Choosing the Right Barcode Type for Your Business
Barcodes might look interchangeable, but the format you choose can make or break how smoothly your data flows through Salesforce. A shipping label, a hospital wristband, and a product box all use different barcode types for good reasons.
Gimbal Barcode is built on Salesforce — so your team can scan, generate, and automate barcode workflows directly inside the platform. Whether you’re managing inventory, processing shipments, or tracking assets, the right barcode type helps your data move faster and more accurately.
Here’s a practical guide to the most common barcode formats, where you’ll see them, and how to pick the right one for your workflow.
1D vs. 2D — what’s the difference?
A 1D barcode typically stores a single identifier, such as a serial number or a product code.. It’s the familiar pattern of vertical lines you see on retail items or warehouse labels. Fast and simple, but limited in data capacity.
A 2D barcode can store multiple pieces of information. For example, the 2D barcode for a medical device may include the product name, manufacture date, and serial number. QR codes and DataMatrix codes are examples. They pack more data into smaller spaces, and can be more resilient if scratched or smudged.
Common barcode types in everyday use
Code 128 — the shipping and logistics favorite
Where you’ll see it: On shipping labels from carriers, warehouse shelves, and product packaging.
Why it works there: Compact, efficient, and supported by nearly every industrial scanner.
Why not elsewhere: Most smartphone cameras can’t read it without a specialized app.
Best for: Warehousing, logistics, manufacturing.
In Salesforce: Scan a Code 128 to instantly locate or update a record — no typing required.
Code 39 — simple and durable for legacy systems
Where you’ll see it: On equipment tags, older inventory systems, or long-running production lines.
Why it works there: Tolerant of low print quality and compatible with legacy scanners.
Why not elsewhere: Takes up more space and encodes less data.
Best for: Environments with older hardware or strict compatibility requirements.
In Salesforce: Keeps existing operations connected while upgrading data accuracy.
QR Code — the universal connector
Where you’ll see it: On packaging, marketing materials, showrooms, check-ins and tickets, and mobile apps.
Why it works there: Instantly scannable by any phone camera.
Why not elsewhere: Less efficient for long serial data or standardized supply chain IDs.
Best for: Mobile workflows, marketing, and customer interaction.
In Salesforce: Use QR codes to link directly to records, forms, or self-service pages.
GS1 DataMatrix — small labels, big data
Where you’ll see it: On medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
Why it works there: Fits structured data (GTIN, serial, expiry) into a tiny, durable symbol.
Why not elsewhere: Requires high-quality printing and imaging scanners.
Best for: Healthcare, manufacturing, and regulated industries.
In Salesforce: Perfect for product traceability and compliance tracking.
PDF417 — for documents and credentials
Where you’ll see it: On boarding passes, driver’s licenses, and shipping paperwork.
Why it works there: Holds long strings or multi-field records in one code.
Why not elsewhere: Too large for small labels, slower to scan in bulk.
Best for: IDs, permits, and document workflows.
In Salesforce: Store or retrieve complete record data directly from a scanned code.
How to decide
When comparing barcode types, focus on three simple questions:
Who’s scanning it?
Warehouse scanners, mobile apps, or customers with phones?How much data do you need to encode?
A single ID or a full record with batch and expiry?Where will it live?
A box, a product label, a document, or a website?
Gimbal Barcode supports all major barcode types, so you can adapt to any situation without switching tools.
How Gimbal Barcode makes it easy
Built entirely inside Salesforce — no external apps or connectors.
Generates and scans multiple symbologies: Code 128, Code 39, QR, GS1 DataMatrix, PDF417, and more.
Scanned data can trigger Salesforce Flows, automating actions like updating inventory, creating service records, or sending notifications instantly.
Works seamlessly on desktop and mobile.
Gimbal Barcode turns barcode scans into real-time actions inside Salesforce, cutting manual entry and keeping data in sync across your business.
See it in action
If you want to understand how different barcode types can streamline your business, we can show you directly.
Book a demo with the Gimbal Logic team to see how Gimbal Barcode simplifies scanning, generation, and tracking across every department.