Types of 2D codes
Code One
Code One is a two-dimensional matrix symbol containing dark and light square
data modules and a finder pattern of parallel lines in the symbol's interior.
Code One is designed for a fixed level of error correction capability. Code One
is used both for large data file encoding and small item marking applications.
Data Matrix
Data Matrix is a two-dimensional matrix symbol containing dark and light square
data modules. It has a finder pattern of two solid lines and two alternating
dark and light lines on the perimeter of the symbol.
Data Matrix is used for
small item marking applications using a wide variety of printing and marking
technologies.
QR Code
QR Code is a two-dimensional matrix symbol containing dark and light square
data modules.
It has
position detection patterns on three of its for corners and features direct
encoding of the Japanese Kana-Kanji character set. QR Code is used for small
item marking applications using a wide variety of printing and marking
technologies.
Shot Code
A Shot Code is a two-dimensional circular symbol containing dark and
light
data modules. It was originally developed by High Energy Magic of
Cambridge, England as the Spot code. It has been renamed by its current owner,
OP3, to Shot Code.
Some codes are free to use, most of them codes are proprietary and available
under license terms: Sony has developed its own Cybercode
UPS has developed Maxicode.