The symbol comprises the following elements:

• Data regions that contain hexagonal modules in a square array

• Orientation patterns

• Central finder pattern

• Quiet zone border

MaxiCode consists of a bull's-eye type finder pattern of three concentric black circles, six orientation patterns, and 33 alternating rows of either 29 or 30 hexagonal modules per row. It can encode up to a maximum of 93 characters of data that typically consist of a primary message and a secondary message.

Five different data modes are available. Modes 2 and 3 need specific formatting to work correctly, and modes 4, 5, and 6 can contain any type of information.

The data modes are as follows:

• Mode 2: Structured Carrier Message: Used for UPS domestic shipping. The primary message fields are required for this mode to function correctly. The secondary message fields are optional. All fields that have the correct formatting can be generated as data sources.

• Mode 3: Structured Carrier Message: Used for UPS international shipping. The primary message fields are required for this mode to function correctly. The secondary message fields are optional. All fields that have the correct formatting can be generated as data sources.

• Mode 4: Standard Symbol: Used to generate free-form, general-use barcodes. This mode does not require any primary or secondary message fields.

• Mode 5: Full EEC: Indicates that the symbol employs enhanced error correction (EEC) for both the primary and secondary message.

• Mode 6: Reader Programming: Used to program scanners that can be programmed by scanning a barcode. Consult your scanner's documentation for the information and codes that are needed.

This symbology supports all 256 ASCII characters.

MaxiCode uses the Reed-Solomon algorithm for error correction.

MaxiCode is a fixed-size symbology. The size of a single symbol, including quiet zone, is 1.11 inches x 1.054 inches nominal. A nominal element size is a 0.035 inch x 0.041 inch hexagon.

MaxiCode requires a quiet zone on all sides that is at least one module wide.