What is a barcode?
A barcode is a unique code that identifies a specific product. It includes a particular set of numbers, as well as a unique pattern of stripes – or "bars". Computers and optical readers, such as those you see at checkout counters at retail stores, can recognize the code thanks to this pattern. In addition, the list of digits can be used to search for information about that particular product using a search engine like Barcode Live.
Are there different kinds of barcodes?
Yes! Various barcode formats are used in different countries and regions. The U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries use barcodes that are called Universal Product Codes (UPCs). Meanwhile, many retailers in Europe and other areas use a barcode format known as the International Article Number (EAN, since it used to be called European Article Number). Books often use their own special type of barcode format, called the International Standard Book Number (ISBN).
Where do you get your barcode information?
Over 1,500 stores and regular users across the world are the direct source of our barcode and product data. Companies and individual users provide us with new and updated barcodes with product information every day as well.
How do I add my barcode and product information?
Go to our Add Barcode page to add your product or edit the existing product information.
If a barcode is not found on your site, does that mean it isn't real?
No, not always. Although our database has information on millions of products and barcodes, it doesn't always mean that we have every barcode ever used anywhere in the world. So if your search doesn't return any results for a specific barcode, it simply means that we don't have the information about it yet.
