Can Electronic Shelf Labels Display Barcodes and QR Codes?
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- Issue Time
- Sep 17,2026
Summary
Learn how electronic shelf labels display barcodes and QR codes, their applications, and how to choose the right ESL size and resolution.
Electronic shelf labels (ESLs) are widely used for displaying product prices and information in retail stores, supermarkets, warehouses, and other commercial environments. But can an electronic shelf label display a barcode or QR code?
Yes. Many electronic shelf labels can display both 1D barcodes and 2D QR codes, provided that the screen size, resolution, and software layout are suitable for the intended application.
This makes ESLs more than just digital price tags. They can combine prices, product information, barcodes, QR codes, promotions, and other digital content on a single electronic paper display.
For example, a retail ESL could display a product price on the left side and a barcode or QR code on the right side. When the product information changes, the displayed content can also be updated electronically.
How Do Barcodes and QR Codes Work on ESLs?
The basic process is similar to updating other content on an electronic shelf label.
Backend System → ESL Software → Gateway or Wireless Communication → Electronic Shelf Label
The product information, barcode, or QR code is first created or managed through the retailer's software system. The content is then transmitted to the ESL through the appropriate communication method, such as 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC, depending on the ESL model.
Once the label receives the updated information, the electronic paper display refreshes and shows the new content.
Because electronic paper can maintain an image without continuously consuming power, the barcode or QR code remains visible after the update until the display content is changed again.
What Should You Consider When Displaying a Barcode or QR Code?
Although ESLs can display barcodes and QR codes, several factors should be considered to ensure that they can be scanned reliably.
1. ESL Display Size
The available screen area determines how much information can be displayed.
A smaller ESL may be suitable for a simple price and barcode layout, while a larger display can accommodate a product image, price, promotional information, and QR code at the same time.
2. Display Resolution
Resolution is important when displaying small visual elements such as barcodes and QR codes.
The screen should provide sufficient detail for the code to remain recognizable and scannable at the intended distance.
3. Barcode or QR Code Size
A QR code should not simply be reduced as much as possible to fit on a small ESL.
If the code is too small, scanning performance may be affected. The appropriate size depends on the code content, display resolution, scanning distance, and scanner or smartphone being used.
4. Scanning Distance
Consider how users will scan the code.
A QR code designed to be scanned from a short distance can use a different layout from one intended to be scanned several meters away. For larger retail signage, a larger ESL may therefore be more appropriate.
Which ESL Size Is Suitable for Barcodes and QR Codes?
There is no single ESL size that is suitable for every barcode or QR code application. The right choice depends on the amount of information that needs to be displayed and the required scanning distance.
| ESL Size | Typical Application |
| 1.54 inch | Compact product information and small barcode applications |
2.13 inch | Standard shelf labels with price and barcode |
2.9 inch | Price, product information, barcode, or QR code |
4.2 inch | Larger product information and promotional content |
| 7.5 inch | Promotional displays and larger QR codes |
| 13.3 inch | Large digital signage and detailed product information |
These are general guidelines rather than fixed requirements. The actual barcode or QR code performance also depends on the display resolution, layout, code size, and scanning environment.
Electronic shelf labels can display much more than product prices. With a suitable display size, resolution, and software configuration, an ESL can show barcodes, QR codes, product information, promotional prices, and other digital content on the same screen.
For retailers and warehouse operators, this flexibility makes ESL technology useful for connecting physical products with digital information while reducing the need for manually replacing printed labels.
If you are looking for electronic shelf labels that support barcodes, QR codes, and customized display layouts, contact Sertag( sales@sertag.com) to discuss an ESL solution for your retail, warehouse, or other commercial application.