How to create 2D barcodes

Aztec Code is a high-density 2D matrix commonly recognized by its square bullseye pattern in the center of the symbol.

The unique aspect of the Aztec code is that it doesn't require a quiet zone, unlike other barcodes. Most commonly used for mobile ticketing, such as electronic boarding passes and healthcare patient wristbands.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating Aztec codes straightforward: we pass BarcodeEncoding.Aztec 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-aztec-barcode.cs

using IronBarCode;

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

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

// Save as a JPG file
AztecCode.SaveAsJpeg("aztec-sample.jpg");

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

Output

Data Matrix is a compact 2D matrix commonly recognized by the L-shaped finder pattern on its perimeter.

The unique aspect of Data Matrix is its extreme durability and ability to scale down to microscopic sizes for direct part marking (DPM). Most commonly used for industrial tracking, such as on surgical instruments, electronic components, and aerospace parts, where space is severely limited.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating DataMatrix codes straightforward: we 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");

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

Output

MaxiCode is a fixed-size 2D matrix commonly recognized by its circular bullseye pattern surrounded by a hexagonal grid.

The unique aspect of MaxiCode is that it maintains a constant 1-inch physical size regardless of the data it stores, making it optimized for reading on high-speed conveyor belts. Most commonly used for logistics and supply chain management, specifically on UPS shipping labels for automated package sorting and routing.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating MaxiCode straightforward: we pass BarcodeEncoding.MaxiCode 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-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");

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

Output

PDF417 is a stacked linear barcode commonly recognized by its wide, rectangular appearance that resembles a block of digital static.

The unique aspect of PDF417 is its ability to serve as a portable data file, allowing it to store large amounts of comprehensive data, such as photos, names, and biometric records, without requiring a database connection. Most commonly used for government identification, such as the back of driver's licenses, and printed airline boarding passes.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating PDF417 straightforward: we pass BarcodeEncoding.PDF417 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-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");

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

Output

A QR Code is a high-density 2D matrix commonly recognized by the three distinctive square finder patterns located in its corners.

The unique aspect of the QR Code is its universal consumer accessibility, as it is the only 2D symbology natively supported by virtually all modern smartphone camera apps without requiring additional software. Most commonly used for marketing and public engagement, such as linking to websites and digital restaurant menus, and for facilitating mobile payments.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating QR codes straightforward: we passBarcodeEncoding.QRCodeas the second parameter when calling theCreatemethod, then export it as an image.

: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");

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

Output

A Micro QR Code is a miniaturized 2D matrix commonly recognized by its single-square finder pattern in the top-left corner.

The unique aspect of the Micro QR Code is its ability to fit into extremely tight spaces by reducing overhead, requiring only a two-module quiet zone compared to the standard four, while sacrificing data capacity for physical compactness. Most commonly used for marking small electronic components, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and industrial parts where a standard QR Code is physically too large to fit.

Due to its miniaturized size, there's a limit to how many characters you can fit. The largest version (M4) can only contain a maximum of 21 alphanumeric characters or 35 numbers.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating MicroQRCode straightforward: we 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");

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

Output

Troubleshooting

As you can see, IronBarcode throws an error if the input string provided is more than 35 numeric digits or 21 alphanumeric characters.

Rectangular Micro QR Code (rMQR) is a specialized 2D matrix commonly recognized by its elongated, strip-like shape and a single finder pattern in the top-left corner.

The unique aspect of rMQR is its ability to fit into long, narrow spaces where a square code physically cannot, such as the thin edge of a bezel or a curved surface. It bridges the gap between the tiny footprint of Micro QR and the high capacity of a standard QR Code, requiring only a two-module quiet zone. Most commonly used for marking cables, test tubes, medical vials, and thin electronic components where height is severely restricted.

Due to its rectangular design, it can stretch horizontally to increase capacity without increasing its vertical footprint. The largest version (R17x139) can contain up to 219 alphanumeric characters or 361 numbers.

Code

IronBarcode makes generating RMQRCode straightforward: we pass BarcodeEncoding.RMQRCode 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-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");

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

Output

Troubleshooting

As you can see, IronBarcode throws an error if the input string provided is more than 361 numeric digits or 219 alphanumeric characters.

Overview of Different 2D Barcode Types