EAN-2

EAN-2 is a supplemental two-digit barcode typically used for periodical publications to indicate issue numbers. It's the smallest of the EAN supplemental barcodes and must be used in conjunction with EAN-13, EAN-8, or UPC barcodes.

Basic Usage

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode', '53', { format: 'EAN2' })

[!NOTE] Image needed: Basic EAN-2 barcode example

Structure

An EAN-2 barcode consists of:

• Exactly 2 digits
• No check digit
• Must be used as a supplement
• Values from 00-99

Usage with Main Barcode

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode')
  .EAN13('9771234567003')
  .blank(20)
  .EAN2('53', {
    height: 85,
    textPosition: 'top',
    fontSize: 16
  })
  .render()

[!NOTE] Image needed: EAN-13 with EAN-2 add-on example

Customization Options

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode', '53', {
  format: 'EAN2',
  width: 2,
  height: 85,
  displayValue: true,
  font: 'OCRB',
  fontSize: 16,
  textMargin: 0,
  textPosition: 'top'
})

Common Applications

1. Magazine Issues

   // Issue 12 of a magazine
   barcode('#barcode', '12', { format: 'EAN2' })

2. Newspaper Editions

   // Sunday edition (01)
   barcode('#barcode', '01', { format: 'EAN2' })

3. Version Indicators

   // Version 2.0
   barcode('#barcode', '20', { format: 'EAN2' })

[!NOTE] Image needed: Real-world application examples

Positioning Guidelines

1. Standard Placement

   • Right-aligned with main barcode
   • Specific gap width (9-12 modules)
   • Baseline alignment with main barcode

2. Height Considerations

   // Typically taller than main barcode
   barcode('#barcode', '53', {
     format: 'EAN2',
     height: 85  // Compared to standard 70
   })

[!NOTE] Image needed: Positioning and alignment diagram

Error Handling

import { barcode } from '@stacksjs/qrx'

barcode('#barcode', '53', {
  format: 'EAN2',
  valid: (valid) => {
    if (!valid) {
      console.error('Invalid EAN-2')
      // Handle invalid input
    }
  }
})

Best Practices

1. Usage Guidelines

   • Always use with main barcode
   • Maintain standard spacing
   • Use consistent height ratio
   • Validate 2-digit input
   • Consider scanner compatibility

2. Common Patterns

   • 00-09: Daily publications
   • 10-99: Weekly/monthly publications

Technical Notes

• No check digit mechanism
• Must be exactly 2 digits
• Cannot be used standalone
• Scanner must support add-ons
• Standard right-alignment required
• Smaller than EAN-5 supplement

Migration Considerations

If you need more capacity, consider using EAN-5 instead:

// EAN-2 version
barcode('#barcode')
  .EAN13('9771234567003')
  .blank(20)
  .EAN2('53')
  .render()

// EAN-5 equivalent
barcode('#barcode')
  .EAN13('9771234567003')
  .blank(20)
  .EAN5('00053')
  .render()

[!NOTE] Image needed: Comparison between EAN-2 and EAN-5 supplements