A printed gift card's barcode or QR code must contain exactly the gift card code, as plain text: not a web address and no extra characters. When it's scanned, the code goes straight into the gift card code field. Use a QR code or Code 128 barcode for codes that include letters. Many merchants print both a QR code and a 1D barcode, plus the code in readable text, so the card works with camera scanning, handheld scanners and typing.
Choose a barcode type
| Type | Kind | Holds | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code | 2D | Letters, numbers, dashes | Scanning with an iPad, phone or computer camera, and 2D handheld scanners |
| Code 128 | 1D | Letters, numbers, dashes | Handheld laser and imaging scanners. The best 1D choice for Wrapped's default codes |
| Code 39 | 1D | Capital letters, numbers, dashes | Older scanners. Wider than Code 128 for the same code |
| EAN-13 | 1D | 13 digits only | Only numeric codes. The last digit is a check digit calculated from the first 12, so most randomly generated codes can't be printed as EAN-13 |
Printers such as Plastic Printers can produce QR codes, EAN-13 and Code 128. See Ordering printed gift cards.
Where cards are scanned
- Handheld barcode scanners (USB or Bluetooth) type what they read into whichever field is selected, just like a keyboard. They work with your POS's own gift card screens and with Wrapped's screens. Most read 1D barcodes; 2D imaging scanners also read QR codes.
- The Wrapped camera scanner, the scan button on the Lightspeed register screens that Wrapped provides, the check balance page and the staff balance checker, reads QR, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, ITF, EAN-13, UPC-A and Data Matrix using the device's camera.
Rules for the barcode content
- Plain code only.
A1B2-C3D4-E5F6-G7H8works.https://yourstore.com/giftcard?code=A1B2…doesn't, because the register receives the whole address. - No extra characters. Some scanners are set to add a prefix, suffix or tab. Turn those off in the scanner's settings.
- Match the printed code. The code in the barcode must be the same card's code as printed on the card.
- Dashes and capitals. Where Wrapped does the lookup, capital letters, spaces and dashes don't matter. At checkouts that use a channel's own gift cards, the scanned value should match the code exactly.
Test before you print
- Ask your printer for a proof or sample card.
- Open a plain text editor or notes app and scan the card with each scanner you use. The text should be exactly the card's code, with nothing added.
- Scan the card with the camera scanner on your check balance page.
- After loading a test card with value, redeem a small amount at the register to confirm it's found.
Scanning with a camera
1D barcodes are harder for cameras than QR codes, especially long codes that make a wide barcode.
- Fill most of the camera's view with the barcode and hold it steady.
- Use good light and tilt glossy cards to avoid glare.
- If a 1D barcode won't read, try the QR code (if the card has one) or type the code.
Cards whose barcode holds a web address or another number
Some existing cards, including some made for Lightspeed K-Series, have a web address or a different number in the barcode. You can save that value on each card as its AlternateLookupCode when you import the cards. Scanning then works wherever Wrapped does the lookup: the Lightspeed register screens Wrapped provides, the Redeem app and the check balance page. It doesn't work at checkouts that use a channel's own gift cards, such as Shopify checkout, where the printed code must be typed. See Keep using the physical gift cards you already have.
Barcodes in emails and wallet passes
The barcode on gift card emails, PDFs and Apple Wallet and Google Wallet passes is set separately in your branding. See Barcode type on emails and wallet passes.
Common questions
Should I use QR or a 1D barcode?
If staff scan with an iPad or phone camera, QR is the most reliable. If you use handheld 1D scanners, use Code 128. If in doubt, print both.
Our codes are all numbers. Can we use EAN-13?
Only if every code is a valid EAN-13 number, including its check digit. Code 128 works with numbers too and avoids this problem.
A card scans in Wrapped but not at our online checkout
Online customers type the code, so check the printed text is clear and matches the code in Wrapped.