Reference
Which format should you print?
A quick comparison of the most requested symbologies by capacity, character set and typical application.
Symbol
Format
Capacity
Typical use
EAN-13
Numeric, 13 digits
Retail point of sale
Code-128
Full ASCII
Logistics, serial numbers
Code-39
Alphanumeric subset
Industry, defence, automotive
GS1-128
ASCII with AIs
Trade unit labelling
GS1 DataBar
Numeric GTIN
Small retail items, coupons
PDF417
~1 800 characters
IDs, transport documents
QR Code
~4 200 characters
Mobile tagging, marketing
Data Matrix
~2 300 characters
Direct part marking, pharma
Aztec
~3 000 characters
Tickets and boarding passes
MaxiCode
93 characters
Parcel sortation
Royal Mail 4-State
Alphanumeric
Mail automation
DotCode
Variable
High-speed inkjet marking