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Barcodes.tools

Data Matrix barcode generator

Type text or numbers, or switch on GS1 to write Application Identifiers. Data Matrix fits a lot of data in a very small square.

Text or numbers. Switch on GS1 for Application Identifiers.

11 × 11 mm printed size, module 0.5 mm.Encodes LOT 7781-A / SN 000245

Need many? Make a batch or a label sheet.

Size and colour

mm
mod.
#000000
#FFFFFF

What is Data Matrix?

Data Matrix is a square 2D barcode made of small cells, with a solid L-shaped border on two sides that tells the scanner where the code is and which way up it sits. It packs data densely and has error correction, so it still reads when it is very small or partly damaged.

GS1 DataMatrix is the same symbol carrying GS1 Application Identifiers, such as a GTIN, a lot, an expiry date and a serial number. Switch on GS1 and write the AIs in brackets, as for GS1-128.

Where it is used

  • Small parts and electronic components
  • Healthcare and medical device packaging
  • Documents and mail
  • Marks engraved or printed directly on a part

What it holds

What a Data Matrix barcode holds
Data Matrix
CharactersAny text; digits are packed most densely
GS1 modeApplication Identifiers in brackets
ShapeSquare, sized automatically for the data
ReadingNeeds a camera-based (2D) scanner or a phone

Printing Data Matrix barcodes

  • Data Matrix needs a 2D scanner: older laser scanners cannot read it.
  • Keep a blank margin of at least one module around the code.
  • Print one sample on the printer and label stock you will use, and scan it with the scanners that have to read it, before a full run.

Need a sheet of them? The batch generator makes up to 1,000 Data Matrix barcodes at once and lays them out on Letter or A4 label sheets.

Questions about Data Matrix

Data Matrix or QR Code?

Both are 2D codes. Data Matrix stays smaller for short data and is common on parts and packaging; QR Code is what most people expect to scan with a phone camera to open a link.

What is the difference between Data Matrix and GS1 DataMatrix?

GS1 DataMatrix starts with a special character that tells the scanner the data is written as GS1 Application Identifiers. Switch on GS1 here to make one.

Can my phone read Data Matrix?

Many phone scanner apps can, and the scanner on this site can too. The built-in camera app of some phones only looks for QR Codes.

Sources

  • GS1: Application Identifiers

    What each AI means and the format of its data, as used in GS1-128 and GS1 Data Matrix.

  • bwip-js

    The open-source library that draws the barcodes on this site (MIT licence).

Other formats