Can a barcode open a website?

Not on phones; use a QR code for links.

Is a QR code a barcode?

Yes, a two-dimensional one; "barcode" usually means the 1D striped kind.

Where do I make a QR code?

Use Utilorca's free QR code generator.

Barcode vs QR Code for a Website Link

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): For a website link, use a QR code. Phone cameras read QR codes and offer to open the link, and a QR code holds long text in a small square. A classic 1D barcode is built for short identifiers, such as a product number or a stock code, read by checkout and warehouse scanners; you could squeeze a short URL into Code 128, but phones will not open it and the barcode gets very long. Retail is moving toward 2D codes too: GS1 aims for checkouts to read QR-style codes by 2027.

Do it now, right here

Type

Code 128: letters and numbers, for stock, shipping and internal labels.

Code

Show the number under the barsHeight Bar width

Many codes at once (one per line)

Step by step

Website link, menu or Wi-Fi: make a QR code.
Product or stock number: make a barcode.
Test the printed code with a phone or scanner.

At a glance

	Barcode (1D)	QR code (2D)
Holds	A short number or code	Long text, links, Wi-Fi
Read by	Checkout and warehouse scanners	Any phone camera
Best for	Products, inventory	Links, menus, payments

Barcode or QR code for a website link?