1D barcodes store data in a single line of parallel bars and can hold up to about 25 characters. 2D barcodes store data in a grid of squares or dots and can hold thousands of characters, including full web addresses.
Which one you need depends on how much data you are encoding and where the code will be printed. Our range of 2D barcode scanners reads both formats if you are not sure yet.
This guide breaks down the practical differences, lists the common types of each and explains when a business should reach for 1D over 2D, or the other way around.
What Is the Difference Between 1D and 2D Barcodes?
The core difference comes down to how each format stores data. 1D barcodes encode information in the width and spacing of vertical bars, read along a single horizontal line.
2D barcodes encode information both horizontally and vertically, packing far more data into a smaller physical space and allowing the code to be read from any angle.
| Feature | 1D (Linear) Barcode | 2D (Matrix) Barcode |
| Data capacity | Up to about 25 characters | Up to several thousand characters |
| Physical format | Single line of parallel bars | Square or rectangular grid |
| Error correction | Limited to none | Built in, still readable if partly damaged |
| Common uses | Retail products, price tags, cartons | Marketing, ID documents, healthcare, logistics |
| Scanner needed | 1D laser or CCD scanner | 2D imaging scanner |
For a closer look at what each individual format looks like, our guide to every barcode type explained covers the full list with images.
Types of Linear (1D) Barcodes
Several 1D barcode formats are still in everyday use across Australian retail, logistics and government. The most common are listed below.
- Code 39, used for internal tracking codes in healthcare and government
- Code 128, a compact format common in shipping and packaging
- UPC and EAN, the standard barcodes on retail products
- Codabar, still used in libraries and blood banks
- Interleaved 2 of 5, common on cartons and pallets
Reading these formats only needs a basic 1D scanner. Reading 2D codes needs different hardware, so see our explainer on standard scanners and QR codes if you are not sure whether yours will work.
Types of 2D Barcodes
2D barcodes cover a smaller number of formats, but each one is built for a specific job. The most common types of 2D barcodes in business use are listed below.
- QR code, the most recognisable 2D format, used in marketing, payments and packaging
- Data Matrix, a compact grid used on small components in healthcare and electronics
- PDF417, a stacked format used on ID cards, licences and boarding passes
- Aztec code, used on airline tickets and event tickets, printed without a border
When to Use 1D Barcodes
1D barcodes suit situations where the data is simple, such as a product number or price lookup. They print cheaply and scan reliably on almost any standard scanner.
Choose 1D when you are labelling retail stock, cartons or pallets and do not need to store more than a short code or reference number.
When to Use 2D Barcodes
2D barcodes suit situations where you need to store more data or scan from an odd angle or distance. They also tolerate some damage or dirt without becoming unreadable.
Choose 2D when you are linking to a website, storing patient or batch details, or printing on small components where a long 1D barcode will not fit.
Which Should Your Business Use?
Many businesses end up using both. Retail products keep their UPC or EAN barcode, while marketing materials, ID cards and small components move to a 2D format.
If you are only buying one scanner, a 2D imaging scanner is the safer choice, since it reads both 1D and 2D formats without needing to upgrade later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?
1D barcodes store data in a single line of bars and hold up to about 25 characters. 2D barcodes store data in a grid and can hold thousands of characters, including web links and batch details.
Can a 1D scanner read a 2D barcode?
No. A standard 1D scanner cannot decode a 2D barcode such as a QR code or Data Matrix. You need a 2D imaging scanner to read both formats.
What are the most common types of 2D barcodes?
The most common types of 2D barcodes are QR code, Data Matrix, PDF417 and Aztec code. QR codes are the most widely recognised, while Data Matrix is common in healthcare and electronics.
Is a 2D barcode always better than a 1D barcode?
Not always. 1D barcodes are cheaper to print and scan reliably for simple retail use. 2D barcodes are better when you need to store more data or scan a damaged or oddly angled code.
Which barcode type should a new business start with?
Most new businesses are better off starting with a 2D imaging scanner, since it reads both 1D and 2D formats. This avoids the cost of upgrading hardware later as barcode needs grow.
Do 2D barcodes cost more to print than 1D barcodes?
Printing cost is roughly the same for both formats on a standard label printer. The bigger cost difference comes from the scanner, since 2D imaging scanners typically cost more than basic 1D models.
Not sure whether your business needs 1D, 2D or both? Call 1800 431 539 or visit the ASP Microcomputers homepage to talk through your setup.
