This FAQ discusses the following topics:

uses of barcodes | understanding barcode terminology | printing barcodes | reading barcodes | faq index

What is a Barcode?
A barcode is a symbol which is made up of a series of narrow and wide bars and spaces, used for automatically encoding information

What components make up a barcode?
Barcodes are made up of several different components. Each component has a specific purpose:-

The 'quiet zone'
The blank area surrounding the barcode. This makes a distinction between the barcode and other printed areas, avoiding misinterpretation by the scanner.

The start/stop pattern
The start/stop pattern defines the beginning and end of the data contained in the barcode. Each different barcode symbology has its own specific type of start/stop pattern.

The Data
The data is the section in the barcode where the information is stored.

Human Readable Information (HRI)
HRI displays the content of the data stored in a barcode in a text format which can be read by the user. It is displayed underneath, above or beside the bars and spaces of the barcode.

What other information do I need to consider?
The 'X' Dimension
This is the narrowest line or space in the pattern where all design and specifications of the barcode start. To determine the X Dimension, different criteria are taken into consideration such as printing space available, material and ribbon specifications, printing method, and type of scanner.

Orientation
Orientation of barcodes can either be horizontal (ladder) or vertical (picket fence). The orientation is determined by printing and scanning techniques employed.

Height Dimension
This is the height or length of the barcode (depending on orientation).

What are barcodes used for?
Barcodes have a wide range of uses, including:-

Tracking
In the electronics industry, barcodes are often applied to Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) at the start of the production process for tracking purposes.

Stock Control
Stock can be automatically re-ordered electronically by the use of barcodes.

Storing important information
One popular use is for ease of storing and retrieving relevant information on a particular product.

Quality Control
Barcodes can be applied to verify that the correct components are being used in the manufacturing process.

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