What is Interleaved 2 of 5?
Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF) is a high-density numeric-only barcode that encodes digits in pairs, interleaving the bars of one digit with the spaces of the next. Because it packs two digits into each cluster it is very dense for pure numbers, which is why it survives as a case and carton code in warehouses and distribution. ITF-14 is simply the GS1 14-digit application of this same symbology.
Common Uses for Interleaved 2 of 5
- Carton and case labels in legacy warehouse systems
- ITF-14 retail supply-chain case codes
- Numeric-only barcodes where Code 128 is not required
- Legacy 2-of-5 readers in distribution centers
Interleaved 2 of 5 vs Code 128
Both read at warehouse scanners, but they serve different data. Interleaved 2 of 5 is numeric-only yet very dense and cheap to print, which suits long runs of plain case numbers. Code 128 encodes letters and symbols too and is more versatile, so most modern systems standardize on Code 128 or GS1-128. Choose Interleaved 2 of 5 when a customer or legacy system explicitly specifies ITF.
Even Digits and Check Digits
Because digits are interleaved in pairs, an Interleaved 2 of 5 symbol must contain an even number of digits - the generator adds a leading zero if you enter an odd count. A check digit is optional in the general symbology; ITF-14 always includes the GS1 check digit, which this tool calculates automatically.
Reference