Looking for some quick answers about GS1 2D bar codes? Here are some short answers to the most frequently asked questions we get. You can also find more information on these Two Dimensional Barcodes in the sections above.
While they look a little like crossword puzzles, 2D barcodes are, in fact, a barcode just like the “traditional line bar codes” that we’re used to seeing. Usually square, but sometimes rectangular in shape, data is embedded in the tight groupings of small dots. Like more information? Learn more here about what a 2D barcode is.
Two Dimensional Barcodes work the same as linear bar codes, also known as 1D barcodes; scanning reveals the embedded information, which can include the use by/best before date, price, product weight, batch/lot or serial number, GTIN and information such as the producer name’s and grower’s ID number. Like more information? Discover more about how 2D barcodes work.
No, there are actually two main types of 2D barcodes.
The most commonly used is the GS1 DataMatrix format, which has an even number of rows and columns and a “light” square in the top right corner. This format is often used to mark small, individual objects (think fresh produce) and is currently being used by Woolworths.
The second type of Two Dimensional Barcode is the QR code. This format is not used in retail POS, rather is used on packaging to engage consumers, who can easily scan these codes with their smartphone.
Like more information? Delve here into detail about DataMatrix and QR codes.
Quite simply, because of the amount of data that can be embedded in 2D barcodes, along with the fact it’s dynamic and not static, 2D barcodes offer businesses greater traceability, and higher levels of food safety for the end consumer, the retailer and the food manufacturer.
Like more information? Discover more benefits of 2D barcodes.
Apart from the obvious answer of their shape and size, one of the main differences between 1D, or linear, and 2D barcodes is that Two Dimensional Barcodes can hold a lot more information. They also differ in the type of data they can hold and the type of equipment needed to scan them.
The two areas where 1D and 2D barcodes don’t differ are that both types need white space around them to scan properly (this is also known as “a barcode quiet zone”), and both barcode formats are regulated by GS1’s standards worldwide.
Like more information? See here for more about the differences between 1D and 2D barcode formats.
You can use a variety of different technologies to print 2D barcodes – laser, thermal transfer overprinter (TTO), label applicators and label printer applicators (LPA). This applies whether you're printing a DataMatrix code or a QR code.
The type of printer you use depends upon your business and what your product is. Start with how to create a 2D barcode, then learn more here about printing and labelling 2D barcodes. To make sure you choose the right technology for your needs, it’s wise to talk early in your 2D barcode adoption journey with the experts. That way you’ll be able to print compliant 2D bar codes, which scan without problems every time. Ask for help on adopting 2D barcodes here.
