Data Matrix Generator: Free Data Matrix Codes Online

Capacity depends on the symbol size and on the kind of data: digits pack two to a codeword, so a symbol holds about twice as many digits as letters. Error correction is fixed per size; you do not pick a level as you do with QR codes. The table shows a few sizes from the GS1 General Specifications (Table 5-32, equivalent to Table 7 of ISO/IEC 16022).

The largest square symbol holds 3,116 digits, 2,335 alphanumeric characters or 1,556 bytes. The largest rectangle (16x48) holds 98 digits. Pick Auto and the tool chooses the smallest size that fits; pick a size yourself when every label in a run must look the same.

The quiet zone is the clear margin around the code. GS1 specifies a quiet zone one module wide on all four sides of a GS1 DataMatrix; QR Code needs four modules (GS1 General Specifications, Table 5-46). The tool defaults to 2 modules to leave room for trimming (sizes in the quiet zone guide); do not go below 1 and do not print anything inside it.

The module size is the side of one square. On screen it is set in pixels here. In print it is called the X-dimension: for GS1 DataMatrix on retail consumer packaging GS1 gives a minimum of 0.396 mm, a target of 0.495 mm and a maximum of 0.990 mm (Table 5-46). For export to print, use SVG and scale it so each module lands in that range.

Colours: dark modules on a light background are the safe choice. The tool warns when the contrast between your two colours is low, or when the code is lighter than its background.

Source: GS1 General Specifications, Release 26.0, section 5.6.

For laser marking and engraving software such as LightBurn, set Output size to millimetres, enter the module size you want on the part and download the SVG: its width and height are written in mm, so it imports at that size. “White background” is off by default, so the file has no background rectangle for the laser to engrave; the dark modules are filled squares joined into closed shapes.

Check the size your software shows after import and mark a test piece first; we have not tested every laser program. To mark a series, make a numbered sequence in Batch and download a ZIP of SVG files.

Open Batch under the tool, paste one value per line (or columns from Excel) or load a CSV file, or make a numbered sequence, and download a ZIP of PNG or SVG files, or a PDF laid out for Avery 5160, 5163 or 5167 sheets, your own A4 layout or thermal roll labels. Up to 100 codes per export are free. The Data Matrix labels page explains label sizes and printing.

Single codes stay free with every option. Data Matrix Generator Pro is for long lists: US$19.90 a month or US$129 a year, cancel any time.

Details and refunds are on the pricing page.

A Data Matrix is a two-dimensional barcode made of square modules inside a solid “L” finder pattern on two sides and an alternating timing pattern on the other two. It is used where space is tight: small parts, electronic components, pharmaceutical packs, medical devices and logistics labels. The version in use today is ECC 200, standardised in ISO/IEC 16022.

This generator makes ECC 200 symbols in all 24 square sizes, from 10 × 10 to 144 × 144 modules, the 6 rectangular sizes from 8 × 18 to 16 × 48, and the 18 rectangular extension (DMRE) sizes of ISO/IEC 21471 from 8 × 48 to 26 × 64. For product codes that follow GS1 rules (GTIN, expiry date, batch, serial), use the GS1 Data Matrix generator, which adds FNC1 and checks every Application Identifier.

Four steps, no account:

1. Type or paste the text, number or URL into the box. Latin letters, digits and punctuation work everywhere; other scripts are stored as UTF-8 with an ECI marker.
2. Choose square, rectangle or extended (DMRE), and Auto or a fixed size.
3. Set the module size in pixels, or switch Output size to millimetres, pick your printer’s dpi and get a size matched to its dots. Set the quiet zone and the two colours too. The preview updates as you type, and under it you see what a scanner will read.
4. Click Download PNG for documents and screens, or Download SVG for print and label software, where it scales without blur.

Most failures come from the print, not the data:

• The quiet zone is cut off or printed over by text or a border.
• The modules are too small for the printer or the scanner: at small sizes, use a larger module or a rectangle with fewer rows.
• Low contrast, glossy film or a code printed light on dark for a scanner that only reads dark on light.
• The label was printed with “Fit to page”, which shrinks every module. Print PDFs at 100%.
• Older laser scanners: a Data Matrix needs a camera-based (imaging) scanner or a phone. Check yours with these scanner test codes.

Both are 2D codes. A Data Matrix is more compact for short data and needs a smaller quiet zone (1 module against 4 for QR Code in GS1’s Table 5-46), which is why it is common on small parts and healthcare packs. QR Code lets you choose the error correction level and is what most people expect for links on posters. If a regulation or a trading partner asks for GS1 DataMatrix, use the GS1 mode; for marketing links, a QR code is usually the better choice. The same data in both codes, measured: Data Matrix vs QR code.