What is an Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcode?

According to Wikipedia, Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) is a continuous two-width barcode symbology encoding digits. 

ITF barcodes use variable-width bars and spaces to encode any length of data. The number of digits must be even, and two out of every five bars are wide. This represents an advancement over Standard 2 of 5, which only used bar width for encoding. 

2 of 5 interleaved barcodes achieve high data density by interleaving digit information within both bars and spaces, and they are primarily used in distribution and warehouse management, aiding in the identification of packaged goods with individual UPC codes.

In terms of specifications, interleave 2 of 5 barcode follows a strict structure: a start character, data encoded in pairs within bars and spaces (hence the "interleaved" name), a check digit for error detection, and a final stop character.

What is the Ratio of an Interleaved 2 of 5?

The bar width ratio in an Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode pattern signifies the distinction between the wide and narrow bars.

For an Interleaved 2 of 5 code, the ideal bar width ratio falls between 2.25:1 and 3:1.

Interleaved 2 of 5 Code Applications 

What are Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes used for? Those ITF codes are widely used in a variety of industries, including:

1. Inventory Management

Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes help track inventory in warehouses and retail stores. The ITF barcodes are assigned to individual items, and factory and warehouse workers use barcode scanners to recognize these barcodes for rapid identification and location tracking of items. 

2. Shipping and Logistics

ITF barcodes applied to shipping labels enable seamless package tracking throughout the shipping route in the shipping and logistics industry. 

3. Manufacturing

Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes are used in manufacturing to track and monitor components and products. By scanning the ITF barcodes, manufacturers can access the history and test results of each batch, ensuring that only products that meet the quality standards are distributed. 

How to Create Interleaved 2 of 5 Barcodes? 

With the help of online tools and free barcode generators, you can easily create your codes. Creating Interleaved 2 of 5 barcodes is easier than you might think, thanks to the wonders of technology. 

A free online Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode generator allows you to generate code with just a few clicks. 

Step 1: Simply Input your Data and Create Barcode

Step 2: Customize the Settings 

On the barcode customization interface, you can adjust the barcode size, color, and background, and other options as needed.

Step 3: Click “Download”

Click the "Download" option to save it. The barcode is saved in PNG format by default, but you can choose other kind of file types.

Step 4：Test the Code

You can use a handheld barcode scanner to test the code to make sure it's valid . 

As you can see, the OnlineToolCenter barcode generator is easy to use and can generate various 1D and 2D barcodes for free. Welcome to try it out!

FAQ

1. What is the Difference between Code 128 and Interleaved 2 of 5?

Code 128 and Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) are both widely used barcode symbologies, but they have distinct differences in terms of their design, data representation, and typical applications.

Code 128 is a variable-length barcode symbology that can encode alphanumeric characters, while Interleaved 2 of 5 is a numeric-only barcode symbology that can encode data of variable length.

2. What is the Difference between Code 39 and Interleaved 2 of 5?

Code 39 is an alphanumeric barcode that includes full ASCII characters and special symbols, offering a self-checking feature. Interleaved 2 of 5 is a numeric-only barcode with a high-density format, requiring an even number of digits and using both bar widths and spaces to encode information.

3. What is the Difference between ITF-14 Code and Interleaved 2 of 5?

ITF-14 is a specific application of the Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode, standardized by GS1 for encoding a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number, and is used primarily on product packaging levels. 

It is continuous, self-checking, and bidirectional, while the generic Interleaved 2 of 5 can encode any numeric data and is not limited to a fixed length or specific application like ITF-14.