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Data Matrix Code (ECC 200)

Q: What is the difference between a Data Matrix and a QR code?

Data Matrix uses an L-shaped solid border and a dotted edge. A QR Code uses three finder squares. Data Matrix is often printed very small on parts and medicine packs. The camera app can scan both. Each result is the raw text.

Q: How small can a Data Matrix code be?

ECC 200 symbols run from 10 by 10 modules up to 144 by 144. A phone can read one when the modules are sharp in the picture. The app adds no size limit of its own.

Q: Can I scan Data Matrix codes with my phone?

Yes. The camera app can scan this. The Zebra app can scan this. You get the raw text. The app does not read GS1 fields, a device identifier, or a medicine serial as separate values.

The camera app can scan this. The Zebra app can scan this.

Data Matrix packs data into a grid of square modules framed by an L-shaped solid border and a dotted timing edge. It stays readable when very small or partly damaged, so it is the code of choice for marking parts, medicines and electronics.

Also called DataMatrix, DMC, Data Matrix Code, ECC 200, Semacode.

In this family

Specifications

Standard	ISO/IEC 16022
Character set	ASCII, extended ASCII / bytes, C40, Text, X12, EDIFACT modes; ECI
Capacity	Up to 3116 digits, 2335 alphanumeric characters or 1556 bytes (144x144)
Error correction	Reed-Solomon error correction (ECC 200)
Dimension	2D matrix
Origin	Developed by International Data Matrix (ID Matrix) in the late 1980s; ECC 200 is the current version

Where it is used

Electronics and direct part marking, pharmaceuticals (EU FMD), aerospace, postage (franking), healthcare UDI

Part marks, medicine packs, and small electronics use it because the grid stays readable at a small size.

The camera app returns the raw string. It does not split GS1 fields or a medicine serial. The Zebra app can scan this too.

Example

30Q324343430794<OQQ

Scan and create

Create this code Camera app Zebra app

Create this code opens the barcode generator with this symbology and the sample text filled in.

The camera app can scan this and shows it as Data Matrix. It returns the raw text. It does not open links, look up products, or start a payment. The desktop companion types that text into the focused field.

The Zebra app can scan this. It returns the raw text.

Related codes

Questions

What is the difference between a Data Matrix and a QR code?

Data Matrix uses an L-shaped solid border and a dotted edge. A QR Code uses three finder squares. Data Matrix is often printed very small on parts and medicine packs. The camera app can scan both. Each result is the raw text.

How small can a Data Matrix code be?

ECC 200 symbols run from 10 by 10 modules up to 144 by 144. A phone can read one when the modules are sharp in the picture. The app adds no size limit of its own.

Can I scan Data Matrix codes with my phone?

Yes. The camera app can scan this. The Zebra app can scan this. You get the raw text. The app does not read GS1 fields, a device identifier, or a medicine serial as separate values.