Barcode readers are used to scan and decode the information stored in a barcode. Used in a wide range of industries from retail to hospitality, barcodes and barcode readers are the most common way to encode and read data.

Barcode readers come in several different designs. Some are handheld, making them easy to pick up and point at an object to scan it. Other readers are stationary, and the object must be placed or scanned through to be read.

For example, your local grocery store probably has a barcode scanner at the register that scans your items, coupons, and membership card, along with a handheld one to scan larger items in your cart.

Because there are two styles of barcodes, 1D and 2D, it is important to ensure that your barcode reader will read the type of barcode you are printing on your ID cards. Learn more about barcode encoding.

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