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Rectangular Data Matrix

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

Besides squares, the Data Matrix standard defines a few rectangular sizes such as 8x18 or 16x48 modules. They let a 2D code fit onto narrow surfaces like cable sleeves or the edge of a circuit board.

Also called Data Matrix rectangle, rectangular DMC.

In this family

Specifications

StandardISO/IEC 16022 (6 rectangular sizes, 8x18 to 16x48)
Character setAs Data Matrix
CapacityStandard rectangles up to 16x48 modules: 98 digits / 72 alphanumeric (per PDF table)
Error correctionReed-Solomon (ECC 200)
Dimension2D matrix
OriginPart of ECC 200

Where it is used

Narrow labels, cables, PCB edges, vials

People use it for narrow labels, cables, PCB edges, vials.

The camera app can scan this. The Zebra app can scan this. Both return the raw text.

Example

Datamatrix

Scan and create

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.

DMRE

DMRE adds more rectangular sizes to Data Matrix. The camera app can scan Data Matrix. This page does not claim those extra DMRE sizes.

DMRE – Data Matrix Rectangular Extension

DMRE extends classic Data Matrix with extra rectangular formats, such as 8x64 or 24x48 modules. These shapes carry more data in the same height, which helps on narrow labels and small parts.

Character set: As Data Matrix

Standard: ISO/IEC 21471

Example: ABC

Related codes

Questions

Which rectangular sizes does Data Matrix support?

Besides squares, the Data Matrix standard defines a few rectangular sizes such as 8x18 or 16x48 modules. The cited standard is ISO/IEC 16022 (6 rectangular sizes, 8x18 to 16x48). The camera app can scan this. It returns the raw text. The Zebra app can scan this.

Is a rectangular Data Matrix harder to scan?

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

When should I choose rectangular over square?

Besides squares, the Data Matrix standard defines a few rectangular sizes such as 8x18 or 16x48 modules. The cited standard is ISO/IEC 16022 (6 rectangular sizes, 8x18 to 16x48). The camera app can scan this. It returns the raw text. The Zebra app can scan this.