Data Matrix
Free text, line breaks and, with escape sequences on, control characters: for part numbers, serial numbers and label messages.
Create Data Matrix ›Used by 700,000+ people
Free Data Matrix barcode generator.
Data Matrix is the small square 2D code on electronic components, metal parts and EU medicine packs. Enter text, numbers or a web address and download the symbol.
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How to create a Data Matrix barcode
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01
Enter the data and any control characters
Type text or numbers in Latin-1 characters, or pick URL (Semacode) for a web address. For control characters such as the group separator (GS), turn on escape sequences and write
\x1D. -
02
Set module width and quiet zone
Enter your printer's resolution and a module width in whole printer dots, such as 0.339 mm (4 dots) at 300 dpi. Set the quiet zone to one module, here 0.339 mm, or the image ends at the symbol edge.
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03
Download and test a print
Download PNG and scan a test print with a camera-based imager; most laser scanners cannot read Data Matrix. For EU medicine packs, have a verifier grade it as well.
What a Data Matrix code is and what it is for
A Data Matrix code is a 2D barcode of square modules inside an L-shaped finder pattern, defined in ISO/IEC 16022. Its current version, ECC 200 (error checking and correction), holds up to 3,116 digits or 1,556 bytes. It needs only a one-module quiet zone (clear margin) and repairs damage with Reed-Solomon codewords. That suits marks on metal parts, component labels and EU medicine packs, where regulation requires it.
Where Data Matrix is used and what it carries
On automotive transport labels, TEC-IT's VDA 4994 templates and its GM 1724 templates from 2018 put part number, quantity and package ID into one Data Matrix message. TEC-IT's VDA 4992 MAT label templates encode part numbers, date code and moisture sensitivity level.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) requires Data Matrix ECC 200 for item unique identification (IUID) marks, on labels or directly on the part. EU prescription medicine packs with safety features carry their unique identifier in a Data Matrix, checked when the pack is dispensed. Royal Mail Mailmark 2D codes use it too.
Small, wear-tolerant codes and how prints are graded
A 20 × 20 symbol holds 44 digits and measures 5.5 mm with its one-module quiet zone, at 0.25 mm per module. It reads in any orientation. Reed-Solomon error correction, 27.6–62.5% of each symbol's codewords, rebuilds data lost to print defects, reflections or wear.
Print defects use up part of the error correction, so print cleanly: whole printer dots, dark on light matte, quiet zone empty. An ISO/IEC 15415 verifier grades the result from 4 (highest) to 0. For EU medicine packs, 1.5 is presumed sufficient; U.S. DoD marks graded this way need 3.0.
Image formats, fixed sizes and automation
The online generator delivers PNG, GIF and JPG, and SVG vector files with a plan. It picks a square symbol to fit the data. TEC-IT's software can set a fixed size instead, including rectangular and DMRE (Data Matrix Rectangular Extension) formats.
For serial numbers, Barcode Studio generates the sequence or imports a CSV list and exports the batch, also by command line. TBarCode Office ties a Data Matrix to an Excel cell or Word mail merge field; TBarCode SDK builds it into .NET, COM and DLL applications. For CAPTIVA and IBML document capture, TEC-IT's software has a compatibility mode.
Data Matrix at a glance
- Type
- 2D matrix symbology, version ECC 200
- Standard
- ISO/IEC 16022; rectangular extension DMRE in DIN 16587
- Character set
- Latin-1 by default; others via Extended Channel Interpretation (ECI)
- Capacity
- Up to 3,116 digits, 2,335 alphanumeric characters or 1,556 bytes
- Symbol sizes
- 10 × 10 to 144 × 144 modules (24 squares); 8 × 18 to 16 × 48 (6 rectangles)
- Error correction
- Reed-Solomon, fixed per size: 27.6–62.5% of the codewords
- Quiet zone
- 1 module on all four sides
- Module size
- Set by the application, e.g. 0.19–0.635 mm for U.S. DoD marks
How a Data Matrix is built
The solid L along two edges is the finder pattern; the alternating modules on the other two edges form the clock track. In ECC 200 the corner opposite the L is light.
Data becomes 8-bit codewords, two digits per codeword in ASCII mode.
- Data: 123456 gives the pairs 12, 34 and 56.
- Codewords: each pair plus 130: 142, 164 and 186.
- Symbol: three data codewords fit 10 × 10 modules, which add five Reed-Solomon codewords.
- Print size: 12 modules with the quiet zone, 6 mm at 0.5 mm per module.
Structured messages on industrial labels
A Data Matrix holds any text, so the application standard defines the syntax. TEC-IT's VDA 4994, GM 1724, Bosch GTL and Autoliv templates start with [)>, the ISO/IEC 15434 compliance indicator, then a record separator (RS) and format 06. The group separator (GS) divides the fields; RS and end of transmission (EOT) close the message.
| Format | Field identifiers | Used by |
|---|---|---|
| 06 | Data identifiers, e.g. P part number, Q quantity | TEC-IT automotive templates; DoD marks |
| 05 | GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) | DoD marks; not used in GS1 standards |
| 12 | Text element identifiers of the aviation Spec 2000 | DoD marks |
Online, turn on escape sequences and type RS, GS and EOT as \x1E, \x1D and \x04. For part number 12345 and quantity 100 in format 06, type [)>\x1E06\x1DP12345\x1DQ100\x1E\x04. TEC-IT's software adds header and trailer with the Macro 06 code format.
Before you print: size, resolution and surface
Edge length with quiet zone = (modules per side + 2) × module width.
| Printer resolution | Module width (printer dots) | 22 × 22 symbol with quiet zone |
|---|---|---|
| 203 dpi | 0.375 mm (3) | 9.0 mm |
| 203 dpi | 0.500 mm (4) | 12.0 mm |
| 300 dpi | 0.339 mm (4) | 8.1 mm |
| 300 dpi | 0.423 mm (5) | 10.2 mm |
| 600 dpi | 0.254 mm (6) | 6.1 mm |
| 600 dpi | 0.508 mm (12) | 12.2 mm |
- Size: larger modules scan more reliably; U.S. DoD marks are at most 25.4 mm per side.
- Surface: on EU medicine packs with safety features the code must sit on a smooth, uniform, low-reflecting surface. Shiny metal, metallic inks and transparent backgrounds reduce contrast.
- Curved parts: MIL-STD-130N limits the symbol to 16% of the curve's diameter.
- Verification: an ISO/IEC 15415 verifier grades parameters such as fixed pattern damage and unused error correction; a scan only proves that one reader copes.
Common Data Matrix mistakes
- No quiet zone. Text or frames touching the symbol disturb the finder pattern; under one module, ISO/IEC 15415 verification fails. Set it in the generator or the layout.
- Resizing the image in layout software. At 0.339 mm and 300 dpi a module is 4 printer dots; enlarged by 10%, modules print 4 or 5 dots wide. Generate at final size and resolution, as PNG rather than JPG, or as SVG with a plan.
- Typing
\x1Dwith escape sequences off. It is encoded as four ordinary characters, not a separator. Turn the option on and write\\for one backslash. - Characters outside Latin-1. The online generator rejects them. Other character sets need an ECI, which not every reader handles, so test your scanners.
Data Matrix compared with related codes
GS1 DataMatrix ›
GS1 DataMatrix starts with the Function 1 character (FNC1), so scanners report ]d2, and carries GS1 Application Identifiers for Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), batch and expiry data.
QR Code ›
QR Code needs a four-module quiet zone, lets you choose the error correction level and holds up to 7,089 digits instead of 3,116.
PDF417 ›
PDF417 stacks rows of bars and spaces and needs a two-module quiet zone. TEC-IT's GM 1724 templates use it in the 2001 versions, Data Matrix from 2018.
Aztec Code ›
Aztec Code needs no quiet zone and lets you set the error correction share; its smallest symbol has 15 × 15 modules, against 10 × 10.
HIBC ›
Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) is a data format, not a symbology; HIBC LIC Data Matrix carries it.
DotCode ›
DotCode was designed for high-speed inkjet and laser dot printing, needs a three-module quiet zone and has no absolute capacity limit.
Data Matrix and URL (Semacode)
Both presets create the same ECC 200 symbol; only the input differs.
URL (Semacode)
A web address field instead of free text; the address is encoded unchanged. Semacode is an older mobile-marketing name for Data Matrix. For GS1 Digital Link addresses, use the GS1 Digital Link Data Matrix type.
Create URL (Semacode) ›Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Data Matrix.
How much data fits in a Data Matrix?
Up to 3,116 digits, 2,335 alphanumeric characters or 1,556 bytes, in the largest symbol of 144 × 144 modules. Hand-held scanners read up to 96 × 96 modules without problems; split larger content into two or more symbols.
How small can a Data Matrix be printed?
The smallest symbol, 10 × 10 modules, holds 6 digits or 3 alphanumeric characters: about 3 mm with quiet zone at 0.254 mm per module. GS1 allows 0.1 mm modules for etched marks on small surgical instruments, MIL-STD-130N 0.025 mm on electronic components where space is limited. Such small modules may need special marking and reading equipment.
Does a Data Matrix have a check digit?
No: ECC 200 adds Reed-Solomon codewords instead, a fixed share per size. A 22 × 22 symbol like the example corrects up to 10 wrong or 17 unreadable codewords out of 50. A check digit only shows that an error exists; Reed-Solomon also locates and repairs it.
Can a Data Matrix be printed in colour or white on black?
Yes: light-on-dark printing is built into Data Matrix, but check that your scanners are set to read reversed images. The generator lets you change bar and background colours. Use a solid dark colour such as black or dark blue on white or yellow; red looks white under red scanner light.
Do I need a GS1 membership to use Data Matrix?
No. A plain Data Matrix carries whatever data your application defines, such as your own part or serial numbers. GS1 keys such as a GTIN come from a GS1 Company Prefix, issued by a GS1 member organisation, and belong in GS1 DataMatrix or a GS1 Digital Link address.
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