You must have seen barcodes and QR codes used in multiple event check-in and ticket scanning platforms. Both of them have pros and cons. However, it appears confusing: barcode or QR, which one performs better for scanning?

This article covers an in-depth analysis of barcodes and QR codes, suggesting the best method for scanning.

Quick Differences Between Barcode and QR Code

What is a Barcode?

A barcode is parallel black lines with different widths and white spacing. Each of the widths of the black line refers to a specific number or alphabet. This alphanumeric code is directly related to barcode symbology.

The barcode system works by imprinting the alphanumeric code with a laser or ink into the surface. The scanner emits laser light, which reads the parallel lines and width. The sensor of the scanner decodes it into an analog signal. Then, the integrated circuit converts it into a digital signal, which shows on the computer.

What are QR codes?

A QR, or Quick Response Code, is small black squares and white spacing arranged inside a square block, which converts into additional information. Unlike barcodes, QR codes can hold up to thousands of characters.

A QR code has three finder pattern square blocks, an alignment pattern to align the code in a curved-to-flat form, and data and error correction blocks to improve readability. The data is embedded onto the small square grids by converting it into binary mode.

After finalizing the structure, the data modules containing the main information are organized. This is scanned with a mobile camera or scanner.

Types of Barcodes

Barcodes are majorly categorized into 1D and 2D types. A one-dimensional barcode only stores data horizontally, whereas a two-dimensional one stores data both vertically and horizontally.

1D Barcode types

UPC

Universal Product Code, or UPC, has two variations: UPC-A and UPC-E. The first one holds up to 12 characters, and the UPC-E variation can hold only six characters, imprinted upon tiny products like chocolate or miniature stuff to save space.

EAN

European Article Number, or EAN, is used globally. The first 3 digits of the EAN code is the country code. Among all other variants, EAN-13 is widely used and can contain 13 digit information.

Codabar

Codabar is another one-dimensional barcode used in healthcare, blood banks, libraries, and the printing and photo lab industry. It is supported by almost every barcode scanner. However, it is low density and takes up much larger space than other codes.

MSI Plessey

MSI Plessey can only hold numerical data. This is mostly used in internal inventory management, shelves, and tracking products within logistics. MSI Plessey has no limitation on data-holding capacity.

Code 39

Unlike MSI, Code 39 offers alphanumeric data. This code is widely used in the automobile industry. Every 1D barcode scanner can read this code. However, Code 39 can only contain 43 characters and is low density, not suitable for small space usage.

Code 128

Code 128 contains 128 unique ASCII characters, both alphabetical and numeric characters. It is high-density code, used mainly in shipping and logistics.

Code 93

This one is an improved version of Code 39. Code 93 provides alphanumeric and symbol encoding. It is more compact and high density, suitable for smaller space areas. The double checksum in Code 93 makes it more secure and highly used for military and postal usage.

ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)

ITF barcodes decode in paired digits. It only decodes numerical data (0-9). ITF is highly compact due to interleaving printing between bars and spaces. It is mostly used in shipping cartons, cardboard boxes, and warehouse storage bins.

2D Barcode Types

QR Code

A QR code is a type of barcode. It stores data in small black and white squares known as data modules. QR codes are used in all types of industries, including public advertisement, entertainment, shipping, and retail products.

Data Matrix

Similar to QR codes, data matrices are mostly applied in microchips, manufacturing parts and components, medical pills, and small equipment. A data matrix is more compact than a QR code.

Aztec

The prominent finder pattern in the Aztec barcode makes it faster to scan. There is also no need for a quiet zone (blank side areas), making it efficient for applying in compact areas.

PDF417

Portable Data File-417 holds a huge amount of data (like files), especially suitable for boarding passes, tracking IDs, and document archiving.

Types of QR Codes

Static QR Code

A static QR code is unchangeable once printed. The text or URL linked to the QR code stays as it is. Status QR is mostly used for retail products, poster design, business cards, and other design advertisements where the information is not changeable.

Dynamic QR Code

A dynamic QR code is an editable code that uses a short URL as a medium. The final information is added to the website instead of the QR code itself. It is highly useful for marketing campaigns and event ticketing.

Model 1 and Model 2 QR Code

Model 1 is the original version of QR code, where no alignment pattern or error correction level is used. The maximum data capacity is lower than the Model 2 QR code. Model 2 has 4 levels of error correction.

SQRC QR Code

Secure Quick Response Code, or SQRC, can withhold both public and private data. The public data can be retrieved by any scanner, and private data requires a specified authority to decode.

Frame QR Code

Mostly used in branding and marketing areas, a frame QR code works as a frame with a logo, picture, or shape in the middle, without compromising the data.

What are the Differences Between a Barcode and a QR Code?

Both barcodes and QR codes are widely used. However, they vary in data capacity, readability, and overall application suitability. Here are the differences:

Data Capacity

1D barcodes have limited data capacity. Most of the time, it can only contain numeric data, like Code 39. Code 128, UPC, EAN. Some types of barcodes can hold alphanumeric data, but with a limited number of characters (up to 20). URL, custom photo, marketing, and logo promotion are not available with 1D barcodes.

On the other hand, a QR code, which is a type of 2D barcode, can contain varieties of data. This includes URL links, images, binary, and kanji (Japanese). Up to 7 thousand characters can be stored inside a QR code, providing short messages or instructions too.

Speed of Scanning

Barcode is super fast when scanned in the right direction. The scanning machine needs to be close enough to emit laser light for reading the barcode. This is why barcodes are used by supermarket cashiers.

In contrast, a QR code has an alignment pattern that is instantly captured in camera, even at a distance. For far-away scanning, like scanning a poster from the roadside, QR is faster than barcode.

Technology Requirement

Modern technology is required for barcode scanning. To generate a barcode, inkjet or thermal printer and barcode generator software like ZebraDesigner, NiceLabel, or an Adobe Illustrator plugin are needed. To scan the code, POS, or point of sale, software and hardware are required, including a 1D scanner with laser light.

Most mobile cameras now have built-in QR code scanners. If not available, then any third-party QR code scanner app can be installed. Also, a 2D scanner is available too. Any online QR code generator works well enough. So, QR codes don’t need to be high-tech and available to the general public.

Error correction

Often if a barcode is smudged or damaged due to shipping or handling, it cannot be scanned. This is due to a lack of error correction in the structure of the 1D barcode.

On the other hand, QR codes have built-in error correction, up to 4 levels: low, medium, quartile, and high. The highest level of error correction can retrieve 33% of damaged information inside the QR.

Complexity & Readability

Barcode is simpler and easily read by any 1D scanner. However, it is not often mobile-compatible. The horizontally stored data must be read in a fixed alignment. Any type of blurry or smudged barcode is not readable.

QR is far more complex in its structure. The alignment pattern, quiet zone, data module, and finder pattern all need to be arranged for a QR code to function. It can store data horizontally and vertically. Besides, a QR code is omnidirectional, which means it can be scanned from any angle. So QR is more readable, even in low light.

Applications or Use cases

Advantages and Considerations of Barcodes for Event Ticket Scanning

Advantages

• Easy to scan
• Fast scanning method
• A 1D scanner is highly cost-effective
• Doesn’t require internet access
• Doesn’t require high-tech software to generate. A simple inkjet or thermal printer would suffice

Key Considerations

• Need proper alignment to scan
• Barcode cannot contain large information regarding event
• No photos or any visual element can be added, which attract people
• As no error correction is added, smudged or wet tickets will not scan.

Advantages and Considerations of QR Codes for Event Ticket Scanning

Advantages

• Mobile-compatible
• Can hold more information than a barcode (event date, time, attendee information)
• Seating arrangement can be visually shown via photos and videos
• Error correction level allows for damaged and smudged tickets to be scanned properly
• Can be scanned from any angle, allowing people to connect faster
• SQRC, Frame QR allows for customization

Key Considerations

• May not function properly in low light, blurry camera
• Mobiles should be QR code-supported for scanning

In Closing: QR Codes vs. Barcodes, Which Is Best for Events?

Barcodes can only contain a limited amount of information. The organizer also needs a barcode scanner, as it is not mobile-compatible. So, if the event supports only physical tickets and requires fast scanning with only ID, then a barcode is the solution.

However, if the event is targeted at younger people, needs fraud verification and security, has digital tickets, and visualization is an important aspect, then a QR code would be more suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the disadvantages of QR codes compared to traditional barcodes?

If a huge amount of data is stored inside a QR code, it may scan more slowly than a barcode.

Why not a barcode instead of a QR code?

A QR code is more convenient, doesn’t require an additional scanner, and adds more security than a barcode.