DotCode

A DotCode is a two-dimensional barcode symbology. It is characterized by disconnected round dots distributed on a white background and surrounded by a quiet zone (the blank area that denotes where a barcode’s symbology begins and ends).

DotCodes can be printed in dark colors on a light-colored background or in light colors on a dark background. There must be sufficient contrast to ensure maximum readability.

The DotCode was created so it could be reliably read when printed using high-speed inkjet or laser technologies. Historically, printing quality was low when using high-speed industrial printers.

The DotCode was released by global standards organization AIM in 2009. Today, the DotCode is used in high-speed production environments that typically reach processing speeds of 1,000 products per minute – for example, bottles processed in an alcoholic beverage factory.

DotCodes enable data such as expiration dates and lot or serial numbers to be applied to high-volume, low-cost products in a machine-readable format.

Characteristics of a DotCode

• A public-domain optical data carrier that can be printed reliably by inkjet or laser printers at a very high speed.
• Enables the application of real-time data to products at production line speed – for example, expiration date, lot number, or serial number.
• Can encode all ASCII and extended ASCII characters, including numerals (0 to 9), lowercase letters (a to z), uppercase letters (A to Z), punctuation symbols, and various special characters.
• Rectangular DotCodes of virtually any size and width/height proportion can be used (although 124 dots may be a practical limit).
• Designed to tolerate missing, additional, or poorly placed dots without compromising reading integrity.
• Strong error correction using message encoding inspired by Code 128.
• Standardized in the AIM ISS symbology specification 4.0.

DotCode application areas

The DotCode is probably less well-known than other 2D barcodes. However, its flexibility, durability, and high-speed application make it suitable for use in:

• Manufacturing: For product and packaging labeling to enable efficient tracking and tracing.
• Postal and logistics: On shipping labels.
• Consumer packaged goods: On labeling to combat theft and counterfeiting.

DotCode compatibility

A wide variety of devices, including mobile devices and dedicated barcode scanners, can read DotCodes. All scanners, however, rely on DotCode scanning software integrated within an app.

Scanning software performance varies widely and can sometimes be an issue with DotCode readers, particularly when free or open-source software is used.

Scandit’s fast, robust barcode scanning software supports all major barcode types, including DotCodes with exceptional performance.

Scandit’s software also supports all major operating systems, programming languages, frameworks, 3rd party systems and OEM devices including React Native, Native iOS, Native Android, JavaScript, Xamarin, Flutter, .NET (iOS and Android), Cordova, Capacitor, Titanium, IBM MobileFirst, SAP Fiori and Oracle Xstore.

DOTCODE SCANNER

Test our barcode scanning software with a 30-day free trial.

Try it for free

DotCode FAQs

What is the DotCode standard?

DotCode is standardized in the AIM ISS symbology specification 4.0. DotCodes are for public use without a license.

What is a DotCode symbology?

A DotCode is a two-dimensional matrix barcode symbology made up of disconnected black dots on a white background. It is designed for high-speed printing by inkjet and laser printers.

The minimum size for a DotCode barcode is seven dots high. In theory, there is no maximum size, but most printing technology has a practical limit of 124 dots.

What is a GS1 DotCode?

A GS1 DotCode is a version of the symbology used by the GS1 System. It is only used to meet the requirements of the EU tobacco traceability regulation 2018/574, which aims to combat the illegal trade in tobacco products.

How do DotCodes work?

DotCodes encode data from a pattern of unconnected dots on a white background, typically rectangular in shape. Like Data Matrix codes, the data stored within a DotCode can be decoded using a dedicated scanner or smart device equipped with a camera and barcode reading app.

However, unlike QR codes, DotCodes cannot be read using only built-in camera software – you will need a specialist barcode scanning app, such as Scandit Express, or an app built using the Scandit Barcode Scanner SDK.

What is the use of DotCode?

The DotCode is used specifically in high-throughput applications. It is used in manufacturing to identify products and packaging. It is also used for shipping labels and consumer packaged goods to track, trace, and authenticate goods.

What is the difference between a QR code and a DotCode?

A QR code is square, whereas a DotCode is typically thin and rectangular. Also, a DotCode has a pattern of simple dots instead of square pixels.

QR codes are more commonly used than DotCodes. However, QR codes are unsuitable for high-speed industrial printing applications, where DotCodes are more reliable.