Working with barcodes in PDF documents

QR code illustration: barcodes in PDFs

An electronically or optoelectronically readable representation of data is called a barcode. Classic linear barcodes use bars and spaces, while 2D barcodes use geometric patterns to store more information in less space. A QR code, for example, uses a square matrix pattern.

Barcode data can be read and processed with optical devices such as scanners and cameras. Different scanner types are used depending on the application area. Barcodes are usually produced with standard printing methods and require sufficiently high print quality.

Barcodes are an efficient way to transfer information. They help speed up processes, increase workflow efficiency, and reduce error sources.

Barcode benefits at a glance​

  • Faster workflows
  • Very high scanning speed
  • Reduced input errors
  • Cost-effective usage
  • Automated process execution
  • Fast and economical data capture
  • Useful for transferring form data into databases, even if forms are returned on paper or by fax

Create and detect barcodes in PDF documents with webPDF​

If you want to improve and streamline document workflows in your company, you can use webPDF to generate barcodes in PDF documents. This allows documents to be controlled more reliably, data to be identified quickly, and information to be stored in a structured way.

Which barcode formats are available in webPDF?​

  • Aztec
  • Codabar
  • Code128
  • Code39
  • DataMatrix
  • EAN13
  • EAN8
  • UPC A
  • ITF
  • PDF417
  • QR code

Read documents with barcodes​

Besides barcode creation, it is often important to detect and read barcodes on incoming documents. Once you receive a PDF document electronically, or create one by scanning, webPDF can search the document for barcodes and extract the contained data.

Want to see exactly how it works?

In this video, we show how to create and detect barcodes in PDF documents with webPDF.