PRINT2D Solutions
Barcode Formats

How to select the best 2D barcode for the job

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Which 2D barcode is right for you?

When deciding which type of 2D barcode will give your mobile campaign the greatest chance of being accessed and experienced, always consider factors like:
  1. Code size,
  2. Code density,
  3. Color and contrast,
  4. Medium or substrate the code will be printed on.
PRINT2D offers six distinct 2D barcode formats, including brands as mobile triggers, because each format has its own benefits. To learn more, please see our 2D Barcode Format Reference Chart at the bottom of this page.

Still have questions?

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Should you still need some help on how to select the best 2D barcode for your mobile campaigns or just have a question, feel free to reach out to Philip Warbasse - the QR Code designer behind HBO's True Blood, TRON Legacy, IRON MAN II and many more. Please call +1 424.229.1404 M-F (9AM to 5PM PST) and tell Phil what your print-to-digital goals are - he'll tell you which code(s) will work best and why.

LinkedIn Warbasse

Open Source 2D barcodes

Two of the six 2D barcode formats offered by PRINT2D - QR Codes® and Data Matrix codes - are open source. Between these two giants, you'll have little trouble meeting the demands of almost any 2D barcode campaign.

Proprietary 2D barcodes

Some of the codes we offer including MS Tag, EZ Code, WiMO Markers are the intellectual property of Microsoft®, Scanlife® and WiMO® respectively. Proprietary codes can offer advantages, though additional fees may apply. Please consult PRINT2D to learn more about the benefits of these optional 2D code formats.

Digital watermarking and brands as mobile triggers

Making use of digital watermarks and brands as mobile triggers will only become more prevalent as advertisers continue to look for unique and effective ways to stand out. PRINT2D creates digital watermarks from images and brands. Learn more about our work in Image Recognition in American Printer Magazine - Brand identity as a mobile trigger. April, 2011 by Chris Lehan.

PRINT2D's 2D Barcode Format Reference Chart

QR Codes®

QR Codes are the most popular of the six code formats we offer. QR Codes are recognized by more barcode readers than any other 2D barcode format.
  • QR Codes are recommended for most consumer advertising,
  • QR Codes work best when reproduced larger than 1 inch square,
  • QR Codes are easily customizable using aesthetic attributes such as color, texture and branding.

Microsoft Tag®

UPDATE: Microsoft's Tag barcode service to end in August 2015.
MS Tag is a proprietary 2D barcode offered by Microsoft®. MS Tags can only be decoded with an MS Tag barcode reader.
  • MS Tags may be reproduced as small as .5 inches square,
  • MS Tags offer color and black and white variations.
  • MS Tags are easily customizable using aesthetic attributes such as color, texture and branding.

EZ codes®

EZ codes are a proprietary 2D barcode offered by Scanbuy®. EZ codes can only be decoded with a ScanLife® barcode reader.
  • EZ codes may be reproduced as small as .5 inches square,
  • EZ codes are easily customizable using aesthetic attributes such as color, texture and branding.

WiMO markers®

WiMO markers are a proprietary 2D barcode offered by WiMO®. WiMO markers can only be decoded with a WiMO® barcode reader.
  • WiMO markers may be reproduced as small as .5 inches square,
  • WiMO markers are easily customizable using aesthetic attributes such as color, texture and branding.

Data Matrix codes

Data Matrix codes are open source 2D barcodes. Data Matrix codes can be decoded by most QR code readers on the market.
  • Data Matrix codes may be reproduced as small as .5 inches square,
  • Data Matrix codes are easily customizable using aesthetic attributes such as color, texture and branding.

Branded codes / Digital Wartermarks

Branded codes use image recognition to identify unique attributes which make up each 2D marker. PRINT2D uses a proprietary image recognition system offered exclusively by WiMO®.
  • Branded codes may be reproduced as small as .5 inches square,
  • Branded codes offer color and black and white variations.
Please click on the buttons below for 2D barcode formats.


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