EAN Barcode Scanner
Add EAN-8 and EAN-13 barcode scanning to your mobile application or website
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Turn smartphones into fast & reliable EAN barcode scanners
The Scanbot EAN Barcode Scanner SDK delivers exceptional performance in scanning both EAN-13 codes and EAN-8 codes, ensuring reliable product identification across retail and e-commerce industries. With a scanning speed of under 0.04 seconds, your users get instant reads for seamless workflows.
Key benefits include:
- Offline scanning: The Scanbot SDK works 100% on-device, ensuring both uninterrupted performance and data security.
- Enterprise-grade support: Get dedicated chat support via Slack, Teams or email for any issue. Includes free assistance during the integration phase.
- Flat pricing model: Cost stays the same no matter how much your user base or scanning volume grows.
Quickly scan EAN barcodes online
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How this scanning tool works
Our free online EAN-13 barcode scanner and EAN-8 barcode scanner read codes directly through your camera or on imported images. This barcode reader works in any browser, no app download or signup needed. Enjoy real-time camera view scanning or decode barcodes on pictures in seconds – just point your camera at the EAN barcode or import an image file to instantly access the encoded data.
This tool is powered by the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK!
(We don’t store any images or data you import. Everything stays on your device.)
Understanding EAN barcodes
What are EAN barcodes?
The EAN barcode is a one-dimensional (1D) code that serves as the standard for product identification in global trade. They are common in Europe’s retail environments, while UPC barcodes are more common in North America. Originally, EAN stood for European Article Number, but it is better known now as the International Article Number. There are two main variations: EAN-13 and EAN-8.
EAN-13 is the standard format and contains 13 digits. EAN-8 contains only 8 digits and is more commonly used on products with limited space, such as candy bars and shampoo bottles.
EAN codes always encode a product’s Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs), a 3-digit GS1 prefix indicating the country of registration. This is followed by manufacturer and product codes and includes a check digit for error detection.
In addition to the primary EAN-13 and EAN-8 barcodes, there are supplemental extensions, such as EAN-5 and EAN-2, which are positioned on the right side of the main barcode to offer extra product details. EAN-5, a five-digit extension, is typically used for books to display pricing and currency information. Meanwhile, EAN-2, a two-digit extension, is commonly found in periodicals like magazines and newspapers to denote issue numbers or age restrictions. These extensions cannot be scanned independently and are always used in conjunction with the main EAN.
Applications of EAN barcodes
Retail
EAN codes are predominantly used in retail environments, where they facilitate fast and accurate checkout processes. They are essential for scanning products and retrieving details such as price, product name, and inventory levels.
E-commerce
EAN codes are a requirement for listing products on online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay. They facilitate smooth integration, helping businesses track products and manage sales efficiently.
Structure of EAN barcodes
EAN-13 codes encode 13 numeric digits, split into two key components: 13 product digits and 1 check digit. The product digits are divided into three categories:
- The first two or three digits represent the country code.
- The next four or five digits identify the manufacturer.
- The last five product digits represent the product code and encode specific product information like size or flavor.
The 13th digit is a check digit used for error detection. Calculated from the first 12 digits, it helps scanners detect errors like incomplete or incorrect data during the scanning process.
EAN-8 codes follow the same structure as EAN-13 codes but use 8 digits instead, consisting of 7 product digits and 1 check digit.
Advantages of EAN barcodes
- Compact size: They store product information in a compact format, making them ideal for use on products of various sizes, from grocery items to larger retail goods.
- Error detection: EAN codes use error detection through a check digit system. The check digit is calculated based on the other digits in the barcode using a specific algorithm.
- Scalability: EAN-13 barcodes can store up to 13 digits, while EAN-8 barcodes are designed for smaller products with 8 digits, offering scalability to accommodate different data capacities.
- Versatility: Omnidirectional scanning ensures seamless decoding from any angle.
Why choose the Scanbot SDK for EAN barcode scanning?
The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK is specifically designed to handle the challenges of decoding EAN barcodes in real-world scenarios.
What sets us apart:
- Exceptional performance: Reliably decodes even damaged, low-contrast or distorted barcodes.
- High-speed scanning: Read EAN codes in as little as 0.04 seconds.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Easily integrate with Android, iOS, cross-platform, web, Windows, and Linux platforms.
- Customizable UI: Customize the ready-to-use components to match your app or website design.
- Privacy-first: Operates offline for complete data security.
Whether your use case involves EAN codes, UPCs, QR codes, or any other barcode, the Scanbot SDK delivers the accuracy, speed, and reliability you need to succeed.
Related Barcode Types:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EAN barcode?
An EAN barcode is a one-dimensional code used globally for product identification, primarily in Europe. It encodes a product and manufacturer data. EAN-13 contains 13 digits, while EAN-8 is smaller with 8 digits, and is used on products with limited space. EAN was originally called European Article Number but is now known as International Article Number.
Where is EAN-13 used?
EAN-13 barcodes are used in retail environments for fast and accurate checkout processes, where they help retrieve product details like price and inventory levels. They are also required for listing products on e-commerce platforms like Amazon and eBay, aiding in product tracking and sales management.
What is the difference between EAN-13 and EAN-8 barcodes?
The difference between EAN-13 and EAN-8 lies in their size and encoding. EAN-13 has 13 digits, while EAN-8 is a compressed 8-digit version, designed for smaller surfaces like candy bars. EAN codes are the standard for product identification in global trade. However, they are more common in Europe’s retail environments, while UPC codes are more popular in North America.
How could Scanbot SDK help you with EAN barcode scanning?
The Scanbot EAN barcode scanner delivers exceptional performance in challenging environments, including damaged or curved barcodes, with a scanning speed of under 0.04 seconds for seamless workflows. Try it now with a free trial license.