Barcodes have come a long way since their invention in 1949. What was once a bullseye on a piece of paper has now become a more robust and exciting technology. From simple 1D barcodes to complex 2D barcodes, the world is filled with many different kinds of codes that can help you track your inventory better.
Read on to learn the answer to this age-old question: 1d vs 2d barcode.
What Is a 1D Barcode?
A 1D barcode is a linear barcode that consists of only one dimension. It’s also known as single-dimensional (1D) or linear.
The information they hold is encoded horizontally from left to right. You can’t rotate them back and forth like other types of codes.
Because of their simple design and ease of use, 1D barcodes are the most popular type used today in retail stores across the globe. You’ll mainly use them to hold simple information, like a price or location.
What Is a 2D Barcode?
2D barcodes are known as quick response (QR) codes. In 2D barcodes, the data is encoded in rows and columns. Patterns, shapes, and dots used for this method encrypt information in a way that the naked eye can not easily identify.
They can hold 7,089 characters instead of 20 for 1D barcodes. QR code c# is an example of such impressive technology.
1D vs 2D Barcode
2D barcodes are more secure than 1D, which makes them difficult to copy. The additional complexity of a 2D matrix requires more time and effort for scanners to read. This means that it’s much harder for thieves to make fake 2D barcodes or print them off on counterfeit labels.
Besides this, there are other advantages that set 2D codes apart from their 1D predecessors.
Convenience
Unlike 1D barcodes, you can scan 2D barcodes from any angle, even upside down. This means you can scan the code even if it’s leaning against the wall of your cubicle at work—a tremendous benefit for companies with inventory tracking software.
Damage
1D barcodes are easier to damage. If you remove a fraction of the code, you’ll erase the information.
In contrast, it’s difficult to damage the 2D symbol. This is mainly because 2D barcodes contain several smaller elements. Even if one pixel fails or drops out of alignment, it is still readable.
Even with severe damage, you can still restore 30% of a 2D barcode.
Encode Information With Ease
The choice between 1D vs 2D barcode is often a question of budget, ease of use, and the type of data you want to encode. If you’re just looking to encode a simple ID, then 1D is your best bet.
2D barcodes are harder to create, but they have a much higher capacity for data. They’re also more resilient against damage and can be read by most smartphones.
If you’re having trouble coding the data, take a look at our technology section. We’ve included some tips that might make it easier for you.
