FAQ# 2146: Why is my 1D or vertical line barcode so long?

Answer

If you're using letter or symbol characters (A-Z or !@#$%^&*) in a barcode type that allows them, like code 128, it increases the length of a 1D barcode far more than plain numbers would. When using complex codes like that (i.e. **BARCODE12345/$$A543*%), using 2D codes like QR or Aztec codes would be more space efficient and easier to print. If you require 1D barcodes with letters and symbols, the barcodes will be longer.