How to choose QR Code, PDF417 or DataMatrix?
Basic introduction of 2D Barcode
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a 2D barcode type. It consists of black squares arranged in a square grid on a white background, which can be read by a camera, scanner, or other imaging devices.
PDF417 barcodes are a type of stacked, variable length, bi-directional 2D barcode. It is one of the most widely used 2D barcodes, most commonly found in logistics, transportation (boarding passes), government identification (driver licenses and identification cards), inventory, and document management (postal packages).
The Datamatrix is a 2D high-density barcode symbol. Since 2000, this barcode has been recognized as a standard of ISO/IEC 16022. It encodes text, numbers, files, and data bytes. It uses small square modules and the perimeter of these modules is purposely different from the interior. This helps a barcode scanner identify cell locations for proper decoding.
A quick comparison table
| Barcode Types | QR Code | PDF417 | DataMatrix Code |
| Density | High density | High density | High density |
| Character Set | Full ASCII | Full ASCII | Full ASCII |
| Maximum Capacity | Numeric: 7089Alphanumeric characters: 4296Bytes: 2953 | Numeric: 2710Alphanumeric characters: 1850Bytes: 1108 | Numeric: 3116Alphanumeric characters: 2335Bytes: 1556 |
| Error Detection & Correction | QR codes use the Reed-Solomon algorithm, which enables the code to be read even if up to 30% of it is damaged | PDF417 barcodes use the Reed-Solomon algorithm, which enables the code to be read even if up to 50% of it is damaged | DataMatrix code ECC 200 symbologies use the Reed-Solomon algorithm for error detection and correction; ECC 000-140 uses convolutional error correction |
| Usage Scenarios | online or app paymentsaugmented realitymobile operating systemswebsite loginloyalty programsvirtual storesmarketing and advertising campaigns | boarding passesdriver licensesidentification cardspostal packages | direct parts markingelectronics productpackagingposterspill bottles |
QR Code vs. PDF417 vs. DataMatrix Code
- PDF417 barcodes are variable in dimensions, most commonly seen in the rectangular shape. DataMatrix codes and QR codes are basically square.
- QR codes have a larger capacity than PDF417 and DataMatrix codes.
- QR codes are extremely popular for mobile applications.
- PDF417 is a barcode with several linear rows of stacked codewords. It can be read from left to right in linear order with a simple linear scan. However, QR codes and DataMatrix codes are 2D matrix barcodes; you should use a 2D imaging scanner to read them.
- QR codes have the ability to encode Kanji characters.
