Data Matrix is a two-dimensional (2D) bar code that is made up of individual dots or squares in rows and columns. The bar code can either be square or rectangle-shaped.
The perimeter of each Data Matrix bar code consists of a solid line on the left and bottom edges and a dotted line on the right and top edges. This is referred to as the finder pattern, since it is used by the scanner to locate the symbol and identify it as Data Matrix. The finder pattern also defines the shape (square or rectangle), the size and the number of rows and columns in the symbol.
Data is translated into binary Data Matrix symbology characters and encoded in a matrix within the perimeter of the finder pattern of the Data Matrix bar code. The bar code can contain between one and 2,000 characters of data. The code's size directly depends on the amount of data entered.
If you are using error correction between ECC 000 and ECC 140, the symbol size in modules can range from 9-by-9 to 49-by-49, in odd increments only.
If you are using GS1 Data Matrix ECC 200 error correction, the symbol size in modules can range from 10-by-10 to 144-by-144, in even increments only.
Each Data Matrix bar code requires a quiet space of at least 10 percent on all sides.
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Specifications |
Description |
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Character set: |
Alphanumeric |
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Length: Height: |
For ECC 000 to ECC 140 error correction, 9x9 to 49x49 modules in odd increments only. For GS1 ECC 200 error correction, 10x10 to 144x144 modules in even increments only. |
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Quiet zone: |
10 percent on all sides |
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Options: |
Square or rectangular shape |
GS1 Data Matrix
GS1 has these additional requirements for compliance to the GS1 Data Matrix bar code specifications:
The GS1 Data Matrix bar code must have a special Function 1 non-printable Symbol Character (FNC1) in the first position to differentiate it from other Data Matrix ECC 200 symbols.
GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) are used for all encoded data. AI's are 2, 3 or 4 digit numbers which define the meaning and the format of the data that follows. To create the code, AI data is concatenated into a single symbol. Where the length of AI data is not pre-defined, a field separator (ASCII value 232) is used before concatenating more AIs; When the length of AI data is pre-defined, a field separator is not required and the next AI is concatenated immediately after the last character of the previous AI. A FNC1 separator is not required after the last AI and last data encoded.
Only the characters contained in ISO 646 subset may be used in the bar code. Spaces are not allowed.
For additional information about AI specifications, printing, verifying and troubleshooting GS1 Data Matrix bar codes, see http://www.gs1.org/docs/barcodes/GS1_DataMatrix_Introduction_and_technical_overview.pdf