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Data Matrix Code Generator

Data Matrix is a small, robust 2D code that holds text, numbers or binary data in a tiny square, which makes it popular for electronics, parts marking and labels with little space. Enter your data and export a sharp vector symbol.

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Where Data Matrix is used

Data Matrix ECC 200 (ISO/IEC 16022) is used on circuit boards, engine and aerospace parts, surgical tools, mail and labels for small components. It is also the base for GS1 DataMatrix in healthcare. A big advantage is direct part marking (DPM): the code can be dot-peened, laser etched or ink-jet marked onto metal or plastic and still be read after years of use.

Structure and capacity

  • An L-shaped solid finder pattern on two sides and an alternating clock track on the other two help the reader locate and orient the code.
  • Square sizes run from 10×10 to 144×144 modules; rectangular sizes such as 8×18 to 16×48 fit narrow spaces.
  • Maximum capacity is 3,116 digits, 2,335 alphanumeric characters or 1,556 bytes in the largest symbol.
  • Reed-Solomon error correction is fixed per size, so a code can still be read when part of it is damaged.
  • Larger symbols are split into data regions separated by alignment patterns.

Printing and marking tips

A quiet zone of one module is the minimum, but two or more is safer. Choose the module size from your print or marking resolution: for labels 0.25 to 0.5 mm per module is common; for DPM the cell size depends on the marking method. Keep high contrast between modules and background, avoid stretching the symbol unevenly, and verify printed codes with ISO/IEC 15415, or ISO/IEC 29158 for direct part marks.

How to make it

  1. Select Data Matrix in the barcode generator.
  2. Enter your text, serial number or URL.
  3. Choose automatic size or a fixed square or rectangular format.
  4. Export SVG or PDF for marking software, or PNG for labels; use CSV batch for serial numbers.
  5. Scan the result with the camera scanner to confirm.

Frequently asked questions

Data Matrix vs QR code?

Data Matrix is more compact for short data and suited to industrial marking; QR codes are better known to consumers and read by every phone camera.

How small can a Data Matrix code be?

A 10×10 symbol with 0.25 mm modules is only 2.5 mm square plus quiet zone, but the reader and print quality must support it.

Is Data Matrix free to use?

Yes. The ECC 200 specification is public and royalty-free.