How to create 2D barcodes

Data Matrix is a compact 2D matrix recognized by the L-shaped finder pattern on its perimeter. This format excels where space is limited and durability is critical.

Data Matrix's unique strength is extreme durability and ability to scale down to microscopic sizes for direct part marking (DPM). It's commonly used for industrial tracking on surgical instruments, electronic components, and aerospace parts where space is severely limited. The format's compact size and high data density are perfect for creating barcodes from various data types including serial numbers and batch codes.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating DataMatrix codes simple: pass BarcodeEncoding.DataMatrix as the second parameter when calling the Create method, then export the result as an image.

:path=/static-assets/barcode/content-code-examples/how-to/create-datamatrix-barcode.cs

using IronBarCode;

// Create the DataMatrix barcode
GeneratedBarcode DataMatrix = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", BarcodeEncoding.DataMatrix);

// Display the value below the barcode
DataMatrix.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode();

// Save as a JPG file
DataMatrix.SaveAsJpeg("dataMatrix-sample.jpg");

Output

MaxiCode is a fixed-size 2D matrix recognized by its circular bullseye pattern surrounded by a hexagonal grid. This unique design was engineered specifically for high-speed scanning on conveyor belts.

MaxiCode's unique aspect is its constant 1-inch physical size regardless of stored data, optimizing it for high-speed conveyor belt reading. It's commonly used in logistics and supply chain management, specifically on UPS shipping labels for automated package sorting and routing. The fixed size ensures consistent scanning performance regardless of data payload.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating MaxiCode simple: pass BarcodeEncoding.MaxiCode as the second parameter when calling the Create method, then export it as an image. For more examples, check our barcode quickstart guide.

:path=/static-assets/barcode/content-code-examples/how-to/create-maxicode-barcode.cs

using IronBarCode;

// Create the MaxiCode barcode
GeneratedBarcode MaxiCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", BarcodeEncoding.MaxiCode);

// Display the value below the barcode
MaxiCode.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode();

// Save as a JPG file
MaxiCode.SaveAsJpeg("maxiCode-sample.jpg");

Output

PDF417 is a stacked linear barcode recognized by its wide, rectangular appearance resembling digital static. This format encodes significantly more data than other 2D formats, making it ideal for storing detailed information.

PDF417's unique capability is serving as a portable data file, storing large amounts of data like photos, names, and biometric records without requiring database connections. It's commonly used for government identification like driver's licenses and printed airline boarding passes. The format supports both text and binary data encoding.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating PDF417 simple: pass BarcodeEncoding.PDF417 as the second parameter when calling the Create method, then export it as an image. You can also save barcodes in various image formats including PNG, JPEG, and more.

:path=/static-assets/barcode/content-code-examples/how-to/create-pdf417-barcode.cs

using IronBarCode;

// Create PDF417 barcode
GeneratedBarcode PDF417code = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", BarcodeEncoding.PDF417);

// Display the value below the barcode
PDF417code.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode();

// Save as a JPG file
PDF417code.SaveAsJpeg("pdf417-sample.jpg");

Output

A QR Code is a high-density 2D matrix recognized by three distinctive square finder patterns in its corners. As the most widely recognized 2D barcode format, QR codes have become ubiquitous in consumer applications.

QR Code's unique advantage is universal consumer accessibility—it's the only 2D symbology natively supported by virtually all modern smartphone camera apps without additional software. It's commonly used for marketing and public engagement, linking to websites and digital menus, and facilitating mobile payments. For advanced QR code generation, explore our QR code creation examples.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating QR codes simple: pass BarcodeEncoding.QRCode as the second parameter when calling the Create method, then export it as an image. You can also customize QR code styles by adding logos and changing colors.

:path=/static-assets/barcode/content-code-examples/how-to/create-QRCode.cs

using IronBarCode;

// Create QR Code
GeneratedBarcode QRcode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", BarcodeEncoding.QRCode);

// Display the value below the barcode
QRcode.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode();

// Save as a JPG file
QRcode.SaveAsJpeg("QRcode.jpg");

Output

A Micro QR Code is a miniaturized 2D matrix recognized by its single square finder pattern in the top-left corner. This format was designed specifically for applications where space is extremely limited.

Micro QR Code's unique advantage is fitting into extremely tight spaces by reducing overhead, requiring only a two-module quiet zone compared to the standard four, while trading data capacity for physical compactness. It's commonly used for marking small electronic components, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and industrial parts where standard QR Codes are too large.

Due to its miniaturized size, character limits apply. The largest version (M4) holds a maximum of 21 alphanumeric characters or 35 numbers. Carefully plan your data encoding strategy when using Micro QR codes.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating MicroQRCode simple: pass BarcodeEncoding.MicroQRCode as the second parameter when calling the Create method, then export it as an image.

:path=/static-assets/barcode/content-code-examples/how-to/create-microQR.cs

using IronBarCode;

// Create a Micro QR Code
GeneratedBarcode microQRcode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("IRON-1234", BarcodeEncoding.MicroQRCode);

// Display the value below the barcode
microQRcode.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode();

// Save to file as Jpeg
microQRcode.SaveAsJpeg("microQRCode.jpg");

Output

What happens if my data exceeds Micro QR capacity?

IronBarcode throws an error if the input string exceeds 35 numeric digits or 21 alphanumeric characters. This built-in validation helps prevent runtime errors in production environments.

Rectangular Micro QR Code (rMQR) is a specialized 2D matrix recognized by its elongated, strip-like shape and single finder pattern in the top-left corner. This innovative format addresses a specific gap in barcode technology.

rMQR's unique advantage is fitting into long, narrow spaces where square codes cannot—like thin bezel edges or curved surfaces. It bridges the gap between Micro QR's tiny footprint and standard QR Code's high capacity, requiring only a two-module quiet zone. It's commonly used for marking cables, test tubes, medical vials, and thin electronic components where height is severely restricted.

Due to its rectangular design, it stretches horizontally to increase capacity without increasing vertical footprint. The largest version (R17x139) contains up to 219 alphanumeric characters or 361 numbers—significantly more capable than Micro QR while maintaining a slim profile.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating RMQRCode simple: pass BarcodeEncoding.RMQRCode as the second parameter when calling the Create method, then export it as an image. For a comprehensive overview of all IronBarcode features, visit our API reference.

:path=/static-assets/barcode/content-code-examples/how-to/create-rmQRcode.cs

using IronBarCode;

// Create a  RmQR Code
GeneratedBarcode rMqrCode = BarcodeWriter.CreateBarcode("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", BarcodeEncoding.RMQRCode);

// Display the value below the barcode
rMqrCode.AddBarcodeValueTextBelowBarcode();

// Save to file as Jpeg
rMqrCode.SaveAsJpeg("rmQRcode.jpg");

Output

What happens if my data exceeds rMQR capacity?

IronBarcode throws an error if the input string exceeds 361 numeric digits or 219 alphanumeric characters. This validation ensures your barcodes remain scannable and compliant with the rMQR specification.

Which 2D barcode format should I choose?