices capable of reading this barcode.

Supported Barcodes | Aztec Barcodes | Barcode Xpress | Accusoft

BCD Matrix

The BCD Matrix is used to encode a decimal number with varying digit amounts. While the height of this barcode is typically one inch, the use of 2 of 5 symbology allows significant variations in width. 

Supported Barcodes | BCD Matrix | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com)

Code39

Developed in 1974 by David Allais and Raymond Stevens of Interface Mechanisms, Inc., Code 39 was the first barcode to encode both numeric digits and alphanumeric characters. As a result, it remains one of the most popular barcodes in the world.

Code 39 makes it possible to encode digits 0-9, uppercase letters A-Z, along with six symbols: minus, plus, period, dollar sign, slash, and percent.  Most barcode readers will generate an error if non-allowed symbols are included in Code 39 elements, meaning this code is considered “self-checking” because a single misinterpreted or incorrect bar will not generate the following valid character.

While Code 39 was groundbreaking for its use of both numbers and letters, it takes significantly more space to encode data in Code 39 than newer codes – such as Code 128 – meaning it’s often not possible to use Code 39 for small-space applications. Because the code can be read by virtually any barcode reader, however, it remains popular worldwide.

Format

Code 39 is sometimes called Code 3 of 9 because it uses 5 bars and 4 spaces for a total of nine elements – 3 of which are wide and 6 of which are narrow. Code 39 has six key format elements:

• A Leading Quiet Zone
• One Start Character, Typically an Asterisk (*)
• One or More Symbol Character Pairs
• One Stop Character, Typically an Asterisk (*)
• A Trailing Quiet Zone
• Various One-Module-Wide Intercharacter Spaces that Separate Specific Characters

For accurate scanning, symbols must be at least 5.0 millimeters or 15 percent of existing symbol width. In addition, both start and stop quiet zones must be at least 10x wide where “x” is the width of current character symbols.

Supported Barcodes | Code 39 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com)

Codabar

Created in 1972 by Pitney Bowes Corporation, Codabar was designed for enhanced readability and simplicity. While the basic Codabar format is not protected by trademark, there are specific versions — such as the hyphenated Code-a-bar — that are protected by registered trademark. This format was designed for easy printing even on dot-matrix machines or impact printers, making it both reliable and functional. This barcode type is also known as USD-4, NW-7, and 2 of 7 code.

Supported Barcodes | Codabar Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

Code93

Code 93 was developed in 1982 as a high-density, variable-length symbology that combines both Code 39 Extended and GS1-128 elements to enhance overall encodation. This barcode can contain 43 different data characters — numbers 0-9, letters A-Z, six symbols (minus, plus, period, dollar sign, backslash, and percent), and space. In addition, Code 93 uses five special characters which can be combined with the common 43 data characters to represent all 128 ASCII characters.

The “93” designation refers to the fact that each encoded character is constructed using nine modules that are arranged into three bars with adjacent spaces. This code also requires two checksum characters, often called the “C” and “K” characters, and in most cases a human-readable form of the encoded information is printed below the barcode itself. 

Supported Barcodes | Code 93 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

DataLogic2of5

DataLogic 2 of 5 is part of the larger 2 of 5 family of symbol encodation. The name is derived from the use of five characters  — two of which are wide and three of which are narrow — to encode information. DataLogic 2 of 5 differs from standard 2 of 5 symbology for its use of both spaces and bars to encode information. It was developed in the late 1960s by the Datalogic corporation as a higher-density alternative to standard 2 of 5 symbologies, but is no longer widely used. 

Supported Barcodes | DataLogic 2 of 5 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

DataMatrix

The Data Matrix barcode format is 2D — meaning it encodes information both horizontally and vertically. It was created in 2005 by International Data Matrix, Inc. was eventually acquired by Microscan Systems. While the company attempted to keep the patent for this barcode proprietary, it was deemed public domain and is now included under several ISO/IEC standards, including:

• ISO/IEC 16022:2006— Symbology Specification
• ISO/IEC 15415— Print Standards for 2D Barcodes
• ISO/IEC 15418:2009— Format Semantics for Symbol Data
• ISO/IEC 15424:2008— Identification for Data Carriers
• ISO/IEC 15434:2006— Formatting for Transferred Data
• ISO/IEC 15459— Unique Identifier Characteristics

What sets the Data Matrix barcode apart from other 2D codes is size and design. These barcodes are of the smallest 2D types used and are capable of encoding up to 50 readable symbols in a 3mm² area. They also feature two solid borders on one corner of the barcode combined with white and dark cells across its width and length and which make up its other two borders. As more information is added to Data Matrix codes, they expand both vertically and horizontally. The barcode is capable of encoding over 3000 characters in ASCII, C40, TEXT and BASE256. It also leverages the ECC 200 error correction standard that allows codes with up to 40% damage to be accurately read.

Supported Barcodes | Data Matrix Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

EAN13

The EAN-13 barcode supports only numeric data and encodes exactly 13 digits. EAN stands for the European Article Numbering system, also called the International Article Number (IAN). It is used primarily for the marking and tracking of retail products. The first two or three digits are a country code which indicates where the manufacturer is registered, followed by 9 or 10 data digits.

As of January 1st, 2005, all retail scanning systems in the United States were required to recognize and process both EAN-13 and UPC-A symbols. Any UPC-A symbol created in the U.S. can be converted into an EAN-13 symbol with the addition of a leading zero. 

Supported Barcodes | EAN-13 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

EAN8

The EAN-8 barcode is based on the EAN-13 specification for use in areas where standard EAN-13 codes would be too large. Developed in the 1970s, the European Article Numbering (EAN) system, also called the International Article Numbering (IAN) or Japan Article Numbering (JAN) system, was designed for the quick and accurate identification of retail products. 

EAN-8 codes are numeric-only and contain a 2 or 3-digit country code along with 4 or 5 data digits and a checksum digit. For example, JAN barcodes use country codes ranging from 490 to 499 to indicate that products are of Japanese origin. 

Wherever possible, EAN-13 is the preferred code methodology since its larger size offers higher-density data encoding. As a result, EAN-8 codes are typically used on smaller products which don’t have the size to support a full EAN-13 code. It’s also possible to use EAN-8 barcodes to encode GTIN-8 (Global Trade Identification Numbers) which are used as product identifiers under the GS1 System. Along with EAN-13, EAN-8 codes remain popular across the world for simple product data encoding.

Supported Barcodes | EAN-8 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

Industrial2of5

Also called the Industry 2 of 5 barcode or simply Code 2 of 5, the Industrial 2 of 5 symbology has been in use since the late 1960s to encode information for airline tickets and warehouse sorting systems. All information contained in this barcode is stored in the bars themselves — the white spaces are only used for separation. As a result, this code is considered inefficient when compared to newer symbologies but remains popular thanks to existing infrastructure built specifically to read these codes.

To encode information, five bars are used for each character. Two are wide and three are narrow, giving rise to the name “2 of 5”. Unlike more recent barcode formats, Industrial 2 of 5 only supports numeric characters 0-9.

Supported Barcodes | Industrial 2 of 5 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

Inverted2of5

Inverted 2 of 5 is a rarely-used variant of the Industrial 2 of 5 format. Similar to the Code 2 of 5 symbology, this barcode encodes information using 2 wide and 3 narrow elements. Unlike other barcode types, however, Inverted 2 of 5 encodes information in spaces rather than bars. Except for the start and stop symbols, all bars are the same width. This barcode can only contain numeric characters 0-9. 

Supported Barcodes | Invert 2 of 5 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

Interleaved2of5

The Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode is a numeric-only code that’s commonly used in warehouse and industrial applications. Also known as ITF-14/SCC-14, Interleaved 2 of 5 is considered a high-density barcode since digits are encoded in pairs or “interleaved.” 

The first digit is encoded in five bars, two of which are wide and two of which are narrow, and the second digit is encoded in the spaces which occur between these bars. Interleaved 2 or 5 codes can be as long as necessary to encode specific data, making them ideal for large-scale industrial applications.

Because the encoded digits in Interleaved 2 of 5 occur in pairs, the code must contain an even number of digits. If an odd number of digits occurs, a leading “0” is added to the first code value. While Code 39 is also a potential option for industrial barcoding, many companies choose Interleaved 2 of 5 since it’s possible to encode the same amount of data in approximately half the required space. 

Supported Barcodes | Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

IATA2of5

The Airline 2 of 5 barcode is also known as the Standard 2 of 5 or International Air Transport Association (IATA) 2 of 5. It’s part of the larger Interleaved 2 of 5 framework that was originally developed in 1968. In 2 of 5 symbology, data is encoded using 5 spaces of fixed width and 5 bars that vary in size. 

This specification is called “interleaved” because digits are encoded in pairs — the first digit pair is encoded in spaces and the second in bars. The varying size of these bars give this barcode its name. Three of five are narrow and two of five are wide. Because of its paired nature, only an even number of digits can be recorded. If an odd number is required, a “0” may be encoded as the first digit or the last five spaces may be narrow.

Supported Barcodes | Airline 2 of 5 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

Matrix2of5

Matrix 2 of 5 is part of the 2 of 5 barcode family, but encodes data at a higher density than its counterparts. It was first developed by the Nieaf Company in Holland and is sometimes called the 2 of 5 Matrix or 2/5 3 Bar Matrix. Despite its ability to encode more data in a smaller space, this code is rarely used since other variants offer greater benefits around accuracy and reliability. In addition, Matrix 2 of 5 barcodes require greater printing precision to ensure they remain readable over time.

Supported Barcodes | Matrix 2 of 5 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

MircroQr

The Quick Response (QR) code was revolutionary for its ability to store far more information than was possible with traditional, one dimensional barcodes. In some use cases, this ability to encode so much data makes the QR Code larger than necessary. That’s why Denso Wave created a smaller, more compact version in 1994 called the Micro QR Code. The code is frequently used to track very small components like circuit boards and other electronic parts. Micro QR Code is a public domain 2D barcode covered under the ISO/IEC 18004:2015 standard. Like their bigger cousins, Micro QR Codes can encode Japanese Kanji, Kana, and Hiragana characters.

While a conventional QR Code uses three finder pattern squares to enable barcode readers to orient the image properly, a Micro QR Code uses a single finder pattern square in the upper-left corner. It also requires only a two-module wide “quiet zone” around the edge of the symbol, as opposed to the four-module wide margin needed for a regular QR Code. These differences, along with the fact that Micro QR Codes encode data more efficiently, prevent the code from becoming much larger even as the amount of data stored increases, which is a challenge with regular QR Codes.

Supported Barcodes | Add Micro QR Codes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

PDF417

The PDF417 barcode is a 2D, variable-length stacked barcode and can be used to encode binary data. This two-dimensional symbology was developed in 1992 to help reduce the area required to encode large amounts of data. The name PDF417 speaks to the elements of its format. It is a portable data file (PDF) with four bars, four spaces, and a 17-module codeword. This barcode type was created by Ynjiun P. Wang of Symbol Technologies in 1991 and is defined by ISO standard 15438.

There are two common variants of PDF417: Macro PDF417 and Compact PDF417. The Compact version is used in applications where space-saving is paramount, while the Macro type is used to create smaller, encodable segments from larger data sets. It’s also worth noting that despite similarities in the name, the MicroPDF417 barcode does not use the same format as PDF417.

Supported Barcodes | PDF417 Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com)

PatchCode

Patch Codes were developed by Kodak to help process large batches of documents quickly and accurately. Unlike most 1D barcodes, which are read from left-to-right, Patch Codes are read from top-to-bottom. They include four bars — two wide and two narrow — and three spaces of fixed width. As a result, all Patch Codes are the same size. 

When read by scanners during document processing, Patch Codes tell scanning or capture software how to classify and organize documents, significantly increasing both the speed and accuracy of document processing.

Supported Barcodes | Patch Codes Barcodes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com) 

Qr

Quick Response (QR) codes are one of the most familiar and recognizable types of 2D barcodes. Originally developed in 1994 by Masahiro Hara of Japanese company Denso Wave, QR Codes were designed to track vehicle components during the production process through high-speed scanning. Now, a variety of ISO/IEC standards cover the public domain use of QR codes including ISO/IEC 18004:2000, ISO/IEC 18004:2006 and ISO/IEC 18004:2015. QR Codes are also one of the only barcode types capable of encoding Japanese Kanji and Kana characters.

QR Codes are composed of three large squares at three corners of the barcode image and a fourth smaller square — or multiple squares — in the last corner which allows the barcode reader to determine image size, orientation, and viewing angle. Small dots located throughout the barcode are converted to binary and validated using an error-correcting algorithm. QR Codes also support multiple levels for error correction, with the tradeoff that as more information can be recovered, less information can be stored. 

Supported Barcodes | Quick Response QR Codes | Barcode Xpress (accusoft.com)