​​What Are Aztec Codes?

​​Aztec codes are commonly used for airline tickets, travel documents, vehicle registrations, and in healthcare for patient IDs, medications, lab samples, and other patient-related items. This 2D matrix code is named for the central finder pattern that resembles an Aztec pyramid.

​They’re built on a square grid with a bullseye at the center, with data encoded in concentric squares. Because they don’t require surrounding quiet zones, Aztec codes often use less space than other matrix barcodes. They can encode ASCII characters, including letters, numbers, and common symbols, making them highly versatile for a variety of applications.

​​Specifications: Unlike most 2D matrix codes, an Aztec code doesn’t need a quiet zone, allowing it to store more data in a smaller space. Its central finder pattern guides the scanner, while data is arranged in concentric square rings around it.

​Advantages: The Aztec code makes highly efficient use of space and can scale in size to store large amounts of information. It also includes built-in error correction, with adjustable levels to balance durability and data capacity. It supports ASCII characters, so it can handle letters, numbers, and symbols.

​Disadvantages: The Aztec code doesn’t support Kana or Kanji characters as QR codes do, requires high-quality printing and scanning, and can be harder to read in poor conditions such as glare or motion blur.

​Typical usage: Travel tickets, car registration documents, health care

Related barcodes:
QR – Similar to an Aztec code but uses three finder patterns placed in three of its corners, rather than a single one in the center.​