| Always used as a single word, 'barcode' is a small | | | | Since 1973, the Uniform Product Code (UPC), |
| image of bars (lines) and spaces that is affixed to | | | | regulated by the Uniform Code Council, has |
| retain store items, identifications cars and postal | | | | provided a standard barcode used by most retail |
| mails. In other words, barcode uses a sequence | | | | stores. The European Article Numbering system |
| of vertical bars and spaces to represent numbers | | | | (EAN) allows for an extra pair of digits and is |
| and other symbols. It consists of five parts, quiet | | | | becoming widely used. POSTNET is the standard |
| zone, a start character, data characters, a stop | | | | barcode used in the United States for ZIP codes |
| character and a second quiet zone. | | | | in bulk mailing. |
| To read the code, the barcode readers are used. | | | | Now, if the above briefly describes barcode |
| These readers use a laser beam that is sensitive | | | | readers, then what are barcode fonts? These are |
| to the reflections from the line, space thickness | | | | used when many businesses are using barcodes |
| and variation. Then, the readers translate the | | | | as a mean to track their own assets, shipping, |
| reflected light into digital data and transfer to a | | | | work orders, etc. In such cases, how do these |
| computer for immediate action or storage. | | | | businesses find out which program to buy and |
| Barcode readers are mostly seen in use in | | | | whether there is special equipment needed. Here, |
| supermarkets and retail stores; but that is not all. | | | | barcode fonts come into picture. |
| They are also used to take inventory in retail | | | | On the internet, you can download barcode fonts |
| stores; to check out books from a library; to | | | | (available for free) but for obvious reasons, |
| track manufacturing and shipping movement; to | | | | purchasing the software will be a much better |
| sign in on a job, etc. | | | | decision. |