A barcode is one-dimensional and holds a short number, such as EAN-13's 13 digits, while a QR code is two-dimensional and holds a link or longer text. A QR code is read with a phone camera. That is why barcodes identify products at points of sale and in warehouses, and QR codes carry links, menus and contact details.
Step by step
- 1
Shape
A barcode is parallel lines read in one direction, while a QR code is a square of dots that holds data horizontally and vertically and can be read from any direction.
- 2
Capacity
EAN-13 holds only 13 digits, while a QR code at its largest size holds up to 7,089 digits, according to DENSO WAVE, the company that developed it.
- 3
Damage tolerance
A QR code has error correction that restores the data even if part of it is damaged, while an EAN-13 barcode has a check digit that detects a misread but does not correct it.
- 4
Scanners
A laser scanner reads only linear barcodes, while QR codes are read by two-dimensional imaging scanners and phone cameras. Check which scanner you have before printing.
- 5
Uses
Barcodes number products, cartons and stock, and QR codes carry links, menus, WhatsApp and contact details.
- 6
Official or freely created
The barcode of a product sold in large retailers is a number registered to your company with GS1, while a QR code for a link or menu is something you create freely.
Printing a QR code that points to a link that may change or whose subscription may lapse breaks everything already printed. Point it to a fixed link you own.
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