How it works
- Type or paste the content. Text in any language works, and the counter under the box shows how many bytes it takes.
- Pick square or rectangle. Square holds far more, while rectangle suits narrow labels.
- Set the module size and the quiet zone, keeping at least 1 module of white on every side.
- Download the PNG or SVG, or print the Data Matrix on its own, then scan a test copy with the reader you will use.
How much a Data Matrix holds
According to ISO/IEC 16022, the largest square Data Matrix, 144 × 144 modules, holds up to 3,116 digits, 2,335 letters and digits, or 1,555 bytes of other data, and the smallest is 10 × 10 modules. Rectangular symbols run from 8 × 18 to 16 × 48 modules. With the encoder used here, the largest rectangle holds 98 digits or 72 capital letters and digits.
This tool accepts content up to the largest possible size and lets the encoder decide whether it fits. If it does not, the message says what the limit is for the shape you picked.
Where Data Matrix is used
- Healthcare: GS1 describes GS1 DataMatrix as widely adopted in the healthcare industry.
- Marking parts directly: the GS1 DataMatrix guideline covers codes that are laser etched, dot peened or engraved onto items such as small surgical instruments.
- Small items: for some direct part marking GS1 specifies modules as small as 0.1 mm, so a code can fit in a very small space.
Data Matrix and GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 DataMatrix is a Data Matrix that starts with a special FNC1 character and carries GS1 application identifiers, such as a product number, batch and expiry date. Supply chains that ask for GS1 DataMatrix need that exact structure. This tool makes plain Data Matrix codes and does not add FNC1 or application identifiers.
Accented letters, other scripts and emoji
Plain ASCII text goes into the code as it is. Anything else, such as é, 日本 or an emoji, is stored as UTF-8 bytes behind an ECI 000026 marker, which tells the reader the bytes are UTF-8. Each of those characters takes 2 to 4 bytes, so the code fills up faster, and some readers may not support ECI, so test non-English text with yours.
Printing a Data Matrix
- Keep a quiet zone at least 1 module wide on all four sides. GS1 notes that a narrower quiet zone fails ISO/IEC 15415 print quality grading.
- Download the SVG for labels and artwork so the modules stay sharp when resized.
- Do not stretch the code unevenly. Each module should stay square.
More barcode formats
Frequently asked questions
Can a phone read a Data Matrix code?
It depends on the app. Data Matrix needs a camera based reader, so a phone can read it with a scanner app that supports Data Matrix, but test with the app your readers will use.
Should I choose a square or rectangular Data Matrix?
Choose square unless the space is long and narrow. Both shapes use ECC 200, but the largest rectangle stops at 16 × 48 modules and about 98 digits.
How much text fits in a Data Matrix?
Up to 3,116 digits or 1,555 bytes in the largest square symbol. The tool tells you when the content is too long for the shape you picked.
Is this a GS1 DataMatrix?
No. It makes plain Data Matrix codes, without the FNC1 start character and application identifiers that GS1 DataMatrix requires.
Will a laser barcode scanner read it?
No. Data Matrix needs an imaging scanner or camera. GS1 notes that laser scanners for linear barcodes cannot read it.
Is my text uploaded?
No. The Data Matrix is encoded in your browser, and the text you type is not sent to a server.