What Is a 2D barcode and How Does It Work?

A 2D (two-dimensional) barcode is a graphical image that stores information horizontally as one-dimensional barcodes do, as well as vertically. As a result, the storage capacity for 2D barcodes is much higher than 1D codes. A single 2D barcode can store up to 7,089 characters instead of the 20-character capacity of a 1D barcode. Quick response (QR) codes, which enable fast data access, are a type of 2D barcode.
Android and iOS smartphones use 2D barcodes in their built-in barcode scanners. The user photographs a 2D barcode with their smartphone camera, and the built-in reader interprets the encoded URL, leading the user directly to the relevant website.
A single 2D barcode can hold a significant amount of information in a small space. This information is revealed to the retailer, supplier or customer when the code is scanned by 2D imaging scanners or vision systems.
Information may include:Producer name，Batch / lot number，Product weight，Use by / best before date，Grower ID，GTIN number，Serial number，Price

Types of 2D barcodes

There are there main types of 2D barcode scanner symbol:GS1 DataMatrix,QR code,PDF417
GS1 DataMatrix is the most common 2D barcode format. Woolworths is currently using GS1 DataMatrix for its 2D barcodes.
GS1 Datamatrix 2D barcodes are compact symbols made up of square modules. They are popular for marking small items such as fresh produce.

1.Breaking down GS1 DataMatrix

1.Separate parts: the finder pattern used by the scanner to locate the symbol, and the encoded data
2.Even number of rows and columns
3.A light ‘square’ in the upper right-hand corner
4.Can encode variable length data – the symbol size varies according to the amount of data encoded
5.Can encode up to 2335 alphanumeric characters or 3116 numbers (in squareform)

2.QR codes

QR codes are primarily used for connecting to URL sites and are currently not used for point-of-sale. They are often used for consumer-facing packaging, because they can be read by smartphone cameras.
Using GS1 Digital Link, QR codes can work as multi-use barcodes that allow both consumer engagement and price lookup, eliminating the need for multiple codes taking up valuable packaging space.

3.PDF417

PDF417 is a 2D barcode that can store various binary data, including alphanumeric and special characters. It can also store images, signatures and fingerprints. As a result, identity verification, inventory management and transportation services often use them. The PDF part of its name comes from the term "portable document file." The "417" part refers to its four bars and spaces arranged inside each pattern, consisting of 17 characters.

How do barcodes work?

In a nutshell, a barcode is a way to encode information into a visual pattern (those black lines and white spaces) that a machine (a barcode scanner) can read.
The combination of black and white bars (also referred to as elements) represents varying text characters that follow a pre-established algorithm for that barcode (more on the types of barcodes later). A barcode scanner will read this pattern of black and white bars and translate them into a line of test that your retail point of sale system can understand.

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