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QR Code vs Barcode on ID Badges: Which Should You Use in Canada?

QR code ID badge, barcode ID badge

Choosing between a QR code and a barcode on a badge is like choosing between a truck and a van: it depends on what you’re hauling—and where.

What You’re Really Choosing...

You’re choosing:

  1. How badges will be scanned (phones vs dedicated scanners)
  2. What the scan should do (look up a profile, log attendance, open a door, validate training)
     

QR Codes

Best for:

  • Smartphone scanning
  • Linking to URLs (verification pages, check-in forms)
  • Encoding more data (though you often shouldn’t embed sensitive data)
 

Watch outs:

  • Can fail if printed too small or crowded
  • Needs contrast and quiet zone
  • Can be impacted by glare/scratches (design and overlay help)

Barcodes (example: Code 128)

Best for:

  • Fast scanning with handheld devices
  • Numeric/alphanumeric IDs
  • Industrial and warehouse environments
 

Watch outs:

  • Less phone-friendly unless you use an app
  • Needs adequate width and spacing

Why Many Teams Use Both

“Both” are common when:

  • Warehouse scanners need barcodes
  • Front desk teams prefer phones for QR
  • You want redundancy (if one is damaged, the other still scans)

Design Rules that Prevent Scanning Failures

  • Use high contrast
  • Don’t place codes near edges or curved surfaces
  • Keep codes away from heavy wear zones
  • Test in real lighting and with real devices

Doesn't Your Company Deserve the Best?

The best is what you get every time at abc identity SOLUTIONS. Our company uses quality products that will not easily fade, chip, peel or scratch. Furthermore, if your ID badges show unusual wear and tear or will not scan, we will do our best to make it right.

Our edge-to-edge retransfer printing at 600 dpi ensures that your badges, photos, and QR codes/barcodes come out crisp, clear, and easily scannable. Furthermore, the method our printers use to create badges ensures that they do not easily fade, crack, peel, scratch or chip. 

What Does this Mean for my Company?

Our technology means:

  • No More Continual Ordering of Badges: Our ID badges remain crisp and clear for many years, no matter what the industry
  • QR Codes and Barcodes that Work: Nothing is more embarrassing than having your code not work or malfunction. Furthermore, if all employee badges work, it eliminates the need to “borrow” IDs, which tightens security.
  • Not Easily Duplicated: It takes only a second for someone to steal your ID badge or clone it using a handheld device. The problem? Our ID badges, thanks to their 600 dpi quality and security features, are not easily duplicated. At a glance, a person can tell a fake ID card from a real one. Also, a duplicator will leave scratches or inconsistencies in your barcoding/QR scanning, making the card unreadable.
  • You Save Money: Eliminating the need to constantly reorder badges due to wear and tear saves you money.
  • You Gain Peace of Mind: We hold ourselves to the highest standard in security. Our printers use data erasure technology, which means sensitive data is automatically deleted from the printer’s internal memory the second a card is printed.

abc identity SOLUTIONS: When Ordinary no Longer Becomes an Option

Your ID badges speak volumes about who you are as a company. Faded or worn badges – especially in trades or any customer-facing industry- can make your employees appear untrustworthy. At best, it makes you seem like you don’t care enough to invest in a clearly identifiable product. 

You could keep buying replacement ID badges once, twice, or more each year, or you could make a single purchase and have it last for years to come. 

Our superior quality badges are designed to last. Furthermore, many of our designs include space for both QR codes and barcodes, depending on your needs. We also design cards tailored to your company branding and security needs.

Not sure what would work best for your company? We can help there, too. Book an appointment with one of our specialists, and we will help you find something that exceeds your expectations.

Move your ID badges from ordinary to extraordinary by contacting us at 204-813-5400, filling out our booking form, or emailing us (info@abcidentity.ca). In the meantime, visit our online store for inspiration. You may find something that resonates with you.

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