Warning
Our MaxiCode Barcode Generator helps you create barcodes with up to 93 alphanumeric characters for seamless integration into logistics and shipping workflows. Learn about ideal dimensions, error correction, and diverse applications to meet your barcode generation needs efficiently.
What Is the Ideal Size for a Maxicode Barcode?

The ideal size for a MaxiCode barcode is fixed to ensure consistent readability across scanning devices. The symbol measures approximately 1.11 inches (28.2 mm) wide and 1.054 inches (26.8 mm) high, including a mandatory quiet zone—a margin equal to the width of one module around the barcode.
The central bullseye, critical for orientation during scanning, has a nominal diameter of 0.305 inches (7.74 mm). A tolerance of ±5% is allowed to account for minor variations during printing.
To ensure reliable scanning and data accuracy, it is essential to maintain these dimensions and stay within the permitted tolerance. Any significant deviations may result in scanning errors or failure.
How To Use Our Free Maxicode Barcode Generator?

Using our free MaxiCode barcode generator is simple and efficient. Follow these steps to create your customised barcode:
Input Your Data: Enter the required information, such as shipping details or product codes, up to 93 alphanumeric characters or 138 numeric characters.
Select Mode: Choose the appropriate mode based on your needs, such as domestic or international shipping formats.
Generate the Barcode: Click on “Generate MaxiCode Barcode.”
The tool will instantly create a high-quality MaxiCode barcode. You can download the generated barcode in formats like PDF, PNG, SVG, or JPG, ensuring seamless integration into both digital and print workflows. Ideal for logistics, shipping, and other professional applications, this generator provides accurate and reliable outputs for immediate use.
How is the Checksum Calculated for Data Matrix Barcodes?

MaxiCode barcodes use Reed–Solomon error correction, which is a mathematical algorithm rather than a straightforward checksum calculation like in linear barcodes. The steps to calculate and apply Reed–Solomon error correction for MaxiCode are as follows:
Prepare the Input Data
Organise the input data into primary and secondary messages based on the MaxiCode structure.
Convert each character into numeric values using a predefined encoding table.
Define the Generator Polynomial
Use the generator polynomial specified in the MaxiCode standard. This polynomial determines how the error correction symbols are calculated.
Split Data into Blocks
Divide the encoded data into fixed-size blocks. The block size and count depend on the mode and length of the data.
Compute Error Correction Symbols
Perform modular arithmetic on the data blocks using the generator polynomial to create parity symbols, also known as error correction codes.
Combine Data and Error Correction Symbols
Append the calculated parity symbols to the corresponding data blocks. This creates complete codewords ready for placement in the MaxiCode symbol.
Arrange Codewords in the MaxiCode Format
Map the data and error correction codewords into the MaxiCode’s hexagonal grid. Ensure correct alignment with the bullseye pattern for scanner orientation.
Validate Error Correction
Test the generated symbol by simulating errors to confirm that the Reed–Solomon algorithm can detect and correct issues.
Finalise the MaxiCode Symbol
Ensure compliance with MaxiCode specifications by verifying dimensions, module alignment, and data accuracy.
Let’s look at an example to understand this better:
Let’s say you have to encode the message 1234567890 into a MaxiCode symbol.
Prepare the Input Data
The message 1234567890 is converted into numeric values based on MaxiCode’s character encoding table. For simplicity, assume the encoding maps directly to the numeric characters:1 → 1, 2 → 2, …, 0 → 0
Encoded Data: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0]
Define the Generator Polynomial
Reed–Solomon uses a predefined polynomial, for example:G(x) = x^3 + 2x^2 + 3x + 1
Split Data into Blocks
Divide the data into blocks. For simplicity, assume a single block:Block: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0]
Compute Error Correction Symbols
Using modular arithmetic, the block data is processed with the polynomial to calculate error correction symbols (parity). For example:Parity Symbols: [7, 5, 3]
Combine Data and Parity Symbols
Append the parity symbols to the data block:Complete Codeword: [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 0, 7, 5, 3]
Arrange Codewords in the MaxiCode Format
The complete codeword is placed in the MaxiCode symbol’s hexagonal grid. For instance:Symbol Layout (Simplified): [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [0] [7] [5] [3]
Validate Error Correction
Simulate an error by altering one value in the data, e.g., changing 4 to 0. The Reed–Solomon algorithm detects and corrects the error, restoring the original codeword.Finalise the MaxiCode Symbol
Verify that the symbol meets MaxiCode standards, including size, alignment, and error correction functionality.
What is the Character Limit of Your Maxicode Barcode Composite Generator?

A single MaxiCode symbol can encode up to 93 alphanumeric characters or 138 numeric characters.
This capacity is fixed due to the symbol’s design, which comprises 884 hexagonal modules arranged in 33 rows. Each row contains up to 30 modules, allowing for efficient data encoding within a compact space. For applications requiring more data, MaxiCode supports “Structured Append,” enabling up to 8 symbols to be linked together.
This feature allows for a combined data capacity of up to 744 alphanumeric characters or 1,104 numeric characters, facilitating the encoding of larger datasets across multiple symbols.
Barcode Scanners Compatible With Maxicode Barcodes
MaxiCode barcodes are compatible with 2D imaging scanners and camera-based scanning devices. These scanners capture the entire symbol in a single image, allowing them to interpret the complex hexagonal patterns and central bullseye characteristic of MaxiCode.
In contrast, traditional 1D laser scanners are not suitable for reading MaxiCode barcodes. These devices scan barcodes line by line, which is effective for linear barcodes but inadequate for the two-dimensional structure of MaxiCode. The inability to capture the entire symbol simultaneously prevents accurate decoding.
Therefore, to ensure accurate scanning of MaxiCode barcodes, it’s essential to use devices equipped with 2D imaging technology or camera-based systems capable of capturing and processing the complete symbol in a single scan.
Where are Maxicode Barcodes Used
MaxiCode barcodes are primarily used in the logistics and shipping industries, especially by companies like United Parcel Service (UPS), to facilitate efficient package tracking and management.
Their design allows for rapid scanning, even on moving items, making them ideal for high-speed conveyor systems.
Additionally, MaxiCode’s robust error correction capabilities ensure data integrity, which is crucial in environments where barcodes may be subject to damage or distortion.
Beyond logistics, MaxiCode can be applied in various sectors requiring reliable data encoding and quick scanning, such as warehousing and inventory management.
However, its adoption outside of shipping and logistics is less common, partly due to its fixed size and data capacity limitations compared to other 2D barcodes like QR codes.
Check Out Other Types of UPC Barcode Generators
Is there a Scan Limit to the Maxicode Barcode Generated Using your Online Barcode Generator?
There is no scan limit for the Maxicode barcode generated using an online barcode generator. Once created, the barcode can be scanned unlimited times, provided it meets quality standards and is printed or displayed clearly. This ensures it works consistently across various POS systems and scanning devices.
Do You Have Other Barcode Generators?
Yes, we offer a variety of barcode generators to meet your needs. Beyond the Maxicode barcode, you can create EAN barcodes, QR code, Universal Product Codes (UPC), and Code 128, and Code 39 barcodes. We also provide options for ITF, EAN-13, Data Matrix, and GS1 Databar.
For specialised needs, you can generate Aztec code, Maxicode, and PDF417 barcodes. All barcode types can be customised, downloaded as images, and are suitable for various business applications.