Free Data Matrix Code Generator
Data Matrix is a small square 2D code that holds a lot of data in very little space. Type any text, up to 1,000 characters here, check that it scans and download it for parts, electronics, small labels and lab samples.
Any text up to 1,000 characters.
The blank margin around the code, in modules (the width of the narrowest bar or one cell). Data Matrix needs at least 1.
Made in your browser; nothing you type is sent to QRdx. WebP and AVIF are encoded by QRdx's server when you pick them, and nothing is kept.
Where Data Matrix barcodes are used
Marking parts and electronics, sometimes etched straight onto metal, because a Data Matrix stays readable when part of it is damaged. Also small labels, lab tubes, documents and mail.
Readers need a camera (an image-based scanner or a phone app), not a laser scanner. Many warehouse scanners read it, but some phone camera apps only read QR codes.
Plain Data Matrix or GS1 DataMatrix?
This page makes plain Data Matrix (ECC 200): it holds whatever text you type, with no registration.
GS1 DataMatrix, required on some medicines and regulated packaging, adds a special first character and GS1 Application Identifiers. It isn't offered here; use GS1-128 if you need GS1 data in a barcode from this generator.
What Data Matrix can hold
What it takes
Any text up to 1,000 characters.
Example
https://qrdx.devAny text, up to 1,000 characters here. The code grows in steps as you add text, from 10 × 10 cells upwards; this generator draws the square form.
The largest square Data Matrix (144 × 144 cells) holds 3,116 digits, 2,335 letters and digits, or 1,556 bytes. Digits pack most tightly.
Data Matrix barcode size
| Example as SVG, PDF or EPS | 15.5 × 15.5 mm |
|---|---|
| Cell | 0.706 mm |
| Quiet zone | At least 1 cell all round; the generator starts with 2 |
- The vector downloads draw each cell 0.71 mm square, so SN-0042-7781 comes out 12.7 mm across with its margin. Scale it down in your layout for small labels.
- The smallest cell a scanner reads depends on the scanner and the print, so test at the size you'll use.
- Data Matrix needs only a 1-cell margin; the generator starts with 2.
Data Matrix barcode API
The same barcode is an image URL, with no API key: put it in an img tag, a label template or a product feed. It checks the value the way this page does, and allows 300 requests a minute per IP address. The barcode API docs list every option.
SVG image
https://api.qrdx.dev/v1/barcode?format=datamatrix&data=https%3A%2F%2Fqrdx.devPNG, 3 pixels per module
https://api.qrdx.dev/v1/barcode?format=datamatrix&data=https%3A%2F%2Fqrdx.dev&type=png&scale=3In a web page
<img src="https://api.qrdx.dev/v1/barcode?format=datamatrix&data=https%3A%2F%2Fqrdx.dev" alt="Data Matrix https://qrdx.dev" />Data Matrix barcode FAQ
Can a phone read a Data Matrix?
Many barcode scanner apps can. Some phone camera apps only open QR codes, so if people scan with their phones, a QR code is the safer choice.
Data Matrix or QR code?
For links people scan with a phone, QR. For small parts and industrial labels read by scanners, Data Matrix: it's more compact for short serial numbers and is the norm in electronics and part marking.
Does it have error correction?
Yes. ECC 200 Data Matrix always includes Reed–Solomon error correction, so a scuffed or partly covered code can still be read.
Other barcode types
All 11 barcode typesBarcodes are static: the data is in the bars, so they work offline and never expire. For a link people scan with a phone camera, use one of the QR code generators.