Updated 2026-10-12 · By the Scan to Google Sheets team
The short answer
Use a 1D barcode such as Code 128 when a label only needs to carry an ID and you may scan with laser or handheld scanners. Use a QR code when you want more data in a small square, need it to tolerate damage, or will scan mainly with phone cameras.
Side by side
| 1D barcode (Code 128, EAN-13) | QR code | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical content | Short ID or number | ID, URL or longer text |
| Shape | Wide and short; needs width | Square; compact for the data it holds |
| Damage tolerance | Limited | Built-in error correction (about 7%–30%) |
| Read by | Laser, imager and phone cameras | Imagers and phone cameras |
| Retail compatibility | EAN-13 and UPC are the retail standards | Not a retail checkout standard |
Which suits a small team?
- Already have retail barcodes? Scan the EAN or UPC on the product; no relabelling.
- Labelling bins, shelves or assets yourself? A QR code or Code 128 label printed from a free generator works well.
- Labels will get scuffed or are tiny? Prefer QR with higher error correction.
Make and scan them
Create labels with the barcode generator or the QR code generator, then scan them with Scan to Google Sheets, which reads both and writes each scan to a row in your spreadsheet.