Question 1

What is a Data Matrix barcode?

Accepted Answer

Data Matrix is a compact two-dimensional (2D) matrix barcode made of black and white cells arranged in a square or rectangle. It uses an L-shaped finder pattern (solid left and bottom edges) and a timing pattern (alternating cells) so a scanner can locate and read it even at small sizes. It can encode up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters.

Question 2

Where are Data Matrix barcodes used?

Accepted Answer

Data Matrix is widely used for small-item marking: printed circuit boards (PCB), electronic components, surgical instruments, pharmaceutical blister packs (GS1 DataMatrix), aerospace parts (NASA, ATA Spec 2000) and laser-etched metal parts. It stays readable down to a few millimetres, which QR codes cannot.

Question 3

What is the difference between Data Matrix and QR code?

Accepted Answer

QR codes use three large corner finder patterns and are optimised for fast reading by phone cameras. Data Matrix uses a smaller L-shaped finder pattern and is more space-efficient - it can be much smaller for the same data. Data Matrix is preferred in manufacturing; QR codes are preferred in marketing.

Question 4

Does this tool use Reed-Solomon error correction?

Accepted Answer

This generator produces a finder-pattern, timing-pattern and data-placement Data Matrix symbol so the visual layout is correct and scannable by readers tolerant of minimal error correction. For mission-critical pharmaceutical/GS1 use, verify with a dedicated ECC200 library before printing.