User Manual

5.1 1D or Barcodes

Updated on

In this chapter you will learn

  • where barcodes are used in the Workflow,
  • which barcodes are available in the workflow and
  • which content, which characters and which check method the respective barcode can use.

1. General

In practice, the use of barcodes is one of the everyday tasks in the creation of machine-readable data carriers. The content which is to be transported in barcodes can be entered manually or specified in the form of a CSV file. Barcodes are required for the following applications:

  • Article identification - application of item numbers on the packaging for faster registration of products at kiosk and cash register systems.
  • Lot numbers - unique numbers for lotteries, tombolas, etc.
  • Batch numbers - creation of combined number ranges with consecutive numbering combined with texts.
  • Package identification - attaching information used for machine registration and control of control systems.
  • Badges - creation of access authorizations for trade fairs, conferences, fitness centers, etc.

Barcodes can be used in various areas of the Workflow.

  • VDP Editor - for creating variable barcodes for personalization of printed products.
  • Adobe Illustrator plug-in - for creating variable as well as static barcodes for personalization as well as marking of printed products.
  • Impose Editor - for marking printed products for downstream manufacturing steps.
  • PDF Editor - for creating barcodes for marking printed products.

Note: Consider availability in Workflow

Adobe Illustrator Plug-in: The ability to create barcodes in conjunction with Workflow and Adobe Illustrator 2022 will be available until version 1.15.0. A plug-in for Adobe Illustrator version higher than 2022 will not be available. Whether an earlier version of Adobe Illustrator than 2022 can still be used must be checked for the respective installation at your own responsibility. All barcode creation options and more are 100% available in the VDP Editor and PDF Editor.

PDF Editor: The marking of print products with barcodes will be available in the workflow from version 1.15.0. Until full implementation, barcodes can be created via the VDP Editor.

2. List of supported barcodes

Beyond 75 different variants of barcodes are available in the Workflow. The following list gives a detailed overview of which barcodes are available in the Workflow. Furthermore,  listed are characters paired with a valid example which can be used for the barcode. If different verification methods are permitted for barcodes, these are listed for the individual barcode.

For a better overview, the barcodes have been divided into the four groups below.

2.1. Linear barcodes

One-dimensional barcodes encode information using lines and spaces of varying widths (hence the term "linear barcodes"). They can only contain a very limited amount of data. Because 1D barcodes can be read by low-cost laser scanners, they find use in a wide variety of industries. If your device can read two-dimensional codes such as QR codes, scanning 1D barcodes is also possible. For example, your smartphone is capable of reading both 1D and 2D barcodes. For businesses, the use of powerful scanning software is the key to efficient workflows in a wide range of sectors, e.g. retail, logistics, insurance, healthcare.

The following barcodes are available as linear barcodes.

Code 11

Used mainly in telecommunication for marking equipment as well as components.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456

Code 2 of 5 Standard

This self-checking code is used for industrial applications, part numbering, photo development, as well as ticketing systems.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod10

Code 2 of 5 Interleaved

This self-checking code is widely used to encode part numbers and for industrial applications.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod10

Code 2 of 5 IATA

This self-checking code is used for baggage handling in air traffic (International Air Transport Agency = IATA). Particularly well suited for detecting from a distance of more than 1 meter.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod10

Code 2 of 5 Matrix

This non-self-checking code is equivalent to the Code 2 of 5 Standard

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod10

Code 2 of 5 Data Logic

This non-self-checking code is a sub-variant of the Code 2 of 5 Standard code.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod10

Code 2 of 5 Industry

This non-self-checking code is a sub-variant of the Code 2 of 5 Standard code.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod10

Code 39

This self-checking code is very widely used in industry, organizations and commerce.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; Special characters like »-«, ».«, »Space«, »$«, »*«, »/«, »+« und »%«
  • Valid example: ABCD1234
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod43, Mod 11, Mod11W7

Code 39 Full ASCII

This self-checking code is an extension of code 39.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127  
  • Valid example: Aa-1234
  • Possible test methods: Mod 43, Mod 11W7  

Code 93

This self-checking code is identical to Code 39 in terms of character set, has a higher information density and requires less space.

  • Available characters:  Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; Special characters like »-«, ».«, »Space«, »$«, »*«, »/«, »+« und »%«
  • Valid example: ABC-1234-/+
  • Possible test methods: Automatic, Mod 47  

Code 93 Full ASCII

This self-checking code is an extension of Code 93, which can be used to represent the complete ASCII character set.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127
  • Valid example: 12345AbCdEf6789
  • Possible test methods: Automatic, Mod 47  

Code 128 Subset A

This is a variation of Code128 which uses the character set (subset) A. It is suitable for encoding uppercase + ASCII control sequences and switches to other Code128 subsets when needed.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127  
  • Valid example: ABCabc
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10, EAN-14

Code 128 Subset B

This is a variant of Code128 which uses the character set (subset) A. It is suitable for encoding uppercase letters + ASCII control sequences and switches to other Code128 subsets when needed.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127  
  • Valid example: ABCabc
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10, EAN-14

Code 128 Subset C

This is a variant of Code128 which uses the character set (subset) A. It is suitable for encoding uppercase letters + ASCII control sequences and switches to other Code128 subsets when needed.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127  
  • Valid example: ABCabc
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10, EAN-14

Codabar 2 Widths

The characters "A", "B", "C" and "D" can only be used as start or stop characters. The barcode uses two element widths and four different start/stop characters (A, B, C and D). These start/stop characters can be used for additional information - e.g. "B1234B".

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: A12345A
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod10, Mod 16

DAFT Code

This code is not a symbology. It is used to generate any postal codes.

  • Available characters: D, A, F, T or d, a, f, t
  • Valid example: fdfttadA
  • Possible test methods: None  

EAN 13

The 13-digit code (12 user data + 1 check digit) is used in retail trade and consists of 2-digit country code + 5-digit manufacturer code + 5-digit product number; IAN + JAN are identical to EAN; the coded number is also referred to as GTIN-13.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 0123456786578
  • Possible test methods: EAN 13, None

EAN 14 (GTIN 15)

This code is used to encode the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) for the numbering of trade items. Within the GS1 system you can use 2 symbologies for coding the GTIN:

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127  
  • Valid example: 66655522288874
  • Possible test methods: EAN 14, None

EAN 13 + 5 Digits

This symbology extends EAN-13 by five additional digits. The check digit is calculated automatically if it is not specified in the input data (e.g. 978020137968612345).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 012345678657811563
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

EAN 13 + 2 Digits

This symbology extends EAN-13 with two additional digits. The check digit is calculated automatically if it is not specified in the input data (e.g. 978020137968612).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 012345678657811
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

EAN 8

Reserved for European Article Numbering (EAN) - especially for small items with little space (cosmetics, pharma and such); unique number (centrally managed) identifies the manufacturer and the product; 

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 12345678
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

EAN 8 + 2 Digits

This code is identical to EAN 8, but two additional digits (e.g. weight, price) can be coded. Used for magazines and paperbacks.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 1234567855
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

EAN 8 + 5 Digits

This code is identical to EAN 8, but additional five digits (e.g. weight, price, ...) can be coded. Used for magazines and paperbacks.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 1234567855666
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

EAN /UCC 128

Universal applications such as: retail, shipping, food labeling...; GS1-128 can code not only EAN number (GTIN) but also quantity, weight, price (and more) of the product.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127
  • Valid example: ABCabc1234
  • Possible test methods: Mod 103

UCC 128

Same as the EAN/UCC 128

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 128
  • Valid example: ABCabc1234
  • Possible test methods: Mod 103

UPC 12

UPC 12 is used in the United States to identify products at retail (similar to EAN).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 11 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 123456789012
  • Possible test methods: None, UPCA

UPC A

UPC 12 is used in the United States to identify products at retail (similar to EAN).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 11 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 123456789012
  • Possible test methods: None, UPCA

UPC A + 2 Digits

The code is identical to UPC A, but with two additional digits.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 13 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 12345678901213
  • Possible test methods: None, UPCA

UPC A + 5 Digits

The code is identical to UPC A, but with five additional digits.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 16 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 12345678901213444
  • Possible test methods: None, UPCA

UPC E

UPC E is used for product identification and barcoding of items. The code must start with "0" or "1".

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 7 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 12345678
  • Possible test methods: None, UPCE

UPC E + 2 Digits

The code is identical to UPC E, but with two additional digits.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 9 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 1234567890
  • Possible test methods: None, UPCE

UPC E + 5 Digits

The code is identical to UPC E, but with five additional digits.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 12 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 1234567890
  • Possible test methods: None, UPCE

Plessey

The Plessey code is mainly used in libraries. It is a pulse duration modulated code.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; capital letters A, B, C, D, E, F
  • Valid example: 1234567890
  • Possible test methods: None, Plessey

Plessey Bidirectional

The code is used to create the Plessey barcode symbol. The Plessey barcode symbology is known as Plessey Bidirectional. It is an older code that is still popular in some industries and is a continuous barcode symbology with lower density and variable length. The code was used in European point-of-sale systems before the introduction of EAN.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; capital letters A, B, C, D, E, F
  • Valid example: ABCDF1234567890
  • Possible test methods: None, Plessey

PZN7

The PZN7 is based on Code 39 and contains a check digit at the end in addition to the actual code number. The PZN (Pharma Central Number) is used to unambiguously identify a finished drug package according to trademark, strength, dosage form and package size.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;
  • Valid example: 1112221
  • Possible test methods: None, PZN

PZN8

PZN8 is based on PZN7 and offers a larger number range due to the additional digit.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;
  • Valid example: 11122215
  • Possible test methods: None, PZN

Code 128

Code 128 is widely used in all sectors. It is a modern high-density symbology.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127
  • Valid example: ABCabc
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10, EAN-14

Telepen

Telepen code is a one-dimensional variable length symbology that encodes all 128 ASCII characters without the use of shift characters and is very reliable even when printed on ordinary printers that are not designed for barcode printing. Telepen was intended as a competitor to Code 128 and Code 93. It was used mainly in university and other academic libraries in the United Kingdom.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127
  • Valid example: 0123456X
  • Possible test methods: None

Telepen Alpha

Telepen Alpha is the alphanumeric variant of Telepen.

  • Available characters: ASCII characters between positions 0 and 127
  • Valid example: ABCabc
  • Possible test methods: None

Flattermarken

This is a special "barcode" used in printers to recognize the correct page order.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456789
  • Possible test methods: None

ISBN 13

ISBN is the abbreviation for International Standard Book Number. It uses the EAN-13 symbology.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 12 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 9780201379686
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

ISBN 13 + 5 Digits

ISBN is the abbreviation for International Standard Book Number. It uses the EAN-13 symbology and can optionally be extended with five additional digits. The extra digit is used for additional price information.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 12 digits + 1 check digit + 5 additional digits
  • Valid example: 978020137968644444
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

ISMN

ISMN stands for International Standard Music Number. The ISMN is a standardized international code that identifies printed music.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 12 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 979-0-1234-5678-5
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

ISSN

ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number. The ISSN is a standardized international code that identifies any serial publication regardless of its country of origin, language or alphabet, mode of publication, medium, etc.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 12 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 9771234567898
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

ISSN + 2 Digits

ISSN stands for International Standard Serial Number. The ISSN is a standardized international code that identifies any serial publication regardless of its country of origin, language or alphabet, mode of publication, medium, etc. In this variant of the ISSN code, the output number is appended as a two-digit suffix.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 12 digits + 1 check digit + 2 digits (output number)
  • Valid example: 977123456789822
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

ITF 14 (GTIN 14)

The ITF-14 is limited to encoding the GTIN on trade units that cannot pass through retail checkout systems. It is very suitable for direct printing on corrugated board.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 13 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 00614141999996
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10

MSI

The MSI code is a variant of the Plessey code. MSI uses different check digit calculation methods

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: MSI1, MSI2

SSCC 18

SSCC-18 is used for the encoding of the Serial Shipping Container Code. It is used for the unique identification of trade goods worldwide. The SSCC-18 is based on the GS1-128 symbology with application identifier (AI) 00. The check digit is automatically encoded when 17 digits are used for the input data.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 17 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 012345678901234560
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10

LOGMARS

This is a special variant of Code 39 used by the US Department of Defense. This standard defines acceptable ranges for a number of variables, including density, ratio, bar height, and human-readable interpretation line size. Modulo-43-check digit, which is optional for Code 39, is defined and recommended in the specification.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 17 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: ABCDEF
  • Possible test methods: Mod 11, Mod 43

NVE 18

NVE stands for "Number of Shipping Unit" (a term for tracking number). This code uses an EAN-128 symbology with a preceding Application Identifier (AI) 00. The AI "00" is inserted automatically and does not have to be included in the input data. It is comparable to SSCC-18.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;
  • Valid example: 012345678901234560
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10, Mod 103

VIN/FIN

The 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 capital letters. The letters "I", "O" and "Q" are not valid, as they could easily be confused with the digits "0" and "1".

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z (minus I, O and Q);
  • Valid example: VB1YYY1JX3M386752
  • Possible test methods: VIN

2.2. Post Codes

Australia Post 4-State Standard Customer Barcode

Australia Post uses this barcode to identify shipments. There are special code options for redirections, replies and so on. The height of the barcode is between 4.2 mm and 5.8 mm. The module width should be set to 0.47 mm. Normally, no readable text is displayed. The length depends on the use of additional bars from (code variants customer 2 and customer 3).

Due to the number of bars (37), Australia Post Customer is also called Australia Post 37-CUST.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 8 digits;
  • Valid example: 12345678

Australia Post 4-State Customer Barcode 2

This is the same barcode as the Australia Post Standard Customer Barcode, but with an additional five digits for customer-specific data. The first eight digits must consist of digits. This symbology is also called Australia Post 52-CUST (because of the 52 bars).

Because of the number of bars (37), Australia Post Customer is also called Australia Post 37-CUST.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;  Upper and lower case letters from A to Z; empty digits; #;
  • Valid example: 12345678ABab

Australia Post 4-State Customer Barcode 3

This is the same barcode as the Australia Post Standard Customer Barcode, but with an additional ten digits for customer-specific data. The first eight digits must be digits. This symbology is also called Australia Post 67-CUST (because of the 67 digits).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;  Upper and lower case letters from A to Z; empty digits; #;
  • Valid example: 12345678ABCabc

Australia Post Redirection

This code is another form of the Australia Post 4-State Standard Customer Barcode.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;  8 digits;
  • Valid example: 12345678

Australia Post Reply Paid

This code is another form of the Australia Post 4-State Standard Customer Barcode.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;  8 digits;
  • Valid example: 12345678

Australia Post Routing

This code is another form of the Australia Post 4-State Standard Customer Barcode.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9;  8 digits;
  • Valid example: 12345678

DP Identcode

This non-self-checking code is a subvariant of the Code 2 of 5 Interleaved, extended by a special check digit calculation. Used by Deutsche Post AG customers for their freight shipments for automatic distribution in freight mail centers.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 0123456786
  • Possible test methods: Automatic, DP Identcode

DP Guide Code

This non-self-checking code is a sub-variant of the Code 2 of 5 Interleaved, extended by a special check digit calculation. It is used for coding the postal code, street and number of the shipment. Used by Deutsche Post AG customers for their freight shipments for automatic distribution in freight mail centers.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 0123456786
  • Possible test methods: Automatic, DP Leitcode

DPD Code

This code is used by DPD (Deutscher Paket Dienst). It is based on Code 128 and is limited to 28 encoded digits. The encoded data and the human readable text differ slightly.

  • Available characters: ASCII digits between positions 32 and 127
  • Valid example: X007110601631234567890136276
  • Possible test methods: Automatic, Mod 103

USPS Intelligent Mail Barcode (IM)

The Intelligent Mail Barcode is a 65-bar Postal Service barcode used to sort and track letters and flats. It allows mailers to participate in multiple Postal Service programs simultaneously with a single barcode, expands mailers' ability to track individual shipments, and provides greater transparency into the mailstream. There are three options for using IMb: Non-automation, Basic Automation, and Full-Service. In each of these cases, make sure you have tested your barcodes for compatibility and accuracy or work with certified vendors.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 20 digits + 0, 5, 9 or 11-digit postal code.
  • Valid example: 12345678901234567890
  • Possible test methods: None

USPS Intelligent Mail Package (IMpb)

The IMpb contains the routing information in the barcode that allows the Postal Service to sort and track parcels as they travel through our network using automated equipment, all the way to the post offices that make the final delivery at each destination. The electronic information and intelligent barcoding allows the Postal Service to plan workload and resources before and during the parcels' journey through our network.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; + FNC1, routing information: 0, 8 or 12 digits + Tracking information: 22 to 26 digits.
  • Valid example: 9102805213683062522920
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod 10

USPS PostNet 5 (ZIP)

This code was used by the United States Postal Services for bulk mailing applications. Encrypted is a 5 digit ZIP code. The check digit is calculated automatically, it cannot be specified in the input data.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 5 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 12345
  • Possible test methods: USPSPostnet

USPS PostNet 6 (ZIP+cd)

As USPS 5, but the check digit can be specified (the 6th digit)

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 6 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: USPSPostnet

USPS PostNet 9 (ZIP+4)

This code was used by the United States Postal Services for bulk mailing applications. Coded is a 5-digit ZIP code and 4 additional digits. The check digit is calculated automatically, it cannot be specified in the input data.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 9 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 123456789
  • Possible test methods: USPSPostnet

USPS PostNet 10 (ZIP+4+cd)

Like USPS PostNet 9, but the check digit can be specified (the 10th digit).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 9 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 1234567890
  • Possible test methods: USPSPostnet

USPS PostNet 11 (ZIP+4+2)

This code was used by the United States Postal Services for bulk mailing applications. Encrypted are a 5-digit ZIP code and 6 additional digits. The check digit is calculated automatically. It cannot be specified in the input data.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 11 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 12345678901
  • Possible test methods: USPSPostnet

USPS PostNet 12 (ZIP+4+2+cd)

Same as USPS PostNet 11, but the check digit can be specified (the 12th digit).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 11 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 123456789012
  • Possible test methods: USPSPostnet

Italian Postal 2 of 5

The Italian Postal Code 2 of 5 is based on the Code 2 of 5 Interleaved, but is limited to twelve digits (11 usable digits + 1 modulo 10-check digit).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 123456789012
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod 10

Japanese Postal

This code is used by the Japanese postal system. You can encode seven digits followed by block and street number (alphanumeric in capital letters).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; special digits "-"
  • Valid example: 1234567
  • Possible test methods: Automatic

KIX

This code is used by the Dutch postal system.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Upper and lower case letters from A to Z
  • Valid example: 2500GG30250
  • Possible test methods: None

Korean Postal Authority

This code is used by the Korean postal system

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 6 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example:  123456
  • Possible test methods: Automatic, Mod 10

Brazilian CEPNet

This is the code used by the Brazilian Post Office.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 8 digits + 1 check digit
  • Valid example: 123456784
  • Possible test methods: POSTNET

Swedish Postal Shipment Item ID

This code is based on Code 128 and is used on Swedish Post labels. The code consists of:

  • 2-digit letter prefix
  • 8-digit serial number
  • 1-digit check digit
  • "SE" as application identifier

The check digit is calculated according to the weighted modulo-11 method for the Universal Postal Union (for 8 digits).

  • Available characters: 2 letters + 8 digits + 1 Ziffer check digit + »SE«;
  • Valid example: EM100027995SE
  • Possible test methods: UPU

PLANET 12 digit

This code was developed for the United States Postal Services. It is a 3 out of 5 variant of the Postnet barcode. It was completely superseded by the Intelligent Mail Barcode on January 28, 2013.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 11 digits + 1 check digit;
  • Valid example: 123456789014
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

PLANET 14 digit

This code was developed for the United States Postal Services. It is a 3 out of 5 variant of the Postnet barcode. It was completely superseded by the Intelligent Mail Barcode on January 28, 2013.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; 13 digits + 1 check digit;
  • Valid example: 12345678901411
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

Royal Mail Mailmark® 4-state Barcode

This code is a height modulated code with four different vertical bars. It is defined and used by the Royal Mail for postal services. The following variants of Mailmark 4-state are used:

  • Option C (22 digits, 66 modules), available for customers consolidating mail.
  • Option L (26 digits, 78 modules), available for all customers.

Each field within a Mailmark 4-state has a fixed and defined length. The total length must be either 22 (for Variant C) or 26 digits (for Variant L). Missing or optional attributes must be filled with the SPACE digits.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; empty digits;
  • Valid example: 21B2254800659JW5O9QA6Y

Royal Mail 4 State (RM4SCC)

This code is a height modulated code with 4 different vertical bars. It is used in bulk mailings (Cleanmail, Mailsort) of the Royal Mail, the United Kingdom and Singapore (also as SinPost barcode). Coded ZIPs are.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z;
  • Valid example: ABCDEF1234
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

UPU S10 - Generic Postal Code

This code is based on Code 128 and is used on postal labels in various countries. The code consists of:

  • 2-digit letter prefix
  • 8-digit serial number
  • 1-digit check digit (mod 11)
  • 2-digit country code

The check digit is calculated using the weighted modulo 11 method for the Universal Postal Union (for eight digits).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; 2 letters + 8 digits + 1 check digit + 2 letters;
  • Valid example: EM100027995SE
  • Possible test methods: UPU check digit

2.3. GS1-DataBar

GS1 DataBar is a new global barcode standard released in 2010. GS1 DataBar is intended to be available for all point-of-sale (POS) systems, and POS (Point of Sale) scanners should be able to distinguish between the different GS1 barcode symbologies. GS1 DataBar is particularly used in the healthcare industry for pharmaceutical and medical/surgical products; by GS1 member organizations, product manufacturers and trade associations.

GS1 128 (EAN /UCC 128)

The GS1-128 is another name for the existing EAN /UCC 128 barcode. GS1 was founded to globalize (and harmonize) various standards.

  • Available characters: ASCII digits between position 0 and 128
  • Valid example: 123456789
  • Possible test methods: Mod 103

GS1 DataBar (RSS- 14)

GS1 DataBar is used to encode the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) with the Application identifier(AI) "01". The GTIN consists of a packaging indicator (0..9), followed by a 12-digit number (from the EAN-13 article numbering system), followed by a check digit. The check digit at the 14th position is calculated automatically if it is not included in the input data. The height of the symbol should be at least 33X to support omnidirectional scanning (X =module width). VDP Editor automatically prefixes barcode data with AI "01" - so enter your 12-digit number only.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 00614141999996
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

GS1 DataBar Expanded (RSS)

This is a variable length code. It encodes up to 74 numeric or 41 alphabetic digits. Data should be encoded with Application Identifiers (AIs). Omnidirectional scanning is possible.

  • Available characters: All upper and lower case letters from A(a) to Z(z); Digits from 0 to 9; + ISO 646
  • Valid example: 0061414199999555554444333221
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10, EAN-14

GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked (RSS)

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.

  • Available characters: All upper and lower case letters from A(a) to Z(z); Digits from 0 to 9; + ISO 646
  • Valid example: ABCabc1234
  • Possible test methods: Mod 10, EAN-14

GS1 DataBar Limited (RSS)

GS1 DataBar Limited is a fixed-length symbology that supports the encoding of Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) starting with "0" or "1". It is used for applications where space is extremely limited and omnidirectional scanning is not required. Due to its compact size, this symbology is mainly used in the healthcare industry.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 0012345678911
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

GS1 DataBar Stacked (RSS)

GS1 DataBar Limited is a fixed-length symbology that supports the encoding of Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) starting with "0" or "1". It is used for applications where space is extremely limited and omnidirectional scanning is not required. Due to its compact size, this symbology is mainly used in the healthcare industry.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 0012345678911
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidir (RSS)

GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional is one of four DataBar symbols designed for use in point-of-sale retail applications. As the name implies, the GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional can be read omnidirectionally

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 0012345678911
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

GS1 DataBar Truncated (RSS)

GS1 DataBar Truncated is a GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional symbol reduced to a height of only 13 modules. As a result, this symbology cannot be read exactly omnidirectionally.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 0012345678911
  • Possible test methods: Provided by the user

2.4. Healthcare

In healthcare, barcodes with higher density and advanced inspection methods are required. The following barcodes are available for this sector.

Code 32

The Code 32 number consisting of 9 digits is converted to a corresponding Code 39 barcode with six digits. is preceded by an "A" which is not coded.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9
  • Valid example: 012345676
  • Possible test methods: None, Mod43, Mod 11, Mod11W7

HIBC LIC 128

When using HIBC LIC 128, HIBC primary and secondary data should be encoded in separate symbols, but can be concatenated if space permits. Code 128 is recommended over Code 39 because it is more dense and can be decoded when printed from the side ("ladder" style).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; Special characters like »-«, ».«, »Space«, »$«, »*«, »/«, »+« and »%«
  • Valid example: +A99912345/$$52001510X3
  • Possible test methods: Mod 43

HIBC PAS 128

The HIBC PAS 128 is based on the symbology Code 128. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; Special characters like »-«, ».«, »Space«, »$«, »*«, »/«, »+« and »%«
  • Valid example: +/EU9C83416F/Z34H159$
  • Possible test methods: Mod 43

HIBC LIC 39

When using HIBIC LIC 39, HIBC primary and secondary data should be encoded in separate symbols, but may be concatenated if space permits. Code 39 - Regular (not Full ASCII) format should be used, and the Full ASCII function in the barcode reader must be turned off. The ratio of wide to narrow should be 3:1, and the spacing between digits should correspond to the X dimension.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; Special characters like »-«, ».«, »Space«, »$«, »*«, »/«, »+« und »%«
  • Valid example: +A99912345/$$52001510X3
  • Possible test methods: Mod 43

HIBC PAS 39

HIBC PAS 39 is based on the Code 39 symbology. The data format corresponds to the HIBC PAS format. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; Special characters like »-«, ».«, »Space«, »$«, »*«, »/«, »+« and »%«
  • Valid example: +/EU9C83416F/Z34H159$
  • Possible test methods: Mod 43

HIBC LIC Codablock F

The HIBC LIC is used by labelers (manufacturers) of healthcare products for identification purposes. Labelers can encode what is called "primary data" and "secondary data." In short, the primary data identifies the labeler, product code, and unit of measure, while the secondary data is useful to distributors and providers and should be added at the labeler's discretion. The secondary data is optional and is used in conjunction with the primary data elements to encode the quantity and/or expiration date and/or lot number.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; Special characters like »-«, ».«, »Space«, »$«, »*«, »/«, »+« and »%«
  • Valid example: +A99912345/$$52001510X3
  • Possible test methods: Mod 43

HIBC PAS Codablock-F

The HIBC PAS Codablock F is based on the stacked symbology Codablock-F. The data format corresponds to the HIBC PAS format. An additional modulo 43 check digit is required.

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; Capital letters from A to Z; Special characters like »-«, ».«, »Space«, »$«, »*«, »/«, »+« and »%«
  • Valid example: +/EU9C83416F/Z34H159$
  • Possible test methods: Mod 43

Pharmacode One-Track

This code is used in pharmaceutical fields. This pharma code supports colored bars. The data for the bars/empty digits are coded directly in the property:

  • "0" is used for a narrow bar (the width of these bars is increased after a color change, according to the ratio 1C).
  • "1" is used for a wide bar (the width of these bars is increased after a color change, corresponding to the ratio 2C)
  • "b" is used for a narrow bar
  • "c" is used for a wide bar

 

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9; oder binär
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: None

Pharmacode Two-Track

This pharma code assigns numerical values to the bars. It is used for drug packaging in the pharmaceutical field; for small labels. Normally, the Pharmacode is printed without a human readable text. The dimensions are:

  • 2-lane bar width: 1 mm
  • space between bars: 1 mm
  • bar height top/bottom: 4-6 mm
  • height of the long bar: 8-12 mm

It offers high pressure tolerance and is very fast reading (200 readings per second).

  • Available characters: Digits from 0 to 9 numerisch und generisch;
  • Valid example: 123456
  • Possible test methods: None

Article Update: Workflow Version 1.14.0 – 12/2022

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