Do Barcode Scanners Scan the White and Other Barcode Types

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Deliveryman Scanning the Barcode
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Barcode scanners are designed to read specific types of barcodes, but they can struggle with others.

Some barcode scanners can scan barcodes with white spaces, but this depends on the scanner's capabilities and the barcode's design.

For example, a 1D barcode scanner can read a barcode with a white space, but it may not work with a 2D barcode that has a similar design.

In general, barcode scanners are most effective when used with standard 1D barcodes, which have a black and white pattern.

Intriguing read: White Boxed Wine

Barcode Scanner Capabilities

Barcode scanners can only scan black and white bars, but not the white space in between. This is because the scanner reads the contrast between the black bars and the white space.

In fact, the scanner's ability to read the barcode is directly related to the contrast between the black and white bars. If the white space is too dark or too light, the scanner may not be able to read the code accurately.

Scanning Red Barcodes

Photo of a Man Scanning Products in a Warehouse
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Scanning Red Barcodes is a breeze with the right barcode scanner.

The EAN-13 barcode, commonly found on products, can be scanned with ease using a barcode scanner. This barcode type is widely used in retail and can be scanned in a variety of lighting conditions.

Red barcodes are actually a type of EAN-13 barcode, which means they can be scanned just like any other EAN-13 barcode. In fact, the EAN-13 barcode can be scanned from a distance of up to 30 feet.

Scanning White Barcodes

You can use a white background to create a barcode, but it's essential to choose the right color for the bars. A red barcode on white is completely unscannable because the light reflects off the red print and the scanner reads it as white.

A red background works much the same as a white background would, making it a viable option. However, some colors work better than others on a white background.

Here are some color combinations that are scannable on a white background:

  • Green on white
  • Blue on white
  • Brown on white

These color combinations have high contrast, making the scanner able to read the code.

Color Combinations

Bottle Shape Barcode
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Red on white is the absolute worst color combination for barcodes, but there are other problematic combinations to be aware of.

Inverted colors, where the background is black and the bars are white, won't scan. This is because the barcode relies on the light reflecting off the bars to be read.

No contrast between the colors is also a problem. If you print light bars over a light background, or dark bars over a dark background, the barcode won't scan.

Black on green or blue is a no-go, as these colors are read as black by barcode scanners. This is because the red light used to scan barcodes is absorbed by these colors rather than reflected.

Yellow or orange on white barcodes are also unscannable, as the yellow and orange bars reflect too much of the red light and read as white.

Here's a quick rundown of the worst color combinations for barcodes:

  • Red on white
  • Inverted colors (black background with white bars)
  • No contrast (light bars over light background or dark bars over dark background)
  • Black on green or blue
  • Yellow or orange on white

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of the barcode do they scan?

Barcode scanners read both the black bars and the white spaces in between them to decode the information. The contrast between black and white is key to successful scanning.

Clara Donnelly

Writer

Clara Donnelly is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting engaging content across various industries. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, she brings complex topics to life through her writing. Her expertise spans a range of topics, including sustainable packaging solutions, where she explores innovative ideas and eco-friendly practices that minimize waste and promote environmental responsibility.

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