Aztec Code Generator & Standard

A high-density 2D barcode format that does not require a quiet zone. Identifiable by a central bullseye pattern.

Live Generator

Format

Content22/500

Auto-complete missing check digits

Completes check digits when their position is clear. Use parenthesized AIs for GS1. Existing check digits are validated. Other formats keep their usual behavior.

🛡️Zero Data Retention: Encoded in edge memory. Never logged or stored.

GDPR / Confidential

Technical Specifications

Structure Central Finder Pattern (Bullseye) + Mode Message + Data Layers

Capacity Numeric: 3,832 chars, Alphanumeric: 3,067 chars

Character Set ASCII, ISO-8859-1, Binary

Quiet Zone Requirement ≥ 10x module width (Standard quiet zone)

Common Applications

This standard is widely used in the following industries:

Transport tickets (Rail, Air), Mobile Boarding Passes

Input Constraints & Parity: Engineered with Reed-Solomon Forward Error Correction (ECC) to tolerate physical damage, smudging, or partial occlusion. Configurable ECC levels ensure maximum scan reliability in high-speed sorting.

Developer Quickstart

Automate Aztec Code via API

Full API Reference →

curl -X POST https://api.xbarcode.ai/v1/render \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer YOUR_API_TOKEN" \
  -d '{
  "format": "aztec",
  "content": "Aztec Code | Powered by https://xbarcode.ai/"
}' > barcode.svg

API outputs: SVG, PDF, EPS and matrix JSON. PNG is exported in the browser. < 20ms Edge latency

⚡ The Science Inside

How our Rust engine optimizes this specific format:

State-based high-level encoder chooses Aztec latch/shift/binary-shift sequences with minimum bits.

Tracks multiple encoding states across 5 modes and keeps only the best per mode to bound complexity.
Binary Shift encodes arbitrary bytes efficiently with correct short/long length headers.
Auto layer selection prefers Compact (1-4 layers) when possible, otherwise Full (1-32), honoring ECC percent and user layer constraints.
Word-size grouping (6/8/10/12) reuses stuffed words across layer trials to avoid redundant work.
Bit stuffing prevents reserved all-0/all-1 word patterns for robust decoding.
Reed-Solomon ECC uses thread-local encoders for each word size plus a GF(16) mode-message encoder.

Related Standards

Alternative Symbologies related to Aztec Code

Need an Industry-Grade Solution?

Explore how xBarcode powers retail GTIN, shipping labels, and GS1 Digital Link migration.

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