QR-Code vs. Barcode — Was ist der Unterschied?
People search for "QR code barcode generator" because they need both — or because they're not sure which one they actually need. Here's the clearest explanation we can give.
▌▌ Barcode (1D)
- Vertical stripes read left to right
- Stores numbers (sometimes letters)
- Max ~20–30 characters
- Scanned at retail checkouts
- EAN-13, CODE128, UPC-A...
- Required for retail shelves
⬛ QR Code (2D)
- Square pixel grid, any direction
- URLs, text, contact info and more
- Up to 7,000+ characters
- Scanned by any smartphone
- URL, WiFi, vCard, email...
- Used for customer engagement
💡 Short version: Use a barcode for retail checkout scanning and inventory tracking. Use a QR code for anything customer-facing — website links, WiFi passwords, contact details, menus.
When Do You Need Both?
More often than you'd think. Here are the most common situations where businesses use both types:
Product Packaging
A retail product needs an EAN-13 barcode for the checkout scanner. Many brands also add a QR code linking to their website, product video or warranty registration. Two different codes, two different jobs — often on the same label.
Amazon FBA Products
Your product needs an FNSKU barcode (CODE128) for Amazon's warehouse scanners. But the same product might have a QR code on the packaging that links customers to your brand website or review page.
Restaurant or Café
A café uses EAN-13 barcodes on packaged goods sold at the counter, and QR codes on table cards linking to the digital menu. Completely different use cases, both essential.
Which Barcode Format Do I Need?
| I want to... | Use this format |
|---|---|
| Sell products in retail worldwide | EAN-13 |
| Sell products in US/Canada retail | UPC-A |
| Label shipping boxes / FBA FNSKU | CODE128 |
| Track internal inventory | CODE128 or CODE39 |
| Label cartons or pallets | ITF-14 |
| Share a URL or website | QR Code (URL) |
| Share WiFi password | QR Code (WiFi) |
| Share contact info | QR Code (vCard) |
Why One Tool for Both?
Honestly — because it's faster. Most people who need a QR code also need a barcode at some point, or vice versa. Having to use a different site for each wastes time and introduces inconsistency in download quality.
barkodkarekod.com was built to handle both from a single browser tab. Switch between the Barcode and QR Code tabs, download in the same format, same quality. That's it.
✅ All client-side. Every barcode and QR code is generated directly in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server. Your data stays on your device.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
Is a QR code the same as a barcode?
A QR code is a type of barcode — specifically a 2D barcode. Regular barcodes are 1D (striped). QR codes store much more data and can be scanned by any smartphone.
Can one tool generate both QR codes and barcodes?
Yes. barkodkarekod.com generates both from the same tool — switch between the QR Code and Barcode tabs. No separate accounts needed.
Do I need both a QR code and a barcode?
Often yes. Retail products need a 1D barcode for checkout scanners and a QR code for customer engagement. Many businesses use both.
Which barcode formats are supported?
EAN-13, CODE128, UPC-A, EAN-8, CODE39, ITF-14, MSI and Pharmacode. QR codes support: URL, WiFi, vCard, email, phone, location and event.
QR-Code erstellens & Barcodes — Free
One tool for both. Keine Anmeldung, no watermark, PNG + SVG + PDF download.