What is an Aztec label?

 Aztec Code is a two-dimensional (2-D) general-purpose matrix symbology that is designed to have higher accuracy than other 2-D symbologies. An Aztec Code symbol can encode up to 3,832 numeric digits; 3,067 alphabetic characters; or 1,914 bytes of data. The symbol size and the degree of error correction can be configured at label design time or configured to change automatically in response to the length of the data. Printing white on black is an option.

Aztec Code was developed in 1995 by Andrew Longacre and Robert Hussey at Welch Allyn, Inc. The symbology is in the public domain. The code's name is derived from the resemblance of the central finder pattern to an Aztec pyramid that is seen from above.

Read also | Where are Aztec code used?

Aztec Code is defined in ISO/IEC 24778 Information technology - Automatic identification and data capture techniques - Aztec Code bar code symbology specification.

ClosedSymbol Structure

ClosedCharacter Set

ClosedError Correction

ClosedSymbol Dimensions

Overview

Full-range Aztec Code is a 2D barcode type that allows encoding streams of bytes and alphanumeric symbols. Such barcodes are designed as square labels composed of black and white modules and several rings constituting a unique pattern in the center that improves scanning and decoding. This type supports the mechanism of Reed-Solomon error correction that allows ensuring data integrity and restoring barcode information in case of damage. Aztec Code benefits from increased density and reading precision.

Aztec Code Full-Range Barcode

You can find the detailed description of classes and properties that are used in Aspose.BarCode for .NET for Aztec generation and recognition:

Aztec Code in Aspose.BarCode for .NET

Usage Scenarios

Aztec Code is widely used to work with travel documents (e.g. airline tickets), car registration documentation, and healthcare applications. This barcode type is suitable for small item marking and tracking.

Characteristics

Encoding Character Set

This barcode type supports all 255 ASCII characters (digits 0-9, text, binary data), as well as FNC1 Flag 7 symbols.

Barcode Structure

Full-range Aztec Code barcodes the core symbol is always square and is placed in the exact center of a barcode. It comprises a finder pattern, orientation patterns, and a mode message. The finder pattern has the central square, 3 black, and 3 white finder pattern rings. It is surrounded by several data layers (from 4 to 32) and a reference grid. In full-range Aztec barcodes, the core has a configuration composed of 15 x 15 modules. It is crucial to successfully detect and decode the core symbol before proceeding with decoding information fields. As Aztec Codes are read starting from the central symbol, no quiet zone is required.

Read more | What are Aztec prints?

Size Dimensions

Full-Range Aztec barcodes include up to 32 data layers reaching the maximum size of 151 x 151 modules. In total, there are 33 various size configurations.

The smallest possible number of modules is 15x15, and the largest possible configuration includes 151x151 modules. Aztec Code is one of the most compact barcode types. An Aztec label can be approximately 30 times smaller than a Code 39 barcode for the same input message. A quiet zone is not required as the unique finder pattern is placed in the center of barcodes.

Encoding Capacity and Data Density

Aztec Code can encode both small and large input messages with customizable error correction settings. The barcode size gets adjusted automatically based on the amount of information to be encoded.

Full-range Aztec can encode at most 3,832 numerical digits or 3,067 alphanumeric symbols or 1,914 bytes, which corresponds to the maximal Aztec Code configuration composed of 32 data layers and 151 x 151 modules. The smallest Aztec barcode can store up to 13 numeric or 12 alphabetic characters or 6 bytes.

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Error Correction

This specification supports Reed-Solomon error correction. The required error correction level can be defined as a value from 5% to 95%. Error correction data cannot take less than three codewords. Setting a greater level of error correction leads to generating larger labels that are more resistant to distortions.

Error correction levels over 23% are not recommended for use in cases when large input messages need to be encoded as this may lead to exceeding the barcode capacity. When barcodes are used in safe environments where the probability of damage is low, it is recommended to set the error correction level of 5%-10%. This will allow producing more compact barcode labels.

Read also | How do you read an Aztec barcode?

Advantages and Limitations

This type has extremely high damage resistance capability. This barcode type uses the space more efficiently than other matrix types. The size can be also adjusted allowing for larger amounts of information to be stored. Such barcodes may be useful in the case of sending documentation via fax as they provide good readability even for low-resolution images.

Compared with QR Code, Aztec Code is more compact, does not require quiet zones and has better density. However, it does not support Kana or Kanji symbols.