FREE BARCODE COMPARISON
Check a label against its reference, character by character.
Scan a reference barcode, then scan the label to check. MatchBench shows Exact match or Different value, points to the first character that differs and keeps every comparison for download. Your work stays on your device. No account required.
Free to use. No account, email address or trial. Works offline once prepared.
REFERENCE / COMPARE EXAMPLE
Reference group 1Camera · Reference fixed
Reference barcode
00045120
Barcode to compare
45120
Different value · First difference at character 1
12Compared11Matches1Different
Illustrative values, not a real comparison. A match compares decoded values; it does not approve a label.
MADE FOR THE FLOORFor packing, despatch, stores and quality teams who need to confirm that a label, carton or reprint carries the same value as its reference, using a phone camera, a keyboard scanner or typed entry.
A USEFUL STARTING POINT
Labels that look the same can still differ
A reprinted label can lose a leading zero, a spreadsheet can drop one, and a value can carry a space or a separator character that nobody can see on the label. MatchBench compares the decoded values exactly, changes nothing and shows where they first differ. It does one job: it does not replace your label system, your records or a barcode verifier.
FROM REFERENCE TO RESULT
Three steps to a clear answer.
- 01
Set the reference
Scan the reference barcode with the camera or a keyboard scanner, or type its exact value. It becomes reference group 1 and stays on screen while you check.
- 02
Check each label
Scan or enter the label to compare. MatchBench shows Exact match, or Different value with the position of the first character that differs. Keep the reference fixed to check a run of labels.
- 03
Review and download
Every comparison stays in the list with its reference, entry source and time. Download a CSV, an A4 PDF report or a project backup.
WHAT IT DOES
What a careful label check needs.
- 01
Exact comparison
Every character counts. MatchBench never trims spaces, changes case, removes leading zeroes, strips a scanner suffix or interprets GS1 data, so a near miss is never reported as a match.
- 02
The first difference, shown
A different value reports the position of the first character that differs. Spaces at the start or end, and control characters such as [GS] or [TAB], are shown as visible markers.
- 03
Camera, scanner or typing
The camera reads Code 128, QR Code, Data Matrix, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E on your device. Keyboard scanners that end each scan with Enter or Tab work too, and so do typed values.
- 04
One reference, many labels
Keep the reference fixed to check a run of labels. A new reference starts a new group, and earlier comparisons stay with the reference they were checked against.
- 05
Results you can keep
Download the comparisons as CSV with exact values, an A4 PDF report or a portable project backup. Each comparison records its entry source and time.
- 06
Ready for offline use
Choose Prepare for offline use while connected, and comparing, saving and downloads keep working without a signal.
WHERE YOUR COMPARISONS ARE KEPTOn this device, unless you choose otherwise.
Comparisons are kept in memory while the tab is open, so closing or refreshing it loses unsaved work. Save on this device keeps them in this browser between visits, for anyone using the same browser profile. Neither is a cloud backup: download a project backup to keep a copy or move your work to another device. Nothing is uploaded.
USED IN PRODUCTION
When label checks are part of every job.
MatchBench compares the values you scan, one label at a time. Two SmartFACT services work earlier in the job: choosing the right label data before it prints, and checking that the right components go into each kit. Both are in early access, with scope agreed at onboarding.
LabelRules
Checking a printed label against its reference finds a wrong value after it is printed. LabelRules works before printing: describe label rules in plain English, and approved rules select each job's layout, resolve customer codes and check required values before the label prints. LabelRules Free prints at an attended workstation; Pro adds connected triggers, routing and unattended printing.
KitProof
MatchBench compares one value with one reference. When a kit needs the right components in the right quantities, KitProof turns approved plain English component rules into each kit's expected parts and quantities, then checks every scan against that plan before the kit leaves the bench.
BEFORE YOU START
A few practical answers.
Is it really free?
Yes. Comparing, history, saving, backups and every download are free, with no account, email address, trial or watermark. Size limits keep the browser reliable, and they are the same for everyone.
What do I need?
A recent browser on a phone, tablet or computer. To scan with the camera, allow camera access when the browser asks. A USB or Bluetooth scanner that types like a keyboard also works, or you can type the values.
Does an exact match prove the label is right?
No. It shows that two decoded values are identical. It does not show that the reference itself is correct, that two different labels were scanned, what a carton contains or whether the barcode is well printed.
Does it work without internet?
Once prepared. Open MatchBench while connected and choose Prepare for offline use. When it reports a prepared release, comparing, saving and downloads work without a connection, and camera scanning still depends on your browser's camera permission. These pages need a connection.
What are the limits?
MatchBench compares decoded text exactly. A match shows that two values are identical. It does not show that the reference is correct, that two different labels were scanned, what a carton contains or how well a barcode is printed: it is not a barcode verifier, and it does not interpret GS1 data. There is no list of expected pairs, no shared record and no sign-off, and one person works on one device. Each value can be up to 4,096 characters, with up to 10,000 comparisons, 1,000 references and 5 MiB of data in a project, and PDF reports up to 200 pages. The camera reads Code 128, QR Code, Data Matrix, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A and UPC-E.
What happens to my data?
Your comparisons stay in this browser. They are kept in memory while the tab is open, or in this browser between visits if you choose Save on this device. The camera starts only when you open it, and images are decoded on your device, never stored or uploaded. Nothing you scan is uploaded, and no account or contact details are needed. Google Analytics is optional and loads only after you accept; it never receives barcode values, results or file contents. Change your choice with Analytics settings on these pages or Change preference in the tool; see /privacy/.
ONE SMALL JOB, DONE WELL
Check the label in front of you.
Open the free tool, or start with the built-in example.
Start a free comparison →
THE SMARTFACT SUITE
Practical tools. Useful on their own.
Better around the same floor.
Automate factory decisions with rules you describe in plain English. Explore focused SmartFACT services, plus free tools for everyday checks.
LabelRules
Describe label rules in plain English. Automatically select layouts, resolve customer codes and check each job before printing.
Explore LabelRules ↗KitProof
Turn plain English component rules into automatic kit checklists, then check scans against the expected parts and quantities.
Explore KitProof ↗WorkSteps
Turn plain English rules into automatic step selection for each unit, with required evidence and a record of completed work.
Explore WorkSteps ↗FactorySpec
Apply approved product rules and calculations automatically to turn dimensions and options into manufacturing requirements.
Register early-access interest ↗ConfigSheets
Maintain configuration in Google Sheets and make it available as structured data your applications can query.
Register early-access interest ↗OrderRun
Turn plain English rules into automatic order checks and destination selection, with controlled production release.
Register early-access interest ↗ParcelOffice
Scan the work order and the parcel choice to book the courier and print the labels. Approved plain English rules recommend or choose the parcel.
Explore ParcelOffice ↗RefillFlow
Scan an empty container to send the right refill request to stores. Approved plain English rules set the stores queue, priority, ticket printer and escalation.
Explore RefillFlow ↗RemnantRack
Label each offcut, find a suitable length before cutting new stock and record what you used. Approved plain English rules decide what to keep and where it goes.
Explore RemnantRack ↗ScannerBench
See the text and key events your keyboard scanner sends. Compare them with the value you expected.
Test a scanner ↗PrintBench
Print a known PDF, measure its reference marks and compare scans from the printed codes.
Check a print ↗FactoryCards
Create 100 × 50 mm bin and rack cards with Code 128 or QR, from one record or a CSV.
Make bin cards ↗CountBench
Count stock by location with a barcode scanner, compare it with a stock file and export the results. No account needed.
Start a free count ↗BarcodeBench
See exactly what a scanned barcode contains, with hidden characters shown and GS1 fields, check digits and dates explained. No account needed.
Inspect a barcode ↗MatchBench
Scan a reference and each label, see an exact match or the first difference, and download the results. No account needed.
You are hereTagBench
Scan an item or location, note what needs attention, print a review tag and keep a review list. No account needed.
Make a free tag ↗FindBench
Load your own parts and locations CSV, scan a code and see every location it lists. No account needed.
Start a free lookup ↗ManifestBench
Check cartons, pallets or serial numbers against a list with a phone or scanner and see what is missing. No account needed.
Start a free check ↗FeedBench
Check CSV and JSON files exactly as written, preview a column mapping and compare two versions by key. No account needed.
Check a file free ↗CycleBench
Time work cycles and changeovers on a phone, record interruptions with reasons and download the results. No account needed.
Start a free study ↗SmartFACT Help
Step-by-step guides and interactive demonstrations for the SmartFACT suite. Read the instructions, watch a task or practise with real product screens and sample data.
Open SmartFACT Help ↗