In today's fast-paced world, ID cards are more than just a name and photo—they're gateways to systems, buildings, and experiences. Adding a barcode to an ID card transforms it from a static badge into a powerful digital key. Creating employee badges, student IDs, or visitor passes? A barcode generator for ID cards can help boost efficiency, enhance accuracy, and improve security.
Why Add a Barcode to an ID Card?
Organizations use ID cards to manage identity and access—but adding a barcode or QR code makes them far more powerful. With a single scan, barcodes enable instant data retrieval, streamline operations, and enhance security.
Here's how different industries use them:
✔️Offices: Automate time tracking and restrict access to authorized areas
✔️Events: Speed up check-in and ticket validation
✔️Schools: Track student attendance or library borrowing
✔️Gyms & Clubs: Verify membership in real time
Pairing barcodes with ID cards is a simple yet powerful upgrade—and it's easier than you might think.
What Barcode Type Do ID Cards Use?
Choosing the right barcode type depends on the kind of data you want to encode and how it will be used.
●1D Barcodes (e.g., Code 39, Code 128)
These are ideal for encoding simple alphanumeric information and are widely used for basic identification tasks.
Code 128, in particular, is one of the most popular barcode formats for ID cards. It's compact, easy to scan, and supports letters, numbers, and symbols—making it perfect for generating barcodes for:
✔️Employee ID numbers
✔️Student registration codes
✔️Membership IDs
●2D Barcodes (e.g., PDF417, QR Code)
2D barcodes can store significantly more data, such as contact details, digital credentials, or web URLs—ideal for multi-function ID cards.
QR Codes are easily scanned by smartphones, making them suitable for mobile check-ins, digital business cards, or event access.
PDF417, a stacked linear 2D barcode, is often used on driver's licenses and government-issued IDs due to its high data capacity and reliability.
Step-by-Step: How to Generate Barcode for ID Card
If you're creating ID cards and badges in small volumes, free barcode maker tools are a great place to start:
Our free barcode generator for ID cards supports both linear and 2D barcodes like code 128 and QR code, giving you the flexibility to design your ID cards and passes for any application.
You don't need complex software or design expertise. With our barcode maker tool, anyone can create scannable, professional-grade barcodes in just four steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Barcode Type
Visit our free barcode generator tool and choose the format that fits your needs—for example:
●Code 128 for ID numbers
●QR Code for URLs or complex data
Step 2: Enter Your Data
Type the unique ID number, link, or code you want the barcode to represent. Make sure the information is accurate—it's what the scanner will read. Then click "Create Barcode" and take a preview at your barcode.
Step 3: Customize Appearance
Adjust the size, color and other setting to match your ID card design. You can also add human-readable text below the barcode if needed.
Step 4: Download the Barcode
Select the right barcode format, such as PNG or SVG, and download your barcode image in high resolution—ideal for printing.
Finally, place the barcode on your ID card or badge using any design tool or card printing software. Align it where it won't be obstructed and ensure enough space around it for easy scanning.
If you're producing ID cards in bulk and require integration capabilities, it's worth considering professional barcode software.
By embedding the barcode correctly, you make scanning seamless whether it's with a handheld reader or a smartphone camera.
Ready to enhance your ID cards with barcodes? Try our Barcode Generator for ID Cards now. It takes less than a minute—and could save you hours of manual work down the road.
