What is the difference between EAN code and CODE128 code

EAN code and Code-128 code are two different types of barcodes, which have significant differences in multiple aspects. The following is a detailed summary of the main differences between these two types of barcodes:

1、 Definition and Application

Barcode type definition application

EAN code is a barcode developed by the International Article Numbering Association for goods, which is commonly used worldwide for managing retail goods, such as supermarkets, convenience stores, and other retail locations

Code-128 is a high-density barcode that can represent 128 characters (including numbers, letters, symbols) from ASCII 0 to ASCII 127. It is widely used in internal management, production processes, logistics control systems, and other aspects of enterprises. It is also used for information representation of storage and transportation units or logistics units of goods

2、 Character set and encoding rules

Barcode type character set encoding rules

EAN code is a fixed 13 digit or 8-digit code from 0 to 9, including country code, manufacturer identification code, product item code, and verification code

Code-128 allows for the selection of three different encoding types, A, B, and C, based on data type and length, for numbers, letters, and symbols (a total of 128 characters). Theoretically, there is no limit to the encoding length

3、 Structure and Composition

Barcode Type Structure Composition Remarks

EAN prefix code, manufacturer identification code, product item code, and verification code have a fixed structure and consistent length

Code-128 code blank area, start marker, data area, checksum, terminator, FNC1 application identifier (such as EAN-128 code) can be added before the blank area data area, and the data length can be adjusted

4、 Characteristics and advantages

Characteristics and advantages of barcode types

EAN code uniqueness, standardization, and efficiency facilitate global circulation and management of goods

Code-128 is high-density, efficient, capable of bidirectional scanning, and has flexible encoding methods, suitable for encoding requirements of various data types and lengths

5、 Other precautions

EAN code is usually used for retail goods, while Code-128 code is more widely used in internal management, logistics control systems, and other fields of enterprises.

EAN-128 code is an application form of Code-128 code, mainly used to represent the information of the storage and transportation unit or logistics unit of goods. It adds an FNC1 application identifier in front of the data area.

When choosing which barcode to use, it needs to be determined based on specific application scenarios and requirements. For example, for retail goods, EAN code is a more common choice; For scenarios that require encoding more types of data, such as letters and symbols, Code-128 code has an advantage.

In summary, there are significant differences between EAN code and Code-128 code in terms of definition and application, character set and encoding rules, structure and composition, characteristics and advantages. Understanding these differences can help make more informed decisions when choosing and using barcodes.