ISO IEC 24778-2024 PDF

Full title and description

Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Aztec Code bar code symbology specification. This international standard specifies the Aztec Code 2‑D matrix symbology: encodation of data characters, error control encoding rules, graphical symbol structure, symbol dimensions and print/production quality requirements, a reference decoding algorithm, and user-selectable application parameters.

Abstract

This document defines the requirements for the symbology known as Aztec Code. It specifies data character encodation methods, rules for error control (Reed–Solomon based) and the mode message, the graphical symbol layout (including the central bulls‑eye finder), symbol sizes and print quality guidance, a reference decoding algorithm, and user‑selectable parameters such as number of layers and error‑correction level. The standard updates and replaces the earlier 2008 edition.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: April 2024 (effective/publication stage April 9, 2024 as published by ISO).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (joint publication by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission; developed under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31).
• ICS / categories: 35.040.50 (Automatic identification and data capture techniques).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2024).
• Number of pages: 48 pages (official ISO published text).

Scope

The standard provides the complete symbology specification for Aztec Code so that encoders, decoders, manufacturers and conformance test houses can interoperate. It covers the encoding of data into Aztec symbols (compact, full and rune variants), the generation of error control codewords, the symbol geometric structure including the central finder pattern, permitted sizes and module/grid definitions, production/print quality requirements, and a normative reference decoding algorithm. The standard also specifies user‑selectable application parameters such as layer count and error‑correction allocation and replaces the 2008 edition.

Key topics and requirements

• Data character encodation rules (binary/byte, numeric and alphanumeric modes) and application indicators.
• Error control encoding using Reed–Solomon codes with field and codeword sizes selected according to symbol layer and capacity; recommended/default correction levels and allowed ranges.
• Graphical symbol structure: central bulls‑eye finder, mode message placement, data spirals and layer organization (compact, full, rune variants).
• Symbol dimensions, module/grid definitions, quiet‑zone/placement guidance and print/production quality requirements to ensure reliable decoding.
• Reference decoding algorithm and normative decoding guidance to ensure consistent implementation of readers/decoders.
• User‑selectable parameters (number of layers, error correction percentage, structured append and other application options where supported).
• Backward compatibility notes and statement that the 2024 edition supersedes ISO/IEC 24778:2008.

Typical use and users

Aztec Code is used where high data density in a small printed or displayed area is required — common applications include ticketing (rail and airline boarding passes and mobile tickets), secure documents, identification credentials, and constrained‑space labeling. Typical users are barcode symbology implementers (encoder/decoder software and firmware developers), manufacturers of scanners/imagers and barcode printers, system integrators for ticketing and ID systems, standards and conformance laboratories, and procurement/specification authors selecting AIDC symbologies.

Related standards

Aztec Code is one of several ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 symbology standards. Closely related and commonly referenced standards include ISO/IEC 18004 (QR Code), ISO/IEC 16022 (Data Matrix), ISO/IEC 15438 (PDF417), ISO/IEC 15420 (EAN/UPC family) and ISO/IEC 24728 (MicroPDF417). These standards together form the AIDC symbology family maintained by JTC 1/SC 31.

Keywords

Aztec Code; 2D matrix barcode; AIDC; automatic identification; data capture; Reed–Solomon error correction; reference decoding algorithm; symbology specification; barcode print quality; layers; compact/full/rune.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 24778:2024 is the international specification for the Aztec Code 2‑D matrix barcode symbology. It defines how Aztec symbols are formed, encoded, and decoded to ensure interoperable implementations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers data encodation, error‑control encoding (Reed–Solomon based), the symbol graphical structure (including the central bulls‑eye and layer layout), symbol dimensions and production/print quality requirements, and a normative reference decoding algorithm; it also defines user‑selectable application parameters.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Software and firmware developers of encoders/decoders, hardware manufacturers (scanners, imagers, printers), ticketing/ID system integrators, test and conformance labs, and standards/spec writers who need precise, interoperable AIDC implementations.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO/IEC 24778:2024 is the published (2024) edition and supersedes ISO/IEC 24778:2008. Publication occurred in April 2024.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the family of automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) symbology standards developed under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 31 (which includes QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, EAN/UPC and related symbology standards).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Aztec Code; 2D barcode; matrix symbology; Reed–Solomon; AIDC; encoder; decoder; print quality; reference decoding algorithm; layers; compact/full/rune.