1D vs. 2D Barcode Scanners: What You Need to Know

In the world of barcode scanning, understanding the differences between 1D and 2D barcode scanners is crucial for businesses looking to optimize their operations. 1D barcode scanners, also known as linear scanners, read traditional barcodes consisting of vertical lines and spaces of varying widths, commonly used in retail and logistics. On the other hand, 2D barcode scanners can read both linear and matrix barcodes, such as QR codes, which store more information in a smaller space and can be scanned in any orientation.

This comparison article will go over the functionalities, advantages, and ideal use cases for each type of barcode and scanner, helping you make an informed decision on which technology best suits your needs. Whether you're focused on speed, data capacity, or versatility, understanding these key differences will guide you toward the right choice for your business's specific requirements.

What is a 1D Barcode?

1D Barcode

1D barcodes, also known as linear barcodes, use a series of black lines and white spaces of varying widths to encode information. Both the black lines and white spaces are crucial, as their widths collectively form the encoded data. These barcodes are read horizontally from left to right.

1D barcodes can only store a limited number of characters – up to 85, which may restrict the amount of information they can hold.

Although the UPC barcode was the first type created and used, today there are other types of 1D, linear barcodes such as Code 128, EAN-13, Code 93, Codabar, Code 39, and more. These unique types of barcodes have varying heights, number formats, and applications.

For example, 1D UPC barcodes are commonly used for products sold in retail stores, Code 128 barcodes are typically used in logistics and packaging, and Codabar barcodes are often used in libraries, photo labs, and blood banks.

What is a 1D Barcode Scanner?

1D Barcode Scanners have been used in retail stores for over 50 years, but were invented much earlier – in 1952 by Norman Joseph Woodland and Bernard Silver. The first implementation however, wasn’t until 1972 – 74 when George J. Lauer invented the first U.P.C. or Uniform Product Code which was then placed on products to be scanned at checkout.

A 1D barcode scanner reads both the black lines and white spaces on a 1D barcode. Each scanner uses a laser beam, which is directed through a series of mirrors to illuminate the barcode. The scanner detects the light reflected back from the barcode, which corresponds to the varying widths of the black lines and white spaces and is interpreted by the scanner’s sensor. This information is then processed and checked against a database to retrieve specific details, such as the product type, price, and other unique identifiers. A 1D barcode scanner can typically read 1D barcodes from a range of a couple inches, to about 2 feet in distance.

Because 1D barcodes are read via a laser horizontally left to right, 1D barcode scanners are also called Linear Barcode Scanners, Linear Handheld Scanners, or Laser Barcode Scanners.

What is a 2D Barcode?

2D Barcode or QR Code

Due to the finite amount of space on a 1D barcode, the 2D barcode was developed in 1987 by David Allais. Able to store up to 7,089 numeric characters, a 2D barcode contains information both horizontally and vertically. The ability to incorporate more information was achieved by using squares, dots, and other shapes to encode data instead of relying exclusively on lines.

2D barcodes are also called Matrix barcodes, and the most common types include QR codes, Data Matrix codes, Aztec codes, and MaxiCodes. Because of the format of a 2D barcode, these barcodes can hold a variety of data types, such as text, images, URLs, and binary data.

2D Barcodes are increasingly more popular than 1D barcodes because they can leverage more encoded data, be read at any angle (omnidirectional), and connect real world products to the digital world for the everyday consumer.

What is a 2D Barcode Scanner?

2D barcode scanners operate quite differently from typical 1D barcode scanners, as they do not rely on a laser to read barcodes. Instead, 2D barcode scanners use imaging technology to capture an image of the 2D barcode. This captured image contains a complex pattern of dots, squares, or hexagons. The scanner then employs a sophisticated decoding algorithm to interpret the encoded data within this image. The algorithm analyzes the various shapes and their relative positions to accurately reconstruct the information embedded in the barcode.

A 2D barcode scanner uses an imager, or an area imager, to take the picture of the 1D or 2D barcode. A 2D barcode imager is a camera-based imaging scanner that is similar to a digital camera.

A 2D barcode scanner can typically read 2D barcodes from a range of a couple inches, up to 68 feet in distance. 2D barcode scanners are typically able to read both 2D and 1D barcodes, which makes a 2D barcode scanner a more flexible solution.

1D Barcodes vs. 2D Barcodes: Main Differences

		1D Barcode	2D Barcode
Visual Differences	Shape	Scanner is typically rectangular in shape	Scanner is typically square in shape
Visual Differences	Format	Contains black lines and white spaces (and sometimes numbers)	Contains lines, dots, squares, hexagons, and other black and white shapes/images
Scanning Differences	Scan Direction	Horizontally, from left to right	Horizontally and vertically from any direction
	Scan Technology	Laser Scanning	Captured image by an Area Imager
	Scan Difficulty	Harder to scan, must be lined up exactly	Easier to scan, can be scanned from any direction
	Scan Range	A few inches to up to 2 feet in distance	A few inches to up to 68 feet in distance
	Scan Speed	Faster scan speed	Slightly slower scan speed
Data Differences	Type of Data	Alphanumeric data – numbers and letters	Alphanumeric data, binary data, images, and URLs
Data Differences	Number of Characters	Up to 85 characters	Up to 7,089 characters

1D Barcode Scanners vs. 2D Barcode Scanners: Main Differences

		1D Barcode Scanner	2D Barcode Scanner
Visual & Cost Differences	Form	Often smaller and more rectangular	Often larger and square shaped
Visual & Cost Differences	Cost	Less expensive	More expensive
Scanning Differences	Scan Direction	Horizontally, from left to right	Horizontally and vertically from any direction
	Scan Technology	Laser Scanning	Captured image by an Area Imager
	Scan Speed	Slightly Faster	Slightly Slower
	Scan Range	A few inches to up to 2 feet in distance	A few inches to up to 68 feet in distance
Functionality Differences	Type Barcodes	1D barcodes or linear barcodes only	1D barcodes or linear barcodes, 2D barcodes, QR codes
	Digital Scan	Cannot read a barcode on a phone or display screen	Can read a barcode on a phone or display screen
	How They Work	1D Barcode Scanners read a series of varying lines that’s translated into a number, and that number is searched for in a database	2D Barcode Scanners take an image of a barcode and use a decoding algorithm to decode the data into meaningful information

Barcode Scanner Use Cases - 1D vs. 2D

Below are some of the most common use cases for 1D and 2D barcodes within popular industries.

1D Barcodes

Retail – Point of Sale (POS)/Checkout
Public Service – Library Cards
Public Service – Postal Services, track & route mail
Public Service – Government issued ID (Driver’s License)
Security – Access control for neighborhoods, parking

2D Barcodes

Transportation – Flight Boarding Passes
Retail – Coupons
Pharmaceutical – Serialization & Traceability
Healthcare – Patient Identification (Wristbands)
Entertainment – Ticketing for events
Advertising – Event promotions

Conclusion

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