Aztec Code

An Aztec code is a two-dimensional barcode symbology that can store large amounts of data in a small area.

Because of its high data density, Aztec codes are commonly used in ticketing (including rail tickets and airline boarding passes) and for tracking and authenticating items in manufacturing, logistics, government agencies, and healthcare.

The Aztec code has a unique central finder pattern of concentric squares. (A finder pattern helps barcode scanners determine the position and orientation of the barcode.)

This means it does not require a quiet zone – i.e., the blank area around a barcode that denotes where the barcode’s symbology begins and ends.

It means that Aztec codes are smaller than other 2D barcodes, such as QR codes or Data Matrix codes. The finder pattern of the Aztec code resembles the aerial view of an Aztec pyramid, hence its name.

The Aztec barcode was invented in 1995 and formally published by the Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility two years later. It became available for public use in 2008.

Characteristics of an Aztec code

• A high-density two-dimensional barcode.
• Uses less space compared to other matrix barcodes due to its lack of quiet zone.
• Approximately 30x smaller than Code 39, while encoding the same amount of data.
• Can encode up to 3067 alphanumeric characters, 3832 numerical characters, and 1914 bytes of data.
• Supports any ASCII character (value 0-127) by default.
• Different error corrections can be defined.
• Standardized use through ISO/IEC 24778 international standard.

Aztec code application areas

Aztec codes are a high-density and versatile barcode symbology, making them a popular choice for many applications, for example:

• Ticketing and transportation (including event tickets, airline boarding passes and railway tickets).
• Government agencies to determine the legitimacy of documents such as car registration documents.
• Transport and logistics to label, track, and manage shipments.
• Healthcare within hospitals to identify patients, medication, and samples.

Aztec Code compatibility

A wide variety of devices, including mobile devices and dedicated barcode scanners, can read Aztec codes. All scanners, however, rely on specialist scanning software integrated within an app.

Scanning performance can sometimes be an issue with Aztec code readers, particularly when free or open-source software is being used.

Scandit’s fast, robust barcode scanning software supports all major barcode types, including high-density barcodes such as Aztec codes with exceptional performance.

Scandit’s software also supports all major operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, 3rd party systems and OEM devices including React Native, Native iOS, Native Android, JavaScript, Xamarin, Flutter, .NET (iOS and Android), Cordova, Capacitor, Titanium, IBM MobileFirst, SAP Fiori and Oracle Xstore.

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Aztec Code FAQs

How do Aztec codes work?

The Aztec code is built on a square grid with a bullseye pattern at its center for locating the code. The Aztec code contains one or more data layers that store information and check characters. These layers are read in a clockwise direction.

Markers in the corner of the bullseye pattern of an Aztec barcode indicate the direction they should be read. Because these are in the center of the code, this eliminates the need for a quiet zone around the barcode. The Aztec barcode therefore requires less space than some other codes.

What is the Aztec code format?

The Aztec code has a central square with layers of square pixels of varying sizes. These squares contain encoded data. There are three Aztec code formats: full Aztec code, compact Aztec code, Aztec Rune code.

• Full Aztec code: Has 40 symbol sizes and can encode up to 3067 alphanumeric characters, 3832 numerical characters, and 1914 bytes of data.
• Compact Aztec code: Has four symbol sizes and can encode up to 89 alphanumeric characters,110 numerical characters, and 13 bytes of data.
• Aztec Rune code: The smallest format, which can convey 8 bits of data.

Where is an Aztec code used?

Aztec codes are used widely and appear in many everyday places. For example, your airline boarding pass or rail ticket will likely contain an Aztec code. In fact, IATA BCBP selected the Aztec code as a standard for airline boarding passes. Your Apple wallet also relies on Aztec barcodes to activate mobile payments.

Many industries use Aztec codes to track and manage items including manufacturing, logistics and healthcare. Authorities also use them for tax payments or to validate documents such as car registration documents.

What is the difference between a QR code and an Aztec Code?

To the untrained eye, QR codes and Aztec codes may seem alike, but their designs and functionality are quite different. QR codes have an easily recognizable square grid of black and white squares, whereas Aztec codes have a unique central bullseye pattern surrounded by concentric squares.

A QR code has a larger data capacity compared to an Aztec code. QR codes can store up to 4296 alphanumeric characters, 7089 numerical characters and 2953 bytes of data. QR codes can also store Kanji characters.

On the other hand, Aztec codes hold up to 3067 alphanumeric characters, 3832 numerical characters, 1914 bytes of data and cannot store Kana or Kanji characters. However, an Aztec code does not require a quiet zone around its edge to ensure reliable scanning (unlike a QR code). It can therefore store more data in a smaller space.

Any smart device with a camera can read the majority of QR codes. However, the more specialist Aztec code will require you to install an app.