Quick answer: type any text, number or web address and the Data Matrix appears – the size of the symbol grows with the data. For medicine packs and other GS1 uses, tick “GS1 DataMatrix” and build the data with (01) GTIN, (21) serial, (10) batch and (17) expiry.
Why industry chose Data Matrix
Data Matrix stores a lot in a tiny square and still reads when part of it is damaged, thanks to Reed-Solomon error correction (the ECC 200 version, which is the only one used today). It needs only a one-module quiet zone and reads well even when engraved or laser-marked directly on metal or plastic – that is why electronics, aerospace and car makers use it to mark parts.
| Capacity (largest 144×144 symbol) | |
|---|---|
| Digits | 3,116 |
| Letters and digits | 2,335 |
| Bytes (any data) | 1,556 |
| Smallest symbol | 10 × 10 modules (6 digits) |
The L-shaped solid border tells the scanner where the code is and which way up it is; the dotted border on the other two sides sets the grid.
How to create a Data Matrix code
- Enter the data. Plain text, a URL or numbers. For GS1, tick the GS1 option and use the builder.
- Pick square or rectangle. Rectangular symbols fit along the edge of narrow labels and cylindrical parts.
- Set the module size. 0.5 mm is a good start for labels; down to 0.25 mm for small parts if your printer is precise.
- Download. Use SVG or PDF for artwork and PNG at 600 dpi for small labels.
GS1 DataMatrix on medicine packs
Since 2019 the EU Falsified Medicines Directive requires a GS1 DataMatrix on prescription medicines, and the US DSCSA requires one on drug packages too. It must carry four fields, which pharmacies scan to check that a pack is genuine:
- (01) the product code (GTIN, or a national code such as a PPN),
- (21) a unique serial number for the pack,
- (10) the batch number, and
- (17) the expiry date as YYMMDD.
Example: (01)09506000134376(21)7KSQ2J1C(10)B4410(17)270930. The serial number must also be uploaded to the national verification system – the barcode alone is not enough for compliance. GS1 DataMatrix is also used on surgical instruments (UDI) and increasingly on food packs.
Direct part marking
When a Data Matrix is laser-etched, dot-peened or ink-jetted directly onto a part, the contrast is lower than on a label. Use a larger module size, keep the code square, and make sure there is at least one module of clean surface around it. The SVG and PDF downloads give your marking software exact module positions to work from.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Data Matrix and QR Code?
Both are 2D codes. Data Matrix is smaller for the same data and needs less margin, so industry prefers it; QR codes are what phone cameras open as links.
Can a phone camera read Data Matrix?
Some phone cameras and most scanning apps do, but QR Code is the better choice for links meant for consumers.
What does “GS1 DataMatrix” change?
It starts the symbol with a special FNC1 character and expects Application Identifiers, so pharmacy and logistics systems can split the data into GTIN, serial, batch and expiry.
How small can I print a Data Matrix?
That depends on the printer. Each module should be at least 2–3 printer dots; at 600 dpi a module of 0.25 mm is realistic.
Can it hold Urdu or Arabic text?
Yes. Text is encoded as UTF-8; the reader must also support UTF-8 to display it correctly.