What is the difference between 1D and 2D barcodes?

1D barcodes, also known as linear or traditional barcodes, are composed of a series of vertical bars and spaces of varying widths. These barcodes can only encode numerical and alphanumeric characters in a linear format. They are widely used for product identification and inventory management. In contrast, 2D barcodes can store significantly more data, including text, images, URLs, and even small applications. Unlike 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes can encode data both horizontally and vertically, using patterns of squares, dots, and other geometric shapes. This allows them to store and transmit large amounts of information in a compact space. While 1D barcodes require a handheld scanner to read data, 2D barcodes can be scanned by smartphones and tablets equipped with the necessary software. Their versatility has made them popular for applications such as ticketing, loyalty programs, and mobile payments. In summary, 1D barcodes are simpler and can only encode basic information, while 2D barcodes offer more data storage capacity and compatibility with modern mobile devices.