Abstract: A method of encoding chemical information into a symbol, like a bar code, is provided such that the generated symbol represents the chemical structure information. A processor can be used to generate a string that describes chemical structure information. The string can then be sent to a homogenizer, which creates a standardized data format. The standardized data format can then be passed to a symbol generating function, which creates a symbol that encodes the chemical structural information. A scanner can then be used to decode the symbol, revealing the chemical structural information.