The Differences Between a UPC, Barcode, and QR Codes

When designing custom product labels and packages, don’t forget about barcodes! An effective label not only needs to attract the eye of distracted consumers, but they also need to provide important information for retailers. There are actually a variety of different ways to track your products and provide information. UPC, barcodes, and QR Codes all provide value for different types of products and purposes.

UPC (Universal Product Code)

UPC means Universal Product Code, which is a unique identifier for every individual product. The word “universal” comes from the ability to allow your product to be scanned in countries around the world, instead of in one region.

This unique 12-digit number assigned to retail merchandise identifies both the product and the vendor that sells the product. UPC is usually printed on a product next to its barcode, which is the machine-readable representation of the UPC.

How to Obtain a UPC

Join GS1 - GS1 is an international group that created UPCs to help standardize the way vendors track products
Get your GS1 Company Prefix - This unique number identifies your company as the owner of your barcode
Create barcodes - Once you have your UPC, create matching barcodes for your labels

Each individual product needs its own unique UPC Code. Products of different sizes and colors each require unique representation with an individual UPC.

Barcodes

A barcode is a one-dimensional code that can be read by machines. They’re made of a pattern of black vertical lines of varying widths. Barcodes are usually accompanied by numbers as well, so if a barcode isn’t easily readable, the code can be manually entered.

These codes can contain important information such as manufacturer name, article type, price, etc. The data that barcodes can hold is limited and they’re mainly used to identify an item type, rather than individual items.

Barcodes are the most common auto-identification technology used for stock control and to store basic information about products.

How to Obtain Barcodes

GS1 includes machine-readable barcodes along with the UPCs that your business licenses. Members can use the GS1 U.S. Data Hub to create high-resolution artwork to include on product labels.

The GS1 Company Prefix is part of every barcode you create. Prefixes are available in different “capacities” allowing you to barcode anywhere from 10 to 100,000 unique products.

QR Codes

Quick Response Codes, also known as QR Codes, are similar to barcodes except they are two-dimensional. This means they contain information in both vertical and horizontal directions. You’ll commonly see a mixture of black and white squares and dots.

QR Codes can contain many different types of data, such as:

Social media links
Website URLs
Email addresses
Contact information
Promotional offers

QR Codes have grown in popularity due to the rise of smartphones. Most smartphone cameras can now scan QR codes directly without a separate app.

How to Obtain a QR Code

The process of creating a unique QR Code is simpler than UPCs and barcodes. Anyone can create a QR Code using free online generators. Simply follow the instructions, fill in the information you want included, and download the image file.

Benefits of Using These Codes

For Your Business

Track inventory more effectively
Cut costs - printing barcodes is very cost effective
Facilitate quicker checkout experiences
Engage customers through QR Code promotions

For QR Codes Specifically

Use on any medium: business cards, brochures, product packaging, displays, receipts
Help customers download apps
Provide coupons and discount codes
Link to websites or social media accounts
Store much more data than traditional barcodes

Design Tips

For UPC and Barcodes

Plan placement strategically - Place on a clear, unobscured part of the product
Leave space for quiet zones - Clear areas before and after the barcode
Use proper colors - Dark bars on light background (black on white is best)
Follow size requirements - Larger barcodes scan more easily

For QR Codes

Add your logo to foster brand awareness
Choose appropriate colors - Stick with darker shades for scannability
Change the shape to differentiate from competitors
Use a frame with a call-to-action like “Scan Me”

Conclusion

While UPC, barcodes, and QR Codes aren’t the most glamorous part of your label, they are extremely valuable. Using variable data printing allows you to incorporate these codes efficiently on your custom labels, making inventory management and customer engagement much easier.