๐ฆ MaxiCode Generator
MaxiCode is a 2D symbology developed by UPS, characterized by a grid of hexagonal dots with a concentric-circle finder pattern in the center. It uses a fixed-size symbol designed for reliable reading on fast-moving conveyor belts.
Enter any text to generate a MaxiCode, the 2D barcode standard developed by UPS (United Parcel Service) for high-speed parcel sorting. It's easy to recognize by its grid of hexagonal dots surrounding a bullseye-shaped finder pattern in the center.
How to use
- Enter the text you want to encode.
- Download the generated MaxiCode as SVG or PNG.
How the calculation works
Generate a MaxiCode, the two-dimensional code introduced by UPS in the early 1990s. It has a bullseye of concentric circles in the centre surrounded by hexagonal modules, and a fixed size of about 2.5 cm square. It is designed to be read in any orientation from labels moving at speed on conveyor belts. It holds up to 93 alphanumeric characters or 138 digits; longer input gives an error.
Worked example
Enter a short text such as โHello MaxiCodeโ to see what the code looks like. Real shipping labels use modes 2 and 3, which put the postal code, country code and service class in fixed positions.
Things to be aware of
- Phone camera apps generally cannot read MaxiCode; a dedicated scanner or compatible app is needed.
- Its size is fixed, so less data does not make a smaller code.
- Japanese couriers mostly use QR codes and Code 128.
FAQ
Where is MaxiCode used?
MaxiCode was developed by UPS and is mainly used on parcel labels for fast reading on high-speed sorting conveyor belts.
Is there a limit on how much text I can enter?
Yes. MaxiCode has a fixed data capacity per symbol, so entering too much text causes encoding to fail with an error.
What is the bullseye pattern in the center?
It's called the finder pattern โ a set of concentric circles that lets scanners quickly detect the code's position and orientation.