In this article, you will learn
- where QR codes are used in the $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW,
- which QR codes are available in the $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW, and
- what content and characters the respective QR code types can contain.
1. General
QR codes (2D codes) are widely used in practice to create machine-readable data carriers and serve an information in encoded form. In addition to their functional use, they are also employed in certain use cases as a design element for customized layouts. The content to be encoded can either be entered manually or provided via a CSV file. Typical use cases for QR codes include:
- Lot numbers – generation of unique numbers, for example for lotteries or raffles
- Business cards – storage of structured information, such as address and contact details, on business cards or conference cards
- Posters/advertising materials – embedding URLs for quick access to additional information about products, promotions, or events
- ID cards/Badges – creation of access authorizations for events such as trade fairs, conferences, or fitness centers
In $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW, several areas are available in which QR codes can be generated and processed:
- VDP Editor – creation of variable QR codes for the personalization of print products
- Impose Editor – labeling of print products for downstream production processes
- PDF Editor – reading code information as well as deleting and replacing QR codes
Readability of QR Codes
In contrast to 1D barcodes, QR codes can store significantly more information. In addition, QR codes generally offer better readability than 1D barcodes. Therefore, in digital printing, QR codes should be used whenever possible to accommodate high information density from production within a minimal surface area.
2. List of supported 2D and QR codes
$PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW provides more than 30 different variants of 2D and QR codes. The following list provides a detailed overview of which QR codes are available in the application and which character sets – each linked to a valid example – can be used for each QR code. Where multiple check methods are permitted for QR codes, these are also specified for the respective code.
For a better overview, the QR codes below are grouped into three categories.
2.1. Standard 2D and QR Codes
2D codes (also referred to as 2D barcodes or matrix codes) are opto-electronically readable representations of information consisting of dots or structures with defined contrast levels. In contrast to one-dimensional barcodes, data is not encoded in a single direction but two-dimensionally across a surface, resulting in significantly higher information density.
In this context, the term does not refer to encryption, but rather to the representation of data in graphical symbols.
The information contained in 2C codes is captured using optical reading devices such as camera scanners and is then processed electronically.
Typical application areas for 2C codes include:
- Logistics – identification and tracking of goods
- Mobile tagging – providing digital content via mobile devices
- Optical data storage – utilization of high storage density for data archiving, e.g. in specialized film-related processes (e.g. optical sound recording) as well as for comprehensive product information within the food supply chain
Data Matrix
This code is used to encode larger volumes of data. It is commonly applied in the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. It is also used for applying Amazon Transparency Codes.
- Available characters: ASCII characters in the range 0 to 255
- Valid example: this is a Data Matrix from PPD VDP Editor
- Possible check methods: None, Mod43, Standard
GS1 Data Matrix
The GS1 Data Matrix code cannot be selected directly from the type dropdown menu in the application. To create a GS1 Data Matrix code, you must select Data Matrix in the type dropdown and choose GS1/UCC/EAN in the code format dropdown.
Further information on GS1 codes and the encoding of structured data is available on the official website of the GS1 US Sunrise initiative: https://www.gs1us.org/industries-and-insights/by-topic/sunrise-2027, as well as directly on the website of GS1: https://www.gs1.org/about.
DotCode
The area of application is the high-speed printing of industrial or consumer goods for the purpose of identifying and tracking individual units. These codes are used in the tobacco and pharmaceutical industries.
- Available characters: ASCII characters in the range 0 to 255
- Valid example: this is a DotCode from PPD VDP Editor
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
Han Xin Code (RSS)
The Han Xin Code is a two-dimensional matrix symbology with variable size, specifically designed for encoding simplified Chinese characters as well as all ASCII characters and numeric digits. The symbol consists of a series of square modules arranged in a square pattern.
- Available characters: ASCII characters in the range 0 to 255; Chinese characters (GB18030)
- Valid example: this is a Han Xin Code from PPD VDP Editor
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
QR Code
This 2D symbology is used for encoding large amounts of data and was designed for rapid readability (QR = Quick Response Code). The symbol size automatically adjusts to the input data. Special industrial formats are supported.
- Available characters: alphanumeric and/or bytes; Kanji character set
- Valid example: ABCabc
- Possible check methods: None, Mod43, Standard
GS1 QR-Code
The GS1 QR code cannot be selected directly from the type dropdown menu in the application. To create a GS1 QR code, you must select QR Code in the type dropdown and choose GS1/UCC/EAN in the format dropdown.
Further information on GS1 codes and the encoding of structured data is available on the official website of the GS1 US Sunrise initiative: https://www.gs1us.org/industries-and-insights/by-topic/sunrise-2027, as well as directly on the website of GS1: https://www.gs1.org/about.
QR Code 2005
QR Code 2005 is very similar to the standard QR code. It differs only in its QR code format by supporting mirrored symbol rendering, reflection inversion (light symbols on a dark background), and the option to specify alternative character sets in addition to the standard.
- Available characters: alphanumeric and/or bytes; Kanji character set
- Valid example: ABCDEF
Micro QR Code
This 2D symbology is a smaller variant of the QR code with a reduced number of overhead modules and a limited set of sizes. The symbol size adapts to the input data. The Micro QR code provides four different symbol sizes (M1-M4). The smallest version, M1 (= size), is limited to numeric data and error detection only, while M2 additionally supports alphanumeric values, and M3 and M4 support the full range of QR code character sets (bytes, Kanji).
- Available characters: alphanumeric and/or bytes; Kanji character set
- Valid example: ABCDEF
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
Aztec Code
The Aztec Code can encode small to large amounts of data with a user-selected percentage of error correction. The symbol size automatically adjusts to the amount of input data. Input data is always analyzed, and the appropriate encoding mode is selected automatically. Mode switching is performed as needed to achieve the most efficient encoding.
- Available characters: ASCII characters in the range 0 to 127 and ISO 8859-1
- Valid example: ABCabc
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
Micro PDF417
This stacked 2D symbology is used to encode large amounts of data. The input data is always analyzed, and the appropriate encoding mode is selected automatically. Mode switching is performed as needed to achieve the most efficient encoding.
- Available characters: alphanumeric and/or bytes
- Valid example: ABCabc
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
Codablock F
Codablock F is effectively a "stacked" Code 128 symbology. It is based on Code 128 – each line is a single Code 128 symbol that is extended with row indicator information and additional check digits. The UCC/EAN/GS1 format indicator is supported.
- Available characters: ASCII characters in the range 0 to 127 and ISO 8859-1
- Valid example: VB1YYY1JX3M386752
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
PDF417
This (stacked) 2D symbology is used to encode large amounts of data. It is the de facto 2D standard symbology in the automotive industry. The symbol is divided into rows and columns. A data density of up to 900 characters per square inch is possible. Input data is always analyzed, and the appropriate encoding mode is automatically selected. Mode switching is performed as needed to achieve the most efficient encoding.
- Available characters: alphanumeric (ASCII 0 – 255)
- Valid example: ABCabc
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
PDF417 Truncated
This (stacked) 2D symbology is used to encode large amounts of data. The symbol is divided into rows and columns. A data density of up to 900 characters per square inch is possible.
- Available characters: alphanumeric (ASCII characters in the range 0 to 255) and/or bytes
- Valid example: ABCabc
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
MaxiCode
This code is used by UPS. MaxiCode represents data using hexagonal elements arranged around a circular center (a so-called "Bull's eye"). Different encoding modes can be configured to include postal information (SCM). The UPS modes are Mode 2 (US Carrier) and Mode 3 (International Carrier).
- Available characters: alphanumeric (ASCII characters in the range 0 to 255) and/or bytes
- Valid example: ABCabc
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
Swiss QR Code
The Swiss QR code is a standard code used by the Swiss financial industry for machine-readable invoices.
- Available characters: UTF-8 characters (Basic Latin, Latin1 Supplement, Latin Extended-A, as well as Ș, ș, Ț, ț, €); digits from 0 to 9; uppercase and lowercase letters from A (a) to Z (z)
- Valid example: SPC\n0100\n1\nCH3709000000304442225\nStiftung Heilsarmee Schweiz\n\n\n3000\nBern\nCH\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCHF\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNON\n\nSpende für die Aktion Winterfest
- Possible check methods: None, Standard
2.2. Post Codes
Royal Mail Mailmark® 2D Barcode
The Mailmark 2D is based on the Data Matrix ECC200 standard and is used by the Royal Mail for postal services. In addition, the Mailmark™ 2D barcode uses a special format and data structure defined by Royal Mail for this specific purpose.
- Available characters: digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and space characters; fixed-length of 45 characters plus a variable customer-specific value
- Valid example: JGB 012100123412345678AB19XY1A 0 123456
- Possible check methods: None
2.3. Healthcare
The following 2D barcodes or QR code types are available for representing large volumes of data in the healthcare sector.
HIBC LIC Micro PDF417
HIBC LIC Micro PDF417 is based on the 2D symbology PDF417. The data format conforms to the HIBC LIC specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters such as "-", ".", "space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +A99912345/$$52001510X3
- Possible check methods: None, Mod43, Standard
HIBC PAS Micro PDF417
HIBC PAS Micro PDF417 is based on the 2D symbology Micro PDF417. The data format conforms to the HIBC PAS specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters such as "-", ".", space, "$", "*", "/", "+", and "%"
- Valid example: +/EU9C83416F/Z34H159$
- Possible check methods: Mod43
HIBC LIC PDF417
HIBC LIC PDF417 is based on the 2D symbology PDF417. The data format conforms to the HIBC PAS specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters like "-", ".", "space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +A99912345/$$52001510X3
- Possible check methods: Mod43
HIBC PAS PDF417
HIBC PAS PDF417 is based on the 2D symbology PDF417. The data format conforms to the HIBC PAS specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters like "-", ".", "space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +/EU9C83416F/Z34H159$
- Possible check methods: Mod43
HIBC LIC Data Matrix
The HIBC LIC Data Matrix is based on the 2D symbology Data Matrix. The data format conforms to the HIBC LIC specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters like "-", ".", "space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +A99912345/$$52001510X3
- Possible check methods: Mod43
HIBC PAS Data Matrix
HIBC PAS Data Matrix is based on the 2D symbology Data Matrix. The data format conforms to the HIBC PAS specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z; special characters like "-", ".", "space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +/EU9C83416F/Z34H159$
- Possible check methods: Mod43
HIBC LIC QR Code
The HIBC LIC QR code is based on the 2D symbology QR Code. The data format conforms to the HIBC LIC specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters like "-", ".", "space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +A99912345/$$52001510X3
- Possible check methods: Mod43
HIBC PAS QR Code
The HIBC PAS QR code is based on the 2D symbology QR Code. The data format conforms to the HIBC LIC specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters like "-", ".", "space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +/EU9C83416F/Z34H159$
- Possible check methods: Mod43
HIBC PAS Aztec Code
HIBC PAS Aztec Code is based on the 2D symbology Aztec Code. The data format conforms to the HIBC PAS specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters like "-", ".", "space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +/EAH783/Z34H159
- Possible check methods: Mod43
HIBC LIC Aztec Code
HIBC LIC Aztec Code is based on the 2D symbology Aztec Code. The data format conforms to the HIBC LIC specification. An additional Modulo 43 check digit is required.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z, and special characters like "-", ".", space", "$", "*", "/", "+" and "%"
- Valid example: +/EAH783/Z34H159
- Possible check methods: Mod43
Pharmacy Product Number Code (PPN Code)
The content of the Pharmacy Product Number Code is defined by the IFA. It was developed to provide unique pharmaceutical product codes at an international level. It complements existing national coding systems, such as the PZN in Germany.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z
- Valid example: 9N110375286414
- Possible check methods: None
NTIN (Data Matrix)
The NTIN code content is defined by GS1. It was developed to provide unique pharmaceutical product codes at an international level. It complements existing national coding systems, such as the PZN in Germany.
- Available characters: numeric digits from 0 to 9; uppercase letters from A to Z
- Valid example: 04150123456782
- Possible check methods: None
Article Update: $PRODUCT_NAME_WORKFLOW 2.0.0 – 04/2026