How to encode & scan extended Unicode characters

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How to encode & scan extended Unicode characters

Solution(s):

It is possible to scan and encode extended Unicode characters in barcodes by doing the following:

  1. To Encode: Use a 2D Barcode product that supports UTF-8 such as the following UTF-8 barcode encoders. Linear barcode types such as Code 128 and Code 39 cannot encode characters over ASCII 128. 2D barcode types such as PDF417, Data Matrix, and QR Code have the ability to encode actual bytes of data and support UTF-8. UTF-8 is the preferred method used to encode and decode extended Unicode characters.
  2. To Scan and Decode: Use a scanner that supports decoding UTF-8, or use an app such as the IDAutomation Barcode Scanner SDK.

About extended characters in the PDF417 Barcode Products:
When using PDF417 barcodes in text compaction mode, only the following can be encoded ASCII 9 (tab), 10 (line feed), 13 (carriage return), and ASCII 32 to 126. However, when PDF417 is used in byte or binary compaction mode (which is the default), ASCII 0 to 255 is encoded.