A dot code is provided for recording digital data, such as multi-media information, as an optically readable code pattern, using various modulation methods, and a code reading apparatus is provided for restoring modulated information recorded as the dot code. The dot code includes a plurality of blocks. Each block has a marker section for recognizing the block, a data dot pattern section which is modulated to be structurally discriminated from the marker section and to represent modulated information, and a block header section as a non-modulation area which contains block address data. The block header section stores restoration parameter data necessary to restore the modulated information, thereby enabling the dot code to be variously modulated.