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Maxicode Barcode
MaxiCode is a two-dimensional (2D) barcode symbology developed by United Parcel Service (UPS) for use in their package tracking and sorting systems. It is a unique hexagonal pattern comprised of solid hexagons and hollow hexagons, along with a central bullseye finder pattern. MaxiCode is capable of encoding a considerable amount of data, including destination addresses, tracking numbers, and package contents. Due to its high data capacity and robust error correction capabilities, MaxiCode is particularly well-suited for use in the logistics and shipping industry, where accurate tracking and sorting of packages are essential for efficient operations.
One of the distinctive features of MaxiCode is its ability to encode information in a manner that allows for quick and reliable scanning from any orientation. This omnidirectional scanning capability makes MaxiCode ideal for automated sorting and handling systems, where packages may be presented to scanners from various angles. Additionally, MaxiCode includes built-in error correction mechanisms, allowing for accurate decoding even in the presence of damaged or partially obscured barcodes. These features contribute to the reliability and efficiency of package tracking and sorting processes, making MaxiCode a preferred choice for logistics companies worldwide.
The maxicode barcode is identified by the circular bulls-eye in the center and a matrix of circular dots that make up the data. Unlike many of the other 2D barcodes, this symbology uses a hexagonal grid rather than bars or squares.
These symbols are always printed as a 1 inch square often found on shipping packages and can store around 93 characters. If more data is needed, up to 8 codes can be chained together and scanned one after the next. The bulls-eye helps the scanner identify the pattern even when packages are streaming by at speed.
There are several modes that these symbols can use. UPS uses mode 2 and 3 on their packages.
- Mode 0 - Obsolete mode superseded by modes 2 and 3. (Older printers will produce Mode 0 if the firmware is outdated. Mode 0 MaxiCodes can be visually determined by examining the two horizontal hexagons in the upper right-hand corner. They will be white if the Mode is 0. For all other modes, they are black.)
- Mode 1 - Obsolete mode superseded by mode 4.
- Mode 2 - Formatted data containing a structured Carrier Message with a numeric postal code. (Primary use is US domestic destinations.)
- Mode 3 - Formatted data containing a structured Carrier Message with an alphanumeric postal code. (Primary use is international destinations.)
- Mode 4 - Unformatted data with Standard Error Correction.
- Mode 5 - Unformatted data with Enhanced Error Correction.
- Mode 6 - Used for programming hardware devices.
If you need to generate your own maxicode barcodes, you can check out the bcgen.com web site.