Key Differences Between Barcode & QR Code

barcode vs qr code — (source: dreamstime)

Scanning codes have become the easiest transaction form in most places, from grocery stores to direct payments. However, it is important to know about the two distinct types of codes, including barcodes and QR codes. It will help you get a better idea of their uses and benefits.

Are you curious to know the difference between barcodes and QR codes? Keep reading this article for a detailed guide.

What Is the Difference Between QR Code and Barcode?

The following table will provide better details regarding barcode VS QR code.

Parameters	QR Code	Barcode
Developers	Masahiro Hara from Denso Wave developed QR codes in 1994. Toyota used it to track vehicles and parts.	Norman Joseph Woodland developed a barcode for the first time in 1952. It was initially only used in grocery stores.
Types	These codes come in only one type. They can be only two-dimensional.	There can be two types of barcodes. These are either one-dimensional or two-dimensional codes.
Appearance	Comes in a small square box. Inside, it has combinations of shapes and pixels based on Morse code.	It looks like a small box of black parallel lines, having various widths and contains a combination of numbers at the bottom.
Information Retention	Contains information in both vertical and horizontal directions. Moreover, stores more info than barcodes.	Contains information in a horizontal direction. But stores lower information than QR codes.
Error Correction	Have a lower error rate than barcodes. For instance, it will work even if the code surface is damaged.	Are more error prone and may not work if the code surface is damaged, which is a disadvantage.
Storage Capacity	QR codes have much higher storage capacity. It is up to 2 kilobytes.	Barcodes have much lower storage capacity. It cannot exceed 100 bytes.
Uses	Are used in supermarkets and stores for tracking purchases and also for digital payments and transactions.	Are mainly used in different stores and hospitals for tracking purchases and keep track of records.

Now that you know the two types of codes, you must be able to differentiate the two. However, let's dig deeper and understand them individually.

What Is QR Code?

QR codes help develop a way of storing data in a format understandable to computers. Also, QR code is a "Quick Response'' method that enables individuals to encode over 4500 characters in a 2D barcode. The purpose is to store information so the scanner can easily read and understand the data. It helps you to avoid manually entering UPI details for online transactions.

What Are the Uses of a QR Code?

A few of the uses of QR code include -

It helps to link directly to download apps from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
While setting up digital payment, QR codes help to authenticate online accounts and verify login details for safe transactions.
You can access Wi-Fi with the help of these codes. They help you store encryption details like SSID, encryption type and password.
It allows you to send and receive payments without sharing bank details.

What Is Barcode?

A barcode provides an understandable format of data for the computer to store. It is used for storing information in a 1D or 2D format. Once stored, this data can be scanned for data retrieval. A barcode reader is used to scan this code, which is mostly found on things in stores.

Nevertheless, barcodes originated from grocery stores and have been used across business industries ever since. It is seen in law firms, post offices, retail stores, security applications, car rental returns, bookstores and libraries.

What Are the Uses of a Barcode?

A few of the uses of barcodes include -

Helps companies to keep a track record on their inventory levels.
Helps businesses to keep track of their assets such as cars, machinery and computers.
Helps to keep track of AR (account receivable) and AP (account payable) through barcodes on invoices.
Helps to keep track of mails and packages when sending them outside the country.

What Are the Components of a Barcode?

Usually, warehouses use barcodes to encode an item's size, colour and other attributes. Its components include the following.

Quiet Zone: This is the first component, the empty white area on a barcode. The reader needs to be able to comprehend the code.
Number System Digit: The first digit on the code represents the product category. Retail products usually start with 0 or 1, while pharmaceuticals start with 3.
Manufacturer Code: This is the first group of characters following the initial number. It helps to identify the manufacturer. GS1 under the UPCs assigns a unique code to the manufacturer.
Product Code: This indicates the next set of characters, which helps to identify the specific product. The manufacturer sets these characters.
Check Digit: This component helps to confirm the accuracy of the data. It flags and alerts the users in case of any potential error with the code.

Hopefully, now you know the difference between barcodes and QR codes. As this article pointed out, codes are essential to avoid manual efforts and transaction errors. However, it is important to differentiate between the two types of codes. It will help you to use it accordingly for your business or transactions.

FAQs on Differences Between Barcode & QR Code

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Which is more effective between QR code or a barcode?

As QR codes are more recent and technologically sound, these are considered more effective. They have higher storage and lower error rate.

Do QR codes expire?

No, QR codes have no expiry. They have a quick link, which opens the moment you scan it on a device. The code will work as long as the quick link is active.

What are the common causes of barcode damage?

A barcode can get damaged from minor scratches, stains, partial obstruction of the code, debris causing torn, etc.