Appendix B - Supported bar codes

One-dimensional bar code symbologies

Bar code

Forms and Bar Code Card

Forms Composer v3.3.9

Document Producer

Optra Forms

Sample image

Description

v3.3

v3.2

v3.1

v3.0

Codabar

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Codabar.

Codabar, also known as USD-4, NW-7, Monarch, or Code 2 of 7, is a variable-length symbology that allows encoding of the following characters: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 - $ : / . + A B C D .

Codabar with mod16 check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

Codablock F

Y 2

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

N

A sample image of Codablock F.

Codablock F is a stacked version of the standard bar codes Code 39 and Code 128. Row indicators show the orientation of the reading, and two check characters guarantee the accuracy of the data encoded. There are three varieties of this code.

Codablock F can contain 2 to 44 rows, with 4 to 62 characters per row. This symbology can encode up to 2725 characters.

Code 3 of 9

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of Code 3 of 9.

Code 3 of 9, also known as Code 39 or AIM USS 39, is the first alphanumeric code that shows the digits from 0 to 9, 26 letters (uppercase A to Z), and seven special characters: - . * $ / + % and space.

Code 3 of 9 has no built-in checksum.

Code 3 of 9 with check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Code 3 of 9 optionally allows for a Modulo 43 check character in cases where data security is important.

Code 3 of 9 extended

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Code 3 of 9 extended is a general-purpose code that can code any ASCII character that you can enter from the keyboard by normal means.

Similar to the standard 3 of 9 code, data can be of any length.

Code 3 of 9 extended with check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Code 3 of 9 extended also optionally allows for a Modulo 43 check character in cases where data security is important.

Code 93

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Code 93.

Code 93 is a variable-length symbology that can encode the complete 128 ASCII character set. It also incorporates two check digits as an added measure of security.

Code 93 extended

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

Similar to Code 93, except that it allows the complete 128 ASCII character set to be encoded.

Code 128

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of Code 128 Auto.
A sample image of Code 128 A.
A sample image of Code 128 B.
A sample image of  Code 128.

Code 128, also known as USS 128, is a general-purpose bar code that can handle any ASCII character. It also allows encoding of four special function codes (FNC1 to FNC4).

Code 128 can encode data of any length.

HIBC 128 or HIBC 39

Y 2

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

N

A sample image of HIBC 128.

HIBC has versions based on Code 3 of 9, Code 128, and Codablock F, and uses standard bar code encoding.

The uniqueness of the bar codes comes in the structure of the data that is encoded. The HIBC standard provides for a Supplier Standard and a Provider Standard, each with its own unique data structure.

Industrial 2 of 5,

Standard 2 of 5,

or Code 25

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Industrial 2 of 5.

Industrial 2 of 5 is a numeric-only bar code.

Industrial 2 of 5 has no built-in checksum.

Industrial 2 of 5 with check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

Industrial 2 of 5 optionally allows for a check character in cases where data security is important.

Interleaved 2 of 5

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of Interleaved 2 of 5.

Interleaved 2 of 5 encodes digit pairs in an interleaved manner.

Each data character is composed of five elements, either five bars or five spaces. Of these five elements, two are wide and three are narrow. Each digit has its own unique two-out-of-five arrangement.

A complete Interleaved 2 of 5 symbol consists of the following:

  • The start code (two narrow bars and two narrow spaces)

  • The data characters

  • The stop code (one wide bar, a narrow space, and a narrow bar)

For general-purpose, free-form numeric data, this bar code is the most efficient code available.

Interleaved 2 of 5 has no built-in checksum.

Interleaved 2 of 5 with check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Interleaved 2 of 5 optionally allows for a weighted Modulo 10 check character in cases where data security is important.

ITF-14

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

Y

N

A sample image of ITF-14.

ITF-14 is an Interleaved 2 of 5 bar code with bearer bars surrounding the bar code.

Matrix 2 of 5

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Matrix 2 of 5.

A variation of Interleaved 2 of 5, Matrix 2 of 5 is mainly used in the Netherlands.

Matrix 2 of 5 with check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

Matrix 2 of 5 optionally allows for a check character in cases where data security is important.

MSI or MSI Plessey

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of MSI bar code.

MSI is a numeric-only bar code type. It can accept a variable number of digits up to 13.

MSI with mod10 check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

MSI bar code can include a Modulo 10 checksum.

MSI with mod10 and mod10 check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

MSI bar code can include a Modulo 10 checksum, and may include a second checksum.

If a second checksum is required, then the first checksum is appended to the original string. The checksum calculation is performed again including the first checksum.

MSI with mod11 and mod10 check digit

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

Some applications may require a Modulo 11 checksum, and it is calculated differently from the Modulo 10 checksum.


Two-dimensional bar code symbologies

Bar code

Forms and Bar Code Card

Forms Composer v3.3.9

Document Producer

Optra Forms

Sample image

Description

v3.3

v3.2

v3.1

v3.0

Data Matrix

Y 3

Y

Y

Y 3

Y

Y

N

A sample image of Data Matrix.

Data Matrix employs the Reed-Solomon error correction with data redundancy to guarantee a fast and accurate read. The symbol can store between 1 and 3116 numeric or 2335 alphanumeric characters.

Data Matrix is scalable up to a 14-in. sq., but the actual limits depend on the fidelity of the marking device and the optics of the reader.

MaxiCode

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of MaxiCode.

MaxiCode is a medium-capacity two-dimensional matrix bar code symbology especially designed for the high-speed scanning application of package sorting and tracking.

MicroPDF417

Y 3

Y

Y

Y 3

Y

Y

N

A sample image of MicroPDF417.

MicroPDF417 is a multi-row symbology derived from and closely based on PDF417. It is designed for applications with a need for improved area efficiency but without the requirement for PDF417 maximum data capacity.

A limited set of symbol sizes is available, together with a fixed level of error correction for each symbol size.

PDF417

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of PDF417.

PDF417 is a high-density two-dimensional bar code symbology that consists of a stacked set of smaller bar codes. It can encode the complete ASCII set.

QR Code

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

A sample image of QR Code.

QR Code is a matrix code. The maximum symbol size is 177 modules square. It can encode 7366 numeric characters or 4464 alphanumeric characters.

Swiss QR Code

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

A sample image of a Swiss QR code

The Swiss QR code is always generated with the ECC level (M) .

The PCL P-Parameter must always be triggered to the value of 2p .

The module size varies depending on the QR code version chosen for the data amount to encode because the label size must be 46 x 46


Composite bar code symbologies

Bar code

Forms and Bar Code Card

Forms Composer v3.3.9

Document Producer

Optra Forms

Sample image

Description

v3.3

v3.2

v3.1

v3.0

1 One-dimensional bar code symbologies supported by Bar Code Card version 2.4 or later can be printed with Optra Forms when:

  • The bar code option is installed on the printer.

  • The accompanying bar code dictionaries are installed on Optra Forms.

2 These bar codes are not available in PCL 5 emulation or PostScript emulation.

Composite with UPC

Y 2

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

N

A sample image of Composite with UPC.

An EAN/UCC composite symbol consists of a linear component associated with an adjacent two-dimensional composite component. The linear component is encoded with the primary identification of the item. The associated composite component is encoded with the supplementary data, such as a batch number or expiration date.

The linear component can be the following:

  • EAN/UCC-128: Up to 48 digits.

  • EAN/UPC: 8 or 13 digits.

  • RSS Expanded: Up to 74 digits.

  • Other RSS: 16 digits.

Composite with EAN

Y 2

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

N

A sample image of Composite with EAN bar code.

Composite with EAN/UCC

Y 2

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

N

 A sample image of  Composite with EAN/UCC bar code

Composite with RSS-14

Y 2

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

N

A sample image of Composite with RSS-14 bar code.

N/A

EAN/JAN-8 or JIS-S-UCC

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of EAN/JAN-8 bar code.

EAN/JAN-8 bar code encodes a total of eight digits: two characters for country of origin, five data characters, and a check character for error detection. Only eight-digit numeric data can be used with this code.

EAN-8 supports a supplemental two- or five-digit number to be appended to the main bar code symbol.

EAN/JAN-8 with 2-digit supplemental

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of EAN/JAN-8 with 2-digit supplemental bar code.

EAN/JAN-8 with 5-digit supplemental

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of EAN/JAN-8 with 5-digit supplemental bar code.

EAN/JAN-13 or JIS-UCC

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of EAN/JAN-13 bar code.

EAN-13 is the European version of UPC-A. The first two digits designate the country where the article is made. The next five digits show the producer of the article, followed by five digits, which identify the article number. The last digit is the checksum.

EAN-13 supports a supplemental two- or five-digit number to be appended to the main bar code symbol.

EAN/JAN-13 with 2-digit supplemental

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of EAN/JAN-13 with 2-digit supplemental bar code.

EAN/JAN-13 with 5-digit supplemental

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of EAN/JAN-13 with 5-digit supplemental bar code.

EAN 128, UCC-128, or EAN/UCC-128

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of EAN 128 bar code.

The EAN/UCC-128 specification uses the same code set as Code 128. The exception is that it does not allow function codes FNC2 to FNC4 to be used in a symbol. FNC1 is also used as part of the start code in the symbol. The check digit in EAN/UCC-128 symbols is calculated differently than in Code 128.

ISBN or ISBN + 5

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of ISBN bar code.

An ISBN or Bookland EAN bar code is a special form of the EAN-13 symbol consisting of the ISBN number preceded by the digits 978.

The supplemental in an ISBN bar code is simply the retail price of the book preceded by the digit 5 (for U.S. dollar as the currency).

ISSN, ISSN + 2, or ISSN + 5

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of ISSN bar code.

An ISSN bar code is a special form of the EAN-13 symbol. It encodes the first seven digits of an ISSN, prefaced by a special "land of serial publications" country code (977), followed by a two-digit price code. The checksum digit is not encoded.

The last character of an ISSN, the checksum digit, may be an x (ASCII 88).

There can be an add-on of either two or five digits for the issue number of the serial publication.

RSS

Y 2

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

N

A sample image of RSS bar code.

RSS-14 is a linear symbology that facilitates omnidirectional scanning. It encodes 14 digits of numerical data used to identify Global Trade Item Numbers (GTIN) in the supply chain.

RSS-14 Truncated truncates (shortens) the bar code height to 13 times the nominal printing density (X dimension multiplied by 13 instead of 33X).

RSS-14 Stacked allows the truncated RSS-14 to be printed in two rows of two segments each.

RSS-14 Limited uses a different encoding process and limits the values assigned for indicator digits to 1 or 0.

RSS-14 Expanded is a variable-length, linear symbology that is encoded differently than RSS-14. This symbology allows up to 74 numeric or 41 alphabetic characters.

RSS-14 Stacked Omnidirectional allows the full height RSS-14 to be printed in two rows of two segments each.

UPC-A

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of UPC-A bar code.

UPC-A is a 12-digit numeric symbology consisting of 11 data digits and 1 check digit. The first digit is a number system that usually represents the type of product being identified.

The next five digits are a manufacturer code, followed by a five-digit product identifier. The last digit is the checksum.

UPC-A allows for a supplemental two- or five-digit number to be appended to the main bar code symbol.

UPC-A with 2-digit supplemental

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of UPC-A with 2 digit supplemental.

UPC-A with 5-digit supplemental

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of UPC-A with 5 digit supplemental.

UPC-E

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sampe image of UPC-E code bar.

UPC-E is a 6-digit UPC symbology that compresses a normal 12-digit UPC-A code into a 6-digit code. It suppresses the first (number system) digit, trailing zeros in the manufacturer code, and leading zeros in the product identification part of the bar code.

A seventh check digit is encoded into a parity pattern for the six main digits.

UPC-E can be used only if the number system digit is 0 and the original 10 data characters have at least 4 zeros.

UPC-E allows for a supplemental two- or five-digit number to be appended to the main bar code symbol.

UPC-E with 2-digit supplemental

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of UPC-E with 2 digit supplemental.

UPC-E with 5-digit supplemental

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of UPC-E with 5 digit supplemental.

Postal bar code symbologies

Bar code

Forms and Bar Code Card

Forms Composer v3.3.9

Document Producer

Optra Forms

Sample image

Description

v3.3

v3.2

v3.1

v3.0

1 One-dimensional bar code symbologies supported by Bar Code Card version 2.4 or later can be printed with Optra Forms when:

  • The bar code option is installed on the printer.

  • The accompanying bar code dictionaries are installed on Optra Forms.

2 These bar codes are not available in PCL 5 emulation or PostScript emulation.

Australia Post 4-State

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

aust_post_37_customer

A sample image of Austraila Post 4-State 37 customer.

aust_post_45_reply

A sample image of Austraila Post 4-State 45 reply.

aust_post_52 customer

A sample image of Austraila Post 4-State 52 customer.

aust_post_67 customer

A sample image of Austraila Post 4-State 67 customer.

A 4-State bar code is similar in appearance to RM4SCC, but with different methods of encoding characters and checksum algorithm. It also has a different set of start and stop bars.

Symbols can encode one of three different amounts of data, allowing varying quantities of customer-specific data to be added to the basic postal delivery information.

RM4SCC

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of RM4SCC.

RM4SCC is used in the United Kingdom. It can encode up to 128 different characters, but only A to Z and 0–9 have been assigned unique bar patterns.

Danish PTT 3 of 9

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Danish PTT 3 of 9.

This symbology is a modified 3 of 9 bar code.

Dutch Post 4-State

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Dutch Post 4-State bar code.

This symbology consists of a six-character postcode (four digits followed by two letters). Any of the following may follow: a 1–5-digit house, postbox, or freepost number; a separator character ( x ); and a 1–6-character house number extension (digits or letters).

French Postal 3 of 9 A/R

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of French Postal 3 of 9 A/R bar code.

This symbology is a modified 3 of 9 bar code.

German Postal 2 of 5 Identcode

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of German Postal 2 of 5 identcode.

This symbology is a modified 2 of 5 bar code for parcels to encode the following:

  • The originating post office.

  • A customer identifier.

  • A parcel number.

  • A check digit.

German Postal 2 of 5 Leitcode

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of German Postal 2 of 5 Leitcode.

This symbology is a modified 2 of 5 bar code for parcels to encode the following:

  • The receiving post office.

  • The destination address.

  • A check digit.

Intelligent Mail

N

N

Y

N

N

Y

N

A sample image of Intelligent Mail.

The USPS uses this symbology to sort and track letters and flats. Intelligent Mail combines the capability of POSTNET and PLANET bar codes into a single bar code.

Japan Post 4-State

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Japan Post 4-State bar code.

This symbology is similar to RM4SCC except for the rules about specific postcode data that can be encoded. It consists of a seven-digit postal code number. A block and house number may follow. The encoded data can include hyphens.

PLANET

Y 2

Y

Y

Y 2

Y

Y

N

A sample image of PLANET bar code.

This symbology is the inverse of POSTNET.

Each PLANET digit has three tall and two short bars. All PLANET bar codes include a five-bar checksum digit or correction character.

Singapore 4-State

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Singapore 4-State bar code.

This symbology is identical to RM4SCC except for the rules about specific postcode data that can be encoded.

Swiss Post 3 of 9

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of Swiss Post 3 of 9 bar code.

This symbology is a special version of Code 128 C.

Data consists of an 18-digit identification code composing of the following:

  • A 2-digit post code.

  • A 2-digit billing district.

  • A 6-digit customer account number.

  • An 8-digit item number.

USPS FIM

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of USPS FIM bar code.

FIM is used by the USPS canceling machines to sort mail according to its postage requirements and whether it is bar-coded.

USPS POSTNET 5-digit ZIP code

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of USPS POSTNET 5-digit ZIP code.

POSTNET encodes numbers to represent the following:

  • A 5-digit ZIP code (32 bars)

  • A 9-digit ZIP with 4 code (52 bars)

  • An 11-digit Delivery Point code (62 bars)

USPS POSTNET 9-digit ZIP with 4 code

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of USPS POSTNET 9-digit ZIP with 4 code.

USPS POSTNET 11-digit Delivery Point code

Y

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

A sample image of USPS POSTNET 11-digit Delivery Point code.

USPS sack label 8-digit 2 of 5

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of USPS sack label 8-digit 2 of 5 bar code.

This symbology is a modified Interleaved 2 of 5 code.

The bar code encodes the following:

  • A 5-digit ZIP code destination of the sack.

  • A 3-digit content identifier number (CIN) applicable to its content.

USPS tray label 10-digit 2 of 5

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of USPS tray label 10-digit 2 of 5 bar code.

This symbology is a modified Interleaved 2 of 5 code.

The bar code encodes the following:

  • A 5-digit ZIP code destination of the tray.

  • A 3-digit CIN.

  • An applicable 2-digit USPS processing code.

USPS Zebra code

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y 1

A sample image of USPS Zebra code.

The Zebra code is used by the USPS on tray labels to serve as a visual indication that the tray contains bar-coded automation-rate mail. Bar code readers do not read it. It consists of a series of diagonal or vertical marks. Each line must be 0.250 in. to 0.375 in. (6.35 mm to 9.52 mm) high, 0.125 in to 0.250 in. (3.18 mm to 6.35 mm) wide. Separate these lines with blank spaces equal in size to the line widths.