Systems and methods are disclosed for two-dimensional optical transmission, including systems and methods for modulating and detecting two-dimensional short-reach optical communications. Two-dimensional optical transmissions may be generated by mapping a first data set to a first dimension of an optical signal and mapping a second data set to a second dimension of an optical signal. The encoded data for the first data set may be combined with the encoded data for the second data set so as to produce drive signals for a dual-drive modulator using a combination of both a common-mode and differential signal. The disclosed systems and methods also include dual-mode optical receivers that are configured to operate in either a one-dimensional or two-dimensional mode.