Abstract: A design bar code 100 according to one particular embodiment includes a bar symbol sequence 110 that contains a plurality of bar symbols aligned in a scanning direction X with spaces therebetween, and an additional pattern 130 that supplements a pattern represented by the outer shape of the bar symbol sequence 110. The length of one or more bar symbols in a direction Y is defined so as to have a contour forming at least a portion of a rendered pattern. The additional pattern 130 may positioned as necessary in the region outside of the belt area 112 so as to supplement the pattern represented by the outer shape of the bar symbol sequence 110.