2D Barcode Scanners
Q. What is the cost of a scanner that will read 2D barcodes?
A. Between $250 and $2000 dependent on the application. Factors include:
Tethered, Cordless or portable reader
Density of the codes
Method of printing
Q. Can the 2D scanner read my 1D linear codes also?
A. Yes, these imager readers will read most all linear codes as well
Q. My Current scanner will not read the barcode which may be a 2D barcode. Do I need a special scanner?
A. Laser or linear Imager scanners will not read 2D code with a minor exception.
2D barcodes require an area imager technology scanner for reading. Some 1D scanners may read 2D stacked codes like PDF 417. Look at pictures of the codes below to identify your code.
PDF417 | QR | AZTEC | Datamatrix | |
 |  |  |  |  |
Linear | 2D |
Q. Do you have the software I can load to enter the scanned information?
A. No software utilities are required. The scanner output emulates a keyboard and is independent of the operating system and application
Q. Can the scanner plug in to my PDA or phone?
A. These portable devices cannot supply enough power to run the scanner. We have rechargeable powered Bluetooth scanners that pair with apple, android and windows operating system devices.
Q. Will the scanners read the PDF417 code on the driver’s license?
A. Yes, and there is a software utility which will parse the multiple fields in the code for all the states.
Q. I have heard the term 3D barcodes, what are they?
A. There are no 3D codes at present. People who refer to 3D usually mean 2D barcodes as they have mixed up the terms.
Q. What is the advantage 2D barcodes over linear or 1D barcodes?
A. 2D barcodes offer the ability to encode more characters in a smaller space. In a 1D code, the length grows as more characters are added. There is a practical limit to the length of a linear barcode based on the field of view of the barcode scanner. This limitation could be 25 characters depending on the barcode type and print density. By comparison, a 2D data matrix barcode 0.25” x 0.25” can hold 50 characters or more.