Datamatrix 2D Barcode - Specifications

This code was developed by RVSI and subsequently standardized by AIM USA. The code can carry up to about 1,800 characters (To put this in perspective consider the UPC bar code on your every day grocery products: It holds only 12 digits) or 3,000 digits in a special compaction mode. Datamatrix features a very capable error correction mechanism. Our software and components handle all compaction and error correction automatically.

Sample barcode encodes the text "ABCEDFGH01234567":

Sample barcode created with our barcode plugin for Adobe Illustrator.

This symbology is very popular in applications that require large amounts of data to be printed in the smallest possible outline. For example, when printed with 600dpi it is possible to encode about 30 digits in a space of only 25 mm2 (about .04 square inches). A typical application for this code is the tagging of integrated circuits. Besides Code 39 and Code 128, Datamatrix is also used for HIBC (Health Industry Bar Code) codes.

Binary data and extended ASCII characters, like umlauts ('ü') can be encoded with Datamatrix. Note: Before encoding non ASCII characters make sure your barcode scanner supports the extended ASCII set; this is not a given! Reading binary, i.e. non-printable, data will usually require a scanner that is connected via a serial (RS 232C) port.

Technically Datamatrix is a so called true 2-D barcode, meaning that it is not constructed from linear barcodes which are stacked upon each other. Scanning such a code requires a dedicated 2-dimensional barcode scanner. Barcode wands or common place CCD or laser scanners will not scan this barcode.

Software to create Datamatrix

Datamatrix is standardized by ISO (ISO/IEC 16022:2007). Click for Datamatrix specification (ISO website).