GS1-DataMatrix

The GS1-DataMatrix is a specialized variant of the 2D DataMatrix code, primarily used in trade and industry for labeling goods and pallets.

Features of the GS1-DataMatrix

• Special Characters: The GS1-DataMatrix uses the control character FNC1 immediately following the start character. The combination of start character and FNC1 uniquely identifies a GS1-DataMatrix.
• Automatic Generation: When selecting GS1-DataMatrix in ActiveBarcode, the start character and FNC1 are automatically generated.
• Field Separator: The GS1-DataMatrix utilizes the control character <FNC1> or <GS> to mark the end of fields with variable lenght.

Encoding Multiple Data

A GS1-DataMatrix can encode multiple data points simultaneously, such as a product code (similar to the EAN 13), weight information, or expiration date. This is achieved using internationally standardized Application Identifiers (AI), which specify the type of encoded data.

Example of a GS1-DataMatrix:

The human-readable text, e.g., (01)01234567890128(15)051231, includes:

• (01): Product code (14 digits).
• (15): Expiration date (6 digits, format YYMMDD, here 31.12.05).

The parentheses are for readability only and are not encoded in the barcode.

How to create a GS1-DataMatrix with ActiveBarcode

Enter the human-readable text including the Application Identifiers, e.g., (01)01234567890128(15)051231ActiveBarcode automatically removes the parentheses and generates the correct GS1-DataMatrix, e.g. 010123456789012815051231.

Variable-Length Data

For variable-length data (e.g., quantity or serial number), the control character FNC1 must be inserted before the next AI to indicate the end of the data.

Example:

Human-readable text: (30)19<FNC1>(21)123456789012

• (30): Quantity (here 19, up to 8 digits).
• (21): Serial number (here 123456789012).

The <FNC1> is generated in ActiveBarcode by entering <FNC1>.

Note: If a scanner does not recognize the FNC1, the character <GS> can be used instead, as some scanners incorrectly expect this character.

Further Information

• An overview of all standardized Application Identifiers.
• GS1 DataMatrix Guideline: Overview and technical introduction to the use of GS1 DataMatrix

List of the GS1-DataMatrix symbol sizes, complete with examples.Link
Each of these represents a different symbol size of the GS1-DataMatrix code. The choice determines how much data can be encoded and how large the code will appear.

Smaller symbols (e.g. 10x10, 12x12) can hold less data but take up less space.
Larger symbols (e.g., 20x20, 24x24, and up) can store more characters or additional GS1 elements.
If your data content always stays short, then using a smaller symbol is perfectly fine. If you later add more information, you'll need to select a larger version so the data still fits.

The choice partly depends on the amount of data and partly on the available space. The software automatically ensures that whichever size you pick still produces a valid, scannable GS1-DataMatrix.

ActiveBarcode offers three automatic types: AUTO, SQUARE and RECTANGLE. These always select the smallest possible symbol size that can accommodate all your data. SQUARE and RECTANGLE are limited to square and rectangular formats, respectively, while AUTO uses both. If you choose a fixed type such as 64x64, that specific symbol size will be enforced, even if a smaller and more compact code would also work.

AUTO

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 74
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX

Max numbers: 6-3116
Max characters: 3-2335
Max bytes: 1-1556
Max error correction: 2-310

SQUARE

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 75
Code: GS1DATAMATRIXSQUARE

Max numbers: 6-3116
Max characters: 3-2335
Max bytes: 1-1556
Max error correction: 2-310

RECTANGLE

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 76
Code: GS1DATAMATRIXRECTANGULAR

Max numbers: 10-98
Max characters: 6-72
Max bytes: 3-47
Max error correction: 7-98

10x10

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 77
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX10X10

Max numbers: 6
Max characters: 3
Max bytes: 1
Max error correction: 2

12x12

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 78
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX12X12

Max numbers: 10
Max characters: 6
Max bytes: 3
Max error correction: 3

8x18

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 79
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX8X18

Max numbers: 10
Max characters: 6
Max bytes: 3
Max error correction: 7

14x14

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 80
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX14X14

Max numbers: 16
Max characters: 10
Max bytes: 6
Max error correction: 5

8x32

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 81
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX8X32

Max numbers: 20
Max characters: 13
Max bytes: 8
Max error correction: 11

16x16

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 82
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX16X16

Max numbers: 24
Max characters: 16
Max bytes: 10
Max error correction: 6

12x26

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 83
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX12X26

Max numbers: 32
Max characters: 22
Max bytes: 14
Max error correction: 32

18x18

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 84
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX18X18

Max numbers: 36
Max characters: 25
Max bytes: 16
Max error correction: 7

20x20

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 85
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX20X20

Max numbers: 44
Max characters: 31
Max bytes: 20
Max error correction: 9

12x36

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 86
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX12X36

Max numbers: 44
Max characters: 31
Max bytes: 20
Max error correction: 44

22x22

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 87
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX22X22

Max numbers: 60
Max characters: 43
Max bytes: 28
Max error correction: 10

16x36

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 88
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX16X36

Max numbers: 64
Max characters: 46
Max bytes: 30
Max error correction: 64

24x24

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 89
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX24X24

Max numbers: 72
Max characters: 52
Max bytes: 34
Max error correction: 12

26x26

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 90
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX26X26

Max numbers: 88
Max characters: 64
Max bytes: 42
Max error correction: 14

16x48

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 91
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX16X48

Max numbers: 98
Max characters: 72
Max bytes: 47
Max error correction: 98

32x32

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 92
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX32X32

Max numbers: 124
Max characters: 91
Max bytes: 60
Max error correction: 18

36x36

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 93
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX36X36

Max numbers: 172
Max characters: 127
Max bytes: 84
Max error correction: 21

40x40

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 94
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX40X40

Max numbers: 228
Max characters: 169
Max bytes: 112
Max error correction: 24

44x44

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 95
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX44X44

Max numbers: 288
Max characters: 214
Max bytes: 142
Max error correction: 28

48x48

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 96
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX48X48

Max numbers: 348
Max characters: 259
Max bytes: 172
Max error correction: 34

52x52

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 97
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX52X52

Max numbers: 408
Max characters: 304
Max bytes: 202
Max error correction: 42

64x64

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 98
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX64X64

Max numbers: 560
Max characters: 418
Max bytes: 278
Max error correction: 56

72x72

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 100
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX72X72

Max numbers: 736
Max characters: 550
Max bytes: 366
Max error correction: 72

80x80

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 101
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX80X80

Max numbers: 912
Max characters: 682
Max bytes: 454
Max error correction: 96

88x88

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 102
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX88X88

Max numbers: 1152
Max characters: 862
Max bytes: 574
Max error correction: 112

96x96

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 103
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX96X96

Max numbers: 1392
Max characters: 1042
Max bytes: 694
Max error correction: 136

104x104

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 104
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX104X104

Max numbers: 1632
Max characters: 1222
Max bytes: 814
Max error correction: 168

120x120

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 105
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX120X120

Max numbers: 2100
Max characters: 1573
Max bytes: 1048
Max error correction: 204

132x132

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 106
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX132X132

Max numbers: 2608
Max characters: 1954
Max bytes: 1302
Max error correction: 248

144x144

GS1-DataMatrix
Typeno: 107
Code: GS1DATAMATRIX144X144

Max numbers: 3116
Max characters: 2335
Max bytes: 1556
Max error correction: 310

This list represent an overview for orientation purpose but does not claim any correctness regarding the max values.