BarcodeOwl

DataMatrix Generator — Free 2D Barcodes

PNG downloads at 1x–4x resolution.

Preview

PNG for documents & web, SVG for print & designers — always free, no watermark, no signup.

Type or paste your data above and the DataMatrix renders instantly — serial numbers, GS1 Application Identifiers, URLs or free text up to 2,335 characters. Error correction is built into the symbology, so there's no check digit to manage.

Download a PNG at up to 4x resolution or an SVG vector for print — free, no signup, no watermark. DataMatrix codes generated here follow the ECC 200 standard and scan with any modern 2D imager or phone.

What is a DataMatrix code?

DataMatrix is a two-dimensional barcode symbology that packs data into a square or rectangular grid of black and white modules, framed by a solid L-shaped finder pattern. The current ECC 200 version uses Reed–Solomon error correction, which means the code still scans even when up to roughly 30% of its surface is damaged, scratched or poorly printed — one reason it dominates direct-part marking.

Because the data is stored in two dimensions, a DataMatrix holds far more information per square millimeter than any linear barcode. A 10-digit serial number fits comfortably in a symbol just a few millimeters across, which is why DataMatrix is the default choice wherever space is tight and durability matters.

Where DataMatrix is used

  • Electronics & semiconductors — PCBs, chips and components laser-marked with tiny DataMatrix codes for traceability through assembly
  • Pharmaceuticals & medical devices — EU FMD and US DSCSA serialization, UDI (Unique Device Identification) on implants and instruments
  • Aerospace & automotive — direct part marking (DPM) on machined and cast parts, per standards like NASA-STD-6002 and AIAG B-4
  • Food & beverage — GS1 DataMatrix carrying GTIN + batch + expiry for recall-ready traceability
  • Logistics & postal — Deutsche Post, Swiss Post and others use DataMatrix for mail sorting

DataMatrix specifications

The symbol size is chosen automatically: the encoder picks the smallest square (or rectangle) that fits your data, so you don't need to think about module counts. What you control is the printed module size — how many millimeters each little square measures — via the size slider above.

PropertySpecification
StandardISO/IEC 16022 (ECC 200)
Data capacityUp to 2,335 alphanumeric or 3,116 numeric characters
Symbol sizes (square)10×10 up to 144×144 modules
Symbol sizes (rectangular)6 formats from 8×18 to 16×48 modules
Error correctionReed–Solomon; recovers from ~30% symbol damage
Quiet zone1 module minimum on all four sides (2+ recommended)
Typical module size0.25 mm – 1.0 mm depending on marking method
GS1 variantGS1 DataMatrix adds an FNC1 prefix for Application Identifiers

GS1 DataMatrix for regulated products

If you're serializing pharmaceuticals, medical devices or food units, your data needs GS1 structure: a GTIN in Application Identifier (01), batch in (10), expiry in (17), serial in (21). Encode those in GS1-128 style with parentheses using the GS1-128 option, or structure your DataMatrix data with the AI numbers concatenated — scanners that understand GS1 will parse either. BarcodeOwl's validation keeps your input within DataMatrix capacity so the symbol stays readable.

Printing & scanning tips

  • Keep strong contrast: dark modules on a light, matte background; avoid glossy stock that reflects scanner illumination
  • Never crop into the L-shaped finder border or the quiet zone around it
  • For laser or inkjet printing use the SVG and print at 300+ DPI; modules smaller than ~0.3 mm need thermal or industrial printers
  • Phones scan DataMatrix with any modern 2D scanning app; dedicated industrial imagers handle the smallest direct-part marks
  • Test on the actual substrate — metal, glass and curved surfaces all behave differently than paper

Frequently asked questions

Is this DataMatrix generator free?

Yes. Generate and download as many DataMatrix codes as you like — PNG up to 4x and SVG vector — with no account, watermark or expiry. The codes never degrade or expire; they're just data.

DataMatrix vs QR code — which should I use?

Use QR when consumers will scan with phones (URLs, marketing, Wi-Fi) — QR has bigger capacity and every camera app reads it. Use DataMatrix for industrial and regulated labeling: it's more space-efficient at small sizes, reads at extreme angles, and its rectangular formats fit where a square QR never could. Pharma, electronics and aerospace standards mandate DataMatrix.

What is GS1 DataMatrix?

It's standard DataMatrix (ECC 200) with a GS1-mandated data structure: an FNC1 flag followed by Application Identifiers like (01) GTIN, (17) expiry, (10) batch and (21) serial. It's the required barcode for EU medicine serialization (FMD) and medical device UDI. BarcodeOwl generates the symbol; you supply correctly structured GS1 data.

How small can I print a DataMatrix code?

The smallest square symbol is 10×10 modules. At a typical 0.5 mm module size that's a 5 mm code; laser direct-part marking goes down to ~0.25 mm modules (2.5 mm codes). For office printers, keep modules at 0.5 mm or larger and always test-scan the final print.

Does a DataMatrix code need a check digit?

No. Unlike UPC or EAN, DataMatrix has built-in Reed–Solomon error correction covering the entire payload, so there's no separate check digit to calculate. If your data is a GS1 GTIN, that number has its own check digit — enter the full number and BarcodeOwl validates everything it can.

Can smartphones scan DataMatrix codes?

Yes — most modern camera apps and any 2D barcode scanner app read DataMatrix. Industrial DataMatrix codes under ~5 mm may need a dedicated scanner app or imager, since phone autofocus struggles at very close range.

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