A 2D barcodestores data across a grid in two directions instead of a single row of bars. That's why it can hold hundreds or thousands of characters in a small square and still scan when part of it is damaged. The QR code is the best-known 2D barcode, but Data Matrix, Aztec and PDF417 are everywhere too — on medicine packs, boarding passes and driver's licenses. Here are the types, how to tell them apart, and how 1D and 2D barcodes differ.
Types of 2D barcodes
| 2D barcode | Looks like | Max capacity (approx.) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| QR code | Square grid with three big corner squares | 7,089 digits or 2,953 bytes | Phones and marketing: links, Wi-Fi, payments, menus |
| Data Matrix | Square or rectangle with an L-shaped solid border | 3,116 digits or 1,556 bytes | Tiny parts, electronics, medicine packs |
| Aztec | Square with a bullseye in the center | 3,832 digits or 1,914 bytes | Mobile tickets and boarding passes |
| PDF417 | Wide, stacked rows of bars | About 2,700 digits | Driver's licenses, ID cards, boarding passes |
| MaxiCode | Hexagon dots around a bullseye | About 93 characters | Parcel sorting on shipping labels |
| Micro QR | Tiny QR with one corner square | Up to 35 digits | Very small markings where space is tight |
Capacities are the maximums for each format's largest size; real codes are usually much smaller. More head-to-heads: Data Matrix vs QR code and Aztec code vs QR code.
1D vs 2D barcodes
- How they store data: 1D barcodes (UPC, EAN, Code 128) encode data along one line of bars; 2D barcodes use a grid of squares or dots.
- How much they hold: a UPC-A holds 12 digits and an EAN-13 holds 13. A 2D barcode can hold a full web address, a contact card or thousands of characters.
- Damage: most 1D barcodes only carry a check digit to catch errors. 2D barcodes include error correction, so they can still scan when scuffed or partly covered.
- Scanning: 1D barcodes work with simple laser scanners; 2D barcodes need a camera-based scanner — which every smartphone already is.
That's why retail is moving from 1D to 2D: GS1, the organization behind product barcodes, is pushing checkouts to accept 2D barcodes that carry batch numbers, expiry dates and a link to product information. See GS1 QR codes and Digital Link and barcode vs QR code.
How to tell 2D barcodes apart
- Three big corner squares → QR code. One corner square → Micro QR.
- A solid L-shaped edge along two sides → Data Matrix.
- A bullseye in the middle of a square → Aztec. A bullseye ringed by small hexagons → MaxiCode.
- A wide rectangle of stacked bar rows → PDF417.
Where each 2D barcode is used
- QR codes: anything people scan with a phone — websites, Wi-Fi, menus, payments, tickets, packaging.
- Data Matrix: tiny marks on electronics and parts, and on medicine packs for serialization rules in the US and EU.
- Aztec: mobile boarding passes and train tickets — it needs no blank margin and reads well from phone screens.
- PDF417:the back of many US driver's licenses and ID cards, and some boarding passes.
- MaxiCode: high-speed parcel sorting, notably on UPS labels.
What is a Micro QR code?
Micro QR is a cut-down QR code with a single corner square, made for markings where even a small regular QR code won't fit. It holds up to about 35 digits. Many phone cameras don't read Micro QR, so it's mostly used with industrial scanners — for anything customers scan, use a regular QR code.
Build yours in the editor → capyqr.com
Making a 2D barcode
For anything people scan with a phone, a QR code is the right 2D barcode — make one in the free QR code generator. Capy QR makes QR codes only; for Data Matrix, Aztec or PDF417 (medicine packs, ID cards, industrial labels), use a dedicated barcode generator or your labeling software.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a 2D barcode?
- A barcode that stores data in two directions — across a grid of squares or dots — instead of a single row of bars. That lets it hold far more data in a small space and survive some damage. QR codes, Data Matrix, Aztec and PDF417 are the common types.
- What's the difference between a 1D and a 2D barcode?
- A 1D barcode (like UPC or EAN on groceries) encodes a short number along one line of bars and is read with a laser or camera. A 2D barcode encodes data across a grid, holds hundreds to thousands of characters, includes error correction, and is read by a camera — including any phone.
- Is a QR code a 2D barcode?
- Yes — the QR code is the best-known 2D barcode. Its three corner squares let any phone camera find and read it, which is why it's the one used for links, Wi-Fi, menus and payments.
- What is a Micro QR code?
- A smaller version of the QR code with a single corner square, built for very tight spaces. It holds up to about 35 digits. Many phone cameras don't read Micro QR natively, so it's mostly used with industrial scanners.
- Can I make 2D barcodes other than QR codes on Capy QR?
- No — Capy QR makes QR codes only. For Data Matrix, Aztec or PDF417 (for example for medicine packs or ID cards), use a dedicated barcode generator or your labeling software.
Bottom line: a 2D barcode stores data in a grid — QR for phones, Data Matrix for tiny parts and medicine, Aztec for tickets, PDF417 for IDs. Browse more in the QR guides.