There are three methods to read and save internal data of the identification cards: bar code, magnetic stripe and chip smart card.

Barcode options: the data is not stored in the bar code, but saved in the computer system software. So if you want use barcode to save data, you do not need to use any printer with any equipment, just make sure your printer can print the barcode with black resin carbon belt, and can be scanned.

Magnetic stripe encoding options: magnetic stripe card information is stored on a magnetic stripe, like entrance card, membership card, and some hotel room cards, etc. Swipe the magnetic stripe card on the card reader, the information will be read. Magnetic stripe is divided into Hi-Co magnetic stripe and Low-Co magnetic strip—the former is relatively much more widely used and with longer service life than the Low-Co magnetic strip. Hi-Co magnetic stripe in the place of the magnetic field is not easy to be demagnetized, anti-interference, abrasion resistance, scratch resistant ability are much stronger. Therefore, it is more suitable in the field of financial, entrance guard, attendance and gift cards. Low-Co magnetic strip is easy to be demagnetized, generally for one-time application. If your ID card is a magnetic stripe card, you need to add a magnetic stripe printing module with special card software.

Contact smart card and Contactless smart cards: Smart card data is stored in the internal chip just like a magnetic stripe card. Smart card chip has a unique function, which can store the data of 100 times more than magnetic stripe card, and can add, delete or edit the data of the card. Smart cards are divided into two classes. The first one is a contact smart cards, the second one is contactless smart cards(RFID). Contact smart cards have an integrated chip, chip naked outside on the card can direct be seen by eyes. Just as the name implies, contact smart card chip must contact internal electronic components of the card reader to read the chip internal data. The inside of contactless smart card has a chip and antenna coil, this is the plant inside the card and invisible to the naked eye. To read the data, do not need the contact of the card and the card reader, it can be directly read as long as within a certain distance. And there is also a Proximity smart card, the Proximity smart card is similar to contactless smart cards, it is also can read data without contacting, but there are quite different aspects. Internal data of Proximity card chip have already programmed and do not need the encoder when using it. This data can be read and validation directly. But the data of the card cannot be modified, deleted or edited