Click the grid to mark yellow dots
Decoded Information:
To use the Yellow Dots Decoder, upload an image of a printed document, zoom in to locate the dots, and mark the yellow dots on the grid based on the image. The tool will then extract and decode the hidden Machine Identification Code (MIC) for forensic analysis. 🚀
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Zoom and move around to find dots pattern.
The Yellow Dot Code, also known as the Machine Identification Code (MIC), is a covert tracking pattern embedded in documents printed by laser printers. This system is used by major manufacturers such as Xerox, HP, and Canon to encode details about the printer, including its serial number, as well as the date and time the document was printed. The Machine Identification Code plays a crucial role in printer forensics and document tracking.
The Yellow Dot Code consists of a pattern of invisible yellow dots printed across a document. Each dot is approximately 100 to 120 micrometers in size and is arranged in a structured grid. The dots are spaced at regular intervals, typically every 1mm to 1.5mm. This pattern is repeated throughout the document to ensure that the encoded data remains intact even if the document is partially scanned or damaged.
These dots, forming part of the Machine Identification Code, are printed using subtractive color encoding (yellow on a white background), making them nearly invisible under normal light conditions. However, they can be revealed using blue LED light or processed using image enhancement algorithms, which are commonly used in digital forensics to extract embedded data.
The Yellow Dot Code follows a binary encoding system, where the presence of a dot represents 1, and the absence represents 0. The encoded information is spread across multiple columns, each assigned a specific function.
| Column | Encodes | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Columns 10-13 | Serial Number | Uniquely identifies the printer. |
| Column 7 | Year | Encodes the last two digits of the year (e.g., "23" for 2023). |
| Column 6 | Month | Encodes the month of printing (01-12). |
| Column 5 | Day | Encodes the day of the month (01-31). |
| Column 4 | Hour | Encodes the hour in 24-hour format (00-23). |
| Column 1 | Minutes | Encodes the minutes (00-59). |
Extracting information from the Machine Identification Code involves a series of steps used in forensic document analysis:
The use of hidden printer tracking codes like the MIC in printed documents raises concerns about privacy and surveillance. While originally introduced for counterfeit prevention and document authentication, critics argue that it allows for undocumented tracking of individuals without their knowledge or consent.
Several privacy advocates have suggested countermeasures, such as:
The Machine Identification Code (MIC), embedded within the Yellow Dot Code, plays a significant role in forensic printing and anti-counterfeiting measures. However, its secretive implementation has sparked discussions on digital rights, data security, and user privacy. As technology advances, there is an ongoing debate about the balance between security and personal privacy.
A Yellow Dot Decoder is a forensic tool that helps identify Machine Identification Codes (MIC) embedded in printed documents using yellow microdots. These codes track printer usage.
No. Yellow dots are generally invisible under normal lighting and can only be detected with special lighting or image processing techniques.
Many color laser printers from manufacturers like Xerox, Canon, Brother, and HP embed MIC tracking patterns by default.
No, decoding MIC for personal or educational purposes is not illegal. However, tampering with document authenticity might be illegal in some jurisdictions.
Whether you're a digital forensics expert or a privacy advocate, decoding MIC patterns from printed pages helps you stay informed about printer tracking methods...