A barcode holds a short number that tills, warehouse scanners and stock systems read. A QR code holds much more, such as a web address, Wi-Fi details or a contact card, and every phone camera reads it. If a till or a warehouse will scan it, use a barcode. If people will scan it with their phone, use a QR code. Products in shops usually need both.
The difference at a glance
| Barcode (UPC, EAN, Code 128) | QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Lines, read in one direction | Square of dots, read in any direction |
| Holds | A short number or code (12–13 digits for retail) | A link, text, Wi-Fi, contact card and more |
| Read by | Tills, warehouse guns, stock systems | Every phone camera, and many scanners |
| Typical use | Pricing at the till, stock, shipping | Menus, packaging links, payments, business cards |
| Number comes from | GS1 for retail products; your own for internal labels | You choose the content |
| Can it change after printing? | No | Yes, if it’s a dynamic QR code |
| Make one | Barcode generator | QR code generator |
When to use a barcode
- Products sold in shops: the till scans the UPC or EAN. The number comes from GS1; see how to get a barcode for your product.
- Stock and warehouses: Code 128 labels on shelves and bins.
- Shipping and logistics: ITF-14 on cartons, GS1-128 on pallets.
- Amazon FBA: FNSKU labels.
- Books: an ISBN barcode.
When to use a QR code
- Anything customers scan with a phone: a website, a menu, a review page, a video.
- Packaging extras: setup guides, ingredients, recipes; see QR codes for packaging.
- Sharing details: Wi-Fi, contact cards, payments.
- Things that change: a dynamic QR code lets you edit where it goes after printing and count scans.
When to print both
On retail packaging, print both side by side: the barcode for the till, the QR code for the customer. Keep each with its own clear margin, and don’t let them touch. Our packaging printing guide covers placement.
What about other 2D codes?
Data Matrix, PDF417 and Aztec are 2D codes like QR, but built for industrial scanners, ID cards and tickets. Phones’ built-in cameras generally don’t open them, so for anything the public scans, QR is the safe choice.