Code 1 barcodes are a type of 2D barcode. They were introduced to the public domain all the way back in 1991, making Code 1 the first 2D matrix barcodes available to consumers. At the time, Code 1 barcodes were groundbreaking, because they stored much more data than their 1D counterparts. This allowed them to be used for more complex tasks, like tracking and management processes.
Code 1 barcodes are still being used today, though on a smaller scale compared to the 90s. Still, they’re an important part of barcode history that many users might be unfamiliar with.
MyQRCode is here to help uncover what made Code 1 barcodes special. So join us, as we go through the ins and outs of Code 1 barcodes, how to identify them, and their modern applications. Let’s go!
Technology Behind Code 1 Barcode
Code 1 barcodes are 2D matrix barcodes, made up of data modules on a white background. They work similarly to other types of 2D barcodes, where alphanumeric or numerical data is encoded around a finder pattern, which allows barcode scanners to identify the boundaries of the barcode, and then decode the data within.
Code 1 barcodes can be encoded with many different types of data, including ASCII, error correction, function characters (those allowing you to manipulate data), and binary-encoded data. There are also 8 sizes of Code 1 barcodes, each of which allow you to encode larger data strings to fit different needs.
What are Code 1 Data Modules?
Code 1 data modules are the dark lines and patterns that make up the majority of the barcode. These are represented in a grid pattern, which allows scanners to break up the data encoded within into smaller grids and assign them character values, before then grouping the decoded data into larger patterns, which is the result you see when a scan is completed.
What are Code 1 Finder Patterns?
Code 1 barcode finder patterns help scanners identify the boundaries of the 2D barcode. For Code 1, these are the series of horizontal and vertical lines in the middle of the barcode which intersect into a square or rectangular pattern.
Code 1 Quiet Zone
Code 1 barcodes have a quiet zone border made up of white space around the barcode itself. This is a universal inclusion for all barcodes, as it helps scanners identify where a barcode’s matrix symbology starts and ends.
Code 1 Barcode Error Correction Levels
Code 1 barcodes can be encoded with error correction data, which maintains the data integrity of the barcode even if it becomes damaged. They use the Reed-Solomon error correction protocol framework, which is a popular error correction solution for most other 2D barcodes.
Data Capacity of Code 1 Barcodes
There’s plenty of freedom in how much data is encoded into a Code 1 barcode. Code 1 barcodes can be generated in 8 distinct sizes, ranging from A-H, which allows you to encode larger data sets depending on your needs. If you’re encoding alphanumeric data, Code 1 barcodes have a capacity between 13 characters, all the way up to 2218 characters, depending on which size you pick.
Data Capacity of Code 1 Barcodes for Various Character Sets
For a further breakdown of different character capacity sets for each version of Code 1 barcodes, have a look at the table below:
Code 1 Version
Alphanumeric Character Capacity
Numeric Character Capacity
A
13
22
B
27
44
C
64
104
D
135
217
E
271
435
F
553
886
G
1096
1755
H
2218
3550
Code 1 Barcode Options
Code 1 barcodes provide you with plenty of options when it comes to the shape of the pattern itself, allowing you to design it to fit different specifications. The pattern can be reshaped into ‘L’, ‘H’, and ‘T’ shapes, without sacrificing the functionality of the barcode.
Code 1 Barcode Standard
Code 1 barcodes can be encoded alphanumerically, numerically, and can also be encoded with the ISO/IEC 15415 (2D) encoding standard. That means that it can be paired with the ASCII (American Standard Code for Information Interchange), which allows for 128 Latin characters to be used while coding, required for Code 1 barcodes to be read by computer systems and scanners.
Code 1 Barcode Size
Generally, Code 1 barcodes can be printed in a variety of different sizes, with the smallest size being around 1cm x 1cm for the best scanning results.
However, if you want to print Code 1 barcodes in smaller sizes, it’s best to choose a smaller Code 1 version, as scanners can have trouble reading Code 1 barcodes with higher data densities if they’re printed small. For larger barcode versions, it’s best to use a size dimension of 5cm x 5cm.
Scanning Code 1 Barcodes
Because of how antiquated Code 1 barcodes are nowadays, smartphone devices will need to have a specialized app installed that can read them. However, most dedicated scanners should have no problem reading them, as they’re fitted with CCD (Charge-Coupled Device) or CIS (Contact Image Sensor) which can decode Code 1 barcodes without hassle.
Generating Code 1 Barcodes
Code 1 barcodes aren’t used as much nowadays, so unfortunately, you’ll have a hard time finding a generator that can make Code 1 barcodes. Generally, SPARQCode QR codes have become the most popular 2D barcode, and you can find many dedicated QR code generators across the web.
Benefits of Code 1 Barcodes
The introduction of Code 1 barcodes in the early 90s was genuinely revolutionary, given that it was the first publicly available 2D barcode. Compared to a 1D barcode, the benefits are practically limitless:
- Encodes data both horizontally and vertically
- Can store much more data than 1D barcodes
- High readability thanks to error correction protocols
Limitations of Code 1 Barcodes
The biggest limitation of Code 1 barcodes is that they’re frankly outdated. While they certainly still have some uses, when compared to the more popular QR codes or even other 2D matrix barcodes, it’s hard to find a reason to use them over other versions.
That’s mostly because Code 1 storage can’t stand next to the storage capabilities of newer 2D barcodes. Code 1 barcodes can store up to 2218 alphanumeric characters, which pales in comparison to the QR code’s 4200.
Compatibility of Code 1 Barcodes with Android and Apple iOs
Android and Apple iOS can scan QR codes built into more modern models. However, if you want to scan a Code 1 barcode, you’ll likely need to install a dedicated barcode scanning app. However, it’s best to check what barcodes an app is compatible with. As we’ve mentioned, Code 1 barcodes are pretty antiquated by today’s standards, so many apps won’t support them as a format.
Main Differences Between Code 1 Barcodes and QR Codes
There are many differences between Code 1 barcodes and QR codes. Especially as QR codes are essentially the evolution of Code 1 barcodes. Take a look at the table below for a comprehensive list of all the differences:
Feature
Code 1 Barcode
QR Code
Data Modules
Black and white squares encoded as ‘L’, ‘U’, and ‘T’ shapes
Black and white squares encoded into a variety of shapes and grids
Finder Pattern
Horizontal and vertical lines in the middle of the barcode, indistinct from data modules
Distinct square modules placed in the corners of the barcode
Storage Capabilities
- 2218 alphanumeric characters
- 3550 numeric characters
- 4269 alphanumeric characters
- 7089 numeric characters
Optimal Sizing
5cm x 5cm for larger data sets
2cm x 2cm for any data set when using dynamic QR codes
iOs and Android Compatibility
Requires the use of specialized apps
Compatible with modern devices
QR Code Generator
Code 1 barcodes gave the general public the first taste of what 2D barcodes could actually do. But, as time goes by, more modern 2D barcodes have made the Code 1 barcode practically obsolete, especially with the introduction of standardized 2D barcodes like QR codes.
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