methods and systems for generating and resolving multi - mode barcodes include a device scanning and translating graphical data representing a barcode pattern into barcode information . the device detects distinct data items in the barcode information that each specifies an action to be taken by the device , and then transmits a request for a preference order to a remote server . next , the device receives the preference order indicating a ranking of the distinct data items and determines , based on the ranking , an order in which actions specified by the data items are to be taken by the device . the device identifies a data item that the device is capable of taking the action specified by the data item and has a higher ranking in the preference order than the actions specified by all other data items that the device is capable of taking , and performs the action specified by the data item .