Barcode Basics
Home > Barcode Basics

• About Barcodes
  • A short introduction to barcodes
    About barcodes and how they work
  • The benefits of barcodes
    Using barcodes to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and reduce errors
  • Different types of barcodes
    Information about specific symbologies
  • Barcode comparison chart
    Compare the utility of different barcode symbologies side by side
• About Barcode Software
  • Choosing barcode tools
    Guidelines for selecting barcode products
  • Barcode creation software
    Learn about barcode fonts, label printing, pre-press artwork, and SDK's
  • Data management software
    Lean about inventory, fixed assets, and data collection software
• Printer and Label Options
  • Label Chart
    Choosing the right label and printing technology
  • Direct thermal printer technology
    A brief discussion of direct thermal technology
  • Thermal transfer printer technology
    A brief discussion of thermal transfer technology
• Scanners
  • Scanning technologies
    Learn about how barcode scanners work
  • Types of scanners
    Learn about corded, cordless, portable, and radio frequency
  • Decoding
    Learn about in-scanner vs external hardware decoding
  • Scanner Packages
    Hand-held, counter top, in-counter, fixed mount, and above belt
• More Resources
  • FAQ: Barcoding retail products
    When and how to get a barcode on your retail product or publication
  • Books about barcodes
    Here are some good additions to your barcode library
  • Application notes
    Articles with useful information about how to solve particular problems
  • Directory of manufacturers
    Here is a list of every manufacturer for any products we carry
  • Standards organizations
    A list of about 230 organizations worldwide that maintain standards and specifications and regulate the use of barcodes in particular industries and markets
• External Links
  • GS1 - http://www.gs1.org
    Register to get UPC numbers
  • ISBN - http://www.isbn.org
    Register for an ISBN number for book publishing
  • MakeLabel.com - http://www.MakeLabel.com
    Our sister company offers custom printed labels and barcode graphic generation services
     

Databases of UPC and EAN Barcodes
To our knowledge, there are no complete free databases of UPC and EAN barcodes on the Internet.  For serious applications like point of sale systems or product research, you will need to purchase or subscribe to a commercial product database.
See http://www.MarketWatchData.com/upc_databases.htm for more information.

Most Popular References

Barcode Comparison Chart
Compare the utility of different barcode symbologies side by side

FAQ: Retail Barcoding
When and how to get a barcode on your retail product or publication

Application Notes
Articles with useful information about how to solve particular problems.

Barcode Creation Software
Learn about barcode fonts, label printing, pre-press artwork, and SDK's

Types of Scanners
Corded, Cordless, Portable, or Radio Frequency?  Explore your options.