What is a Barcode
A barcode consists of a series of parallel black and white lines with numeric digits. Data is encoded by the width and spacing of the lines.
- Pros: Simple structure, low cost, easy to print.
- Cons: Limited capacity (usually only tens of characters), one-dimensional storage only.
What is a QR Code
A QR code is a two-dimensional matrix of black and white squares that can store information in both horizontal and vertical directions.
- Pros: Large capacity (up to thousands of characters), error correction, fast scanning.
- Cons: Takes more space than barcodes, higher printing quality required.
Main Differences
| Aspect | Barcode | QR Code |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | One-dimensional lines | Two-dimensional square matrix |
| Storage Capacity | Tens of characters | Thousands of characters |
| Scanning | Horizontal only | Both horizontal and vertical |
| Error Correction | Almost none | Strong error correction |
| Cost & Space | Low cost, small space | Larger space, higher print quality |
| Applications | Retail pricing, logistics | Payments, URLs, authentication |
Use Cases
Barcode: Mainly used in retail and logistics, suitable for low-cost, large-scale management.
QR Code: Widely used in mobile payments, advertising, ticketing, and information sharing.
Recommended Online Tools
For quick QR code or barcode generation, you can try illi.io online tools:
- QR Code Generator: Supports URLs, text, contact info, and more.
- Barcode Generator: Supports multiple standard barcode formats for retail and logistics.
Conclusion: Barcodes are simple and cost-effective for basic identification, while QR codes excel in capacity and flexibility for modern digital applications.