Overview 2D Barcode Symbologies

An overview of 2D bar code symbologies including their most important parameters and application areas.

These barcode symbologies are supported by our Barcode Maker Software, Barcode Add-In for Excel/Word, Barcode SDK (DLL/OCX/.NET), Barcode Generator for Linux/UNIX/macOS, Barcode DLL for SAP/WWI®, Barcode Label Software and Report Generator.

Data Matrix

Data Matrix
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
ASCII1556 ASCII (8 Bit), 2335 alphanumerical or 3116 numeric charactersError correctionDynamically variable physical size from .001 inch square to 14.0 inches square; Please contact us for more details...
ApplicationsUsed for encoding large amount of data characters; ideal for marking very small containers. Used by the pharmaceutical industry for unit dose and product marking. Originally developed for the Space Shuttle Program, where millions of parts must be tracked.
NotesTwo-dimensional matrix code that use a visual representation of binary code (0 or 1).

MaxiCode

MaxiCode
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
ASCII93 ASCII charactersError correctionFixed in size: 1.11 x 1.054 inches; please contact us for more details...
ApplicationsDeveloped and used by UPS (United Parcel Service) on packing slips for package sorting and addressing world-wide.
NotesMade up of offset rows of hexagonal modules arranged around a unique finder pattern; Supports 4 different modes of operation; UPS Modes are Mode 2 (US Carrier) and Mode 3 (Intern. Carrier)

PDF 417

PDF 417
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
ASCII1108 ASCII/ Bytes, 1850 alphanumerical, 2725 numeric charactersError correctionPlease contact us for more details...
ApplicationsUsed for encoding large amount of data characters; the US Department of Defense has recently (late 1996) declared PDF417 its "official 2-D symbology".
Notes2 dimensional barcode symbology; developed in 1989 by Symbol Technologies; Density: up to 900 characters per square inch.

PDF 417 Truncated

PDF 417 Truncated
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
ASCII1108 ASCII/ Bytes, 1850 alphanumerical, 2725 numeric charactersError correctionPlease contact us for more details...
ApplicationsUsed for encoding large amount of data characters

QR Code®

QR Code®
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
ASCII4296 alpha, 7089 numeric charactersError correctionPlease contact us for more details...
ApplicationsUsed for mobile applications and encoding large amount of data characters; developed 1994 by DENSO.
NotesISO/IEC 18004:2015; supports also Kana, binary, and Kanji characters; please find more information on our QR Code page.

Micro QR Code

Micro QR Code
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
ASCII21 alpha, 35 numeric, 15 byte or 9 Kanji charactersError correction4 different symbol sizes (M1-M4)
Please contact us for more details...
ApplicationsThe Micro QR-Code was developed for fast readability by DENSO.
NotesSmall variant of QR-Code with a reduced number of overhead modules and a restricted range of sizes. The maximum amount of data is 21 alphanumeric, 35 numeric, 15 byte or 9 Kanji characters, in conjunction with the lowest error correction level.

Swiss QR Code

Swiss QR Code
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
Latin Character Set
(Latin-1/alphanumerical)		up to 997 characters
(incl. separators)		Error correctionMaximum symbol size: Version 25 (117x117)
Minimum module width: 0.4 mm
ApplicationsUsed for Swiss banking and payment services.
NotesQR code based; Swiss QR Code version 1.0 and version 2.0. Identification symbol: Swiss cross in the middle of the QR code (size: 7x7 mm). The Swiss QR Code contains all relevant payment information for digital payment or further processing of a QR invoice.

Codablock F

Codablock F
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
ASCII (0-127) + Extended ASCIIup to 2725 ASCII or 5450 numeric charactersError recognition2-44 rows; 4-62 cols; module width X>=0.19mm; row height Y>=8X or Y>=(0.55 * columns)+3; row separator >= X; quiet zone>=10X; bar/space width tolerance Tb = +-(0.4X-0.013mm)
ApplicationsHealth Industry Barcode (HIBC), used for small labels and secure data. Codablock F is a 2D bar code developed by ELMICRON, as an extension of Code 128. Within its capacities, it is possible to cut a given Code 128 into several pieces and to arrange them in a multi-row symbol.
NotesMulti-row symbology conform to Uniform Symbology Specification; symbol characters identical to Code 128; begins with Code 128 Start A; supports all 128 ASCII Characters and numeric compaction (also values 128-255); EAN/UCC application identifier; Number of rows: 2 to 44; Number of symbol characters per row: 4 to 62; maximum symbol characters available for data: 2725 characters; character self-checking; bidirectionally decodable.

Aztec Code

Aztec Code
Character SetLengthCheck DigitSize, Module Width X, Print Ratio
ASCII (0-127) + Extended ASCII3067 alphanumeric, 3832 numeric, 1914 BytesError correctionQuiet Zone left/right/top/bottom: 0X
ApplicationsFor a variety of patient-safety applications, including patient identification wristbands and labels for unit-of-use medications, IV mixtures, blood products and specimens.
Notes

Aztec Code can encode from small to large amounts of data with user-selected percentages of error correction. The symbol size adjusts automatically depending on the amount of input data.

TBarCode V8.1: The input data is always analyzed and the appropriate encoding mode is chosen automatically. Mode switching is done as required to produce the most efficient encoding.