GS1 DataMatrix Generator

GS1 DataMatrix is a Data Matrix ECC 200 symbol that starts with FNC1 and carries GS1 Application Identifiers. It is the standard carrier for medical device UDI and medicine pack serialisation. Build and validate the data in the app, then export a vector code.

Create it now

What GS1 DataMatrix is for

The symbol holds a lot of structured data in a small square, survives some damage thanks to Reed-Solomon error correction, and can be printed or directly marked on parts. Typical uses are Unique Device Identification (UDI) for medical devices under US FDA and EU MDR rules, serialised medicine packs, surgical instruments and, increasingly, food and consumer goods.

Real product numbers must come from a licence with a GS1 Member Organisation such as GS1 US, GS1 Germany or GS1 Korea. QR & Barcode Studio validates the AI syntax and check digits, but it does not issue numbers or register UDI data with regulators.

Typical data content

(01) GTIN-14 identifying the product or device model.
(17) Expiry date as YYMMDD.
(10) Batch or lot number.
(21) Serial number, unique for each pack or device.
Fixed-length AIs are placed first; variable fields are separated by the GS (FNC1) character, which the app inserts.
The human-readable text should repeat the data with AIs in brackets, for example (01) 09506000134352 (17) 270131.

Size and print quality

The symbol size grows with the amount of data; a typical UDI string fits in a 16×16 to 26×26 module square. GS1 permits square and rectangular forms. Choose an X dimension that suits your printer, often 0.25 to 0.5 mm for labels, and keep a quiet zone of at least one module, more is safer. Print dark modules on a light background and grade production with ISO/IEC 15415 (or ISO/IEC 29158 for direct part marking).

How to make it

Choose GS1 DataMatrix in the barcode generator.
Open the GS1 data builder and add (01), (17), (10) and (21) as needed.
Correct any warnings about check digits, date formats or lengths.
Export SVG or PDF at the suggested module size, or batch-print serialised labels from CSV.
Scan the result to confirm each AI is parsed correctly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Data Matrix and GS1 DataMatrix?

The symbol is the same ECC 200 code. GS1 DataMatrix begins with FNC1 and uses GS1 Application Identifiers so that any GS1 system can interpret the content.

Can a phone read GS1 DataMatrix?

Many scanner apps can, including the scanner in this app, but standard phone camera apps often only read QR codes.

Is a UDI barcode enough for compliance?

No. The barcode is the carrier; you also need an assigned UDI-DI from an accredited agency such as GS1 and the regulatory database submissions.