📚 ARTICLE
Barcode vs QR code — what's the difference?
People often mix up traditional barcodes and QR codes. Here's the difference, what each is for, and which fits your business.
Traditional barcode (1D)
The vertical lines on supermarket products. Stores only numbers, read by a laser scanner.
QR code (2D)
The dotted square read by a phone camera. Stores much more — links, text, Wi-Fi, contacts, full menus.
Which to use?
To connect customers to a site, menu, offer, Wi-Fi or your details, use a QR code — readable by any phone, no special device.
FAQ
Is a QR code a barcode?
Yes, a QR code is a 2D barcode; the traditional one is 1D.
Which is better for restaurants?
QR codes — they open the menu on the guest's phone.
Related: Create a QR · Menu QR · Barcode scanner ·