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Data Matrix Generator

Create generic Data Matrix barcodes for text and internal IDs. GS1 DataMatrix is not supported.

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What is a Data Matrix barcode?

A Data Matrix barcode stores data in a two-dimensional pattern of modules instead of a single row of bars. A compatible 2D reader returns the encoded value. QR Code AI's Data Matrix editor accepts up to 500 supported ASCII characters, including tabs and line breaks. This is a generic Data Matrix generator; GS1 DataMatrix is not offered by this editor. See the ISO Data Matrix specification for the underlying format.

For an internal component label, encode PART-2048 and scan it into the matching field in your parts system. Verify that the reader supports Data Matrix; a linear-only scanner cannot read a 2D symbol. Preserve clear space on every side and test the downloaded symbol at the intended physical size.

How to create a Data Matrix barcode

Enter the data, check the symbol and test the downloaded label in the workflow where it will be scanned.

  1. Step 1

    Enter the correct data

    Enter an internal identifier such as PART-2048 or other supported ASCII text. Confirm that the receiving application expects the same data and any line breaks you include.

  2. Step 2

    Review the symbol and contrast

    Choose a dark foreground on a lighter background. Keep the built-in quiet zones and add padding if needed. Review the preview and resolve validation or scannability errors.

  3. Step 3

    Download and test a label

    Choose PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, PDF or EPS. Preserve proportions and clear margins in your layout, then scan a printed sample with the intended reader and compare the returned data.

Prepare your Data Matrix label for its destination

Check your data, preserve clear margins and choose the right file for your label.

Data Matrix or QR code?

Use Data Matrix for internal identifiers read by a compatible 2D scanner. For a website link intended for phone cameras, choose a URL QR code. This generator creates generic Data Matrix symbols; it does not provide GS1 DataMatrix.

Keep clear margins

The generator preserves required quiet zones around the symbol. Keep these areas clear in your layout, and test a printed sample at its intended size with the scanner you will use.

Choose your export format

Download SVG, PDF or EPS vectors, or PNG, JPG or WebP images. Every export is checked against the saved data; test the final print on its intended material too. Compare the six barcode download formats in our guide.

Compare barcode formats

Choose the data for a compact internal label

Two Data Matrix symbols at the same size encode a short identifier and a longer internal record.

Fit the data to the available label area

More encoded data can require more modules in a Data Matrix symbol. At the same printed width, a denser symbol leaves smaller modules for the reader to resolve. For an internal record lookup, a short identifier may be more appropriate than copying a long record into the barcode.

A Data Matrix contains PART=2048;SER=0091, interpreted as two fields by an external application.

Agree on the meaning of multiple fields

If your internal software expects PART=2048;SER=0091, a generic Data Matrix can carry that exact text. Your software must interpret the field names and separators. Those labels are your internal data convention, not GS1 Application Identifiers.

Data Matrix vs QR Code vs GS1 DataMatrix

QR Code AI creates generic Data Matrix symbols with native SVG, PDF and EPS exports for compact text and identifier artwork. Compare the data and reader requirements with QR Code and GS1 DataMatrix; GS1 DataMatrix is not available in this creator. A cross means the creation mode is not offered by this editor. Select an icon or underlined label for details.

Format and input guidance · sources checked October 30, 2026
What to compare
Data Matrix
QR Code
GS1 DataMatrixSeparate GS1 mode

Encoded data

Text / internal ID

Text / internal ID

Text or an internal identifier

URL · text · WiFi

URL · text · WiFi

Content such as a URL, text or WiFi settings

GS1 AIs + values

GS1 AIs + values

GS1 Application Identifiers and values

Example task

Parts-system input

Parts-system input

Read PART-2048 into a parts system

Phone instructions

Phone instructions

Open instructions from a phone

Product + attributes

Product + attributes

Interpret standardised product and attribute fields

Reader

Data Matrix 2D reader

Data Matrix 2D reader

A 2D reader with Data Matrix support

QR phone / reader

QR phone / reader

A QR-capable phone camera or reader

GS1-capable system

GS1-capable system

A reader and application supporting GS1 DataMatrix

Creation path

Generic Data Matrix editor

QR generator

QR generator

Separate QR code generator

Not offered by this editor

Key distinction

Editor: 500 chars max

Editor: 500 chars max

This editor accepts up to 500 supported ASCII characters

Content / reader action

Content / reader action

The action depends on the encoded content and reader

GS1 mode is distinct

GS1 mode is distinct

A generic Data Matrix symbol is not automatically GS1 DataMatrix

QR Code AI keeps the quiet zone around the Data Matrix symbol and checks the exported image or vector artwork against the saved value and expected format before download. That checks the exported artwork; it does not certify a printed mark or turn generic Data Matrix into GS1 DataMatrix.

The 500-character figure is an editor limit, not Data Matrix’s general capacity. Linear-only scanners cannot read these 2D symbols. See the ISO Data Matrix overview, DENSO WAVE’s QR explanation and GS1’s FNC1 and AI explanation. GS1 DataMatrix is included here to explain its distinct scope, not as an available creation mode.

Data Matrix barcode questions

Input, printing and saved barcode behaviour

This editor accepts 1 to 500 printable ASCII characters, plus tabs and line breaks. It does not accept arbitrary Unicode text. These are the product's supported input limits, not the maximum capacity of every Data Matrix implementation.

No. This tool creates generic Data Matrix symbols. It does not provide the GS1 DataMatrix mode required by some healthcare or regulated supply-chain applications. Select a tool and workflow that explicitly support the required GS1 standard.

The scanner must support Data Matrix and two-dimensional imaging. A linear-only scanner cannot read it. Check the scanner's supported symbologies and verify the decoded value in the receiving software before printing your labels.

Yes. QR Code AI offers SVG, PDF and EPS vector exports, plus PNG, JPG and WebP raster files. Keep the complete symbol and its blank margins in the layout. Verify a printed sample at its intended size with a compatible scanner.

A downloaded barcode contains fixed data and has no built-in expiry date. Changing a saved value requires downloading and printing a new symbol; existing copies keep their original data. These Barcodes do not provide scan analytics or editable redirects. A connected inventory or checkout system may update its own record for the same identifier. For customer-facing web links with scan analytics, consider a URL QR code and QR code tracking.

Yes. A personal account and each non-Premium Workspace can create three Barcodes. Archiving a Barcode does not free a creation slot; Premium allows additional creations. Creating, editing or downloading a Barcode does not start the seven-day trial. The trial begins with the first dynamic QR code or Smart Link in that scope. The barcode itself retains its directly encoded value when a trial ends; it has no managed redirect to keep active.

Encode text and identifiers in a compact two-dimensional symbol. Review the value, download your chosen format and check the label in its intended scanning workflow.