USPS PLANET Barcode Generator API

PLANET, the Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique, was the USPS barcode used for Confirm service tracking before it was retired alongside POSTNET in January 2013 when the Intelligent Mail Barcode consolidated tracking and routing into a single symbol. Visually similar to POSTNET, PLANET encoded an 11 or 13 digit tracking identifier as tall and short bars with a checksum, letting USPS scan mailpieces at key points in transit.

The BarGen API generates a PLANET symbol from an 11 or 13 digit numeric string, returning SVG or PNG output for reproducing legacy Confirm-service mailpieces or reference documentation.

PLANET (Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique) was a barcode used by the United States Postal Service for mail tracking and confirmation services. Like POSTNET, it has been superseded by the Intelligent Mail Barcode.

The barcode encodes either 11 or 13 digits: a 2-digit service code followed by a 9 or 11-digit tracking number and a check digit. The service code identifies the type of service (Delivery Confirmation, Signature Confirmation, etc.).

PLANET uses the same two-height bar encoding as POSTNET but with the bar heights inverted—the patterns are essentially the "negative" of POSTNET. This allowed USPS equipment to distinguish between the two barcode types.

While PLANET is no longer used for new mailings, it remains important for legacy systems and historical mail tracking. Some USPS services may still process PLANET codes for backward compatibility.