Maxicode

A MaxiCode is a two-dimensional barcode symbology. It was created by UPS (the United Parcel Service) in 1992 for labeling, sorting, and tracking domestic and international packages.

The MaxiCode was designed to read address data (including 3-digit country codes, 3-digit service codes, and address/related information). It is also known as a USP code or United Parcel Service MaxiCode.

The MaxiCode has a fixed size (about 1-inch or 2.54-cm square). It is characterized by dots arranged in a hexagonal grid around a bull’s eye central symbol.

MaxiCodes are capable of encoding all 256 ASCII characters. However, the maximum amount of data a single MaxiCode can encode is 93 alphanumeric characters or 138 numeric characters. The MaxiCode therefore has less data capacity than other 2D matrix barcodes such as QR codes or Data Matrix codes.

Characteristics of a MaxiCode

• A public domain 2D barcode that is used for tracking and managing shipments of packages.
• Can encode all 256 ASCII characters.
• Encodes 3-digit country codes, 3-digit service codes, and address information.
• Fixed in size (about 1-inch or 2.54-cm square), with a central bull’s eye fixed size of 07.74mm.
• Includes error correction, so that the code can be read even when damaged. Up to one-eighth of a MaxiCode can be torn, smudged, or damaged and still be scannable.
• Standardized use through the ISO/IEC 16023 international standard.

MaxiCode application areas

The MaxiCode can be scanned quickly on a conveyor belt. This makes it ideal for couriers to use in processing, shipping, and tracking packages. It was originally developed by UPS in 1992 and is still used by them and other couriers to manage package deliveries.

MaxiCode compatibility

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

Scanning software performance varies widely, and it can sometimes be an issue with MaxiCode readers, particularly when free or open-source software is being used.

Scandit’s fast, robust barcode scanning software supports all major barcode types, including MaxiCodes 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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MaxiCode FAQs

What is the difference between a QR code and MaxiCode?

MaxiCodes and QR codes are both types of two-dimensional barcodes. However, there are differences between the two. One difference is capacity. MaxiCodes can only store 93 alphanumeric characters or 138 numeric characters, whereas QR codes can store up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,269 alphanumeric characters. However, the data capacity of MaxiCodes can be increased by connecting MaxiCode symbols together (up to eight).

MaxiCodes are used mainly for tracking and managing package shipments. QR codes are used for a wider variety of purposes, such as in marketing and advertising campaigns, to share product information, for payment transactions, and to verify items such as tickets.

The majority of QR codes can be read by any smart device with a built-in camera. Reading MaxiCodes, however, relies on more specialist MaxiCode barcode scanning software (such as Scandit’s barcode scanning software) integrated within an app on smartphones or dedicated scanning devices.

What is the MaxiCode on a UPS label?

The MaxiCode on a UPS label was designed and patented by UPS to encode package-related data quickly by an optical scanner. MaxiCodes store and encode necessary shipment details such as country codes, destination addresses, tracking numbers, service classes, invoice data, and other relevant information.

What is a MaxiCode 2D barcode format?

MaxiCodes have a unique format and appearance. They are fixed in size of about 1-inch (or 2.54-cm) square. Each MaxiCode comprises 33 alternating rows of circular or hexagonal modules. These rows follow one of six predetermined orientation patterns. At the center of a MaxiCode is a bull’s eye finder pattern.

What is the MaxiCode symbol?

A MaxiCode symbol is a type of 2D barcode, designed and patented by UPS to encode package-related data quickly. It resembles an Aztec code or QR code, but uses modules arranged in a hexagonal grid instead of a square grid. Up to eight MaxiCode symbols can be connected to enable the storage of larger amounts of data.