DataMatrix Generator - Creating DataMatrix (ECC200) 2D barcodes with AVS Barcode Source

Our software 'AVS Barcode Source', can create DataMatrix 2D barcodes (otherwise known as IEC16022 ECC200). It supports all encoding modes, including automatically switching between encodings to produce the most efficent encoding possible. DataMatrix barcodes can store much larger amounts of data (up to around 3K), and even for small amounts of data, are often used as they are far more compact than traditional 1D (linear) barcodes.

This page describes the features specific to DataMatrix barcodes.

Creating a DataMatrix barcode using AVS Barcode Source is about as easy as it could possibly be. You simply select 'DataMatrix' from the list of barcode formats, and then enter your data. The DataMatrix barcode image is created as you type. You can optionally adjust the size of the resulting image, colours, and other print options. Then click 'Save'. It is a simple as that.

Behind the scenes, DataMatrix uses Reed-Solomon encoding, which means that errors due to the image being partially damaged can be corrected automatically by the scanning equipment. In fact, in some settings, the image can be up to around 60% damaged, and still be decodable. The 'AVS Barcode Source' DataMatrix generator includes fully automatic addition of Reed-Solomon encoding, at the correct error level, and is completely transparent to the user.

The size of a DataMatrix barcode depends on the amount of data being encoded, and various standard sizes are specified. AVS Barcode Source automatically chooses the smallest possible size for the data to be encoded, and expands it as necessary as data is added. You can see the DataMatrix onscreen as you enter data, so you can see how the amount of data entered affects the DataMatrix size.

The overall size of the resulting image depends on how large each DataMatrix 'pixel' is, which is user-configurable. The Dots-Per-Inch (DPI) can also be specified, so the image will print accurately on the target printer.

Images may be saved as BMP, GIF, JPG, TIFF, EXIF, PNG or EPS (vector) format files. Alternatively, the image can be 'copied' directly to the Windows clipboard, ready for 'pasting' into another application.

The images produced may then be used in other products such as Desktop Publishing (DTP) packages, word processors, etc. The software is not a label designer in its own right, but is instead a specialised 'source' of barcodes, which can then be exported and used as desired in other applications.

DataMatrix generation is complex - the specification runs to nearly 100 pages. DataMatrix is a good example of a barcode format that is difficult to implement well using barcode fonts. 'AVS Barcode Source' completely automates the process of DataMatrix generation - you simply enter the data, and the correct DataMatrix image, containing Reed-Solomon error correction, correctly sized, and formatted according to your specifications, will be created as you type, ready for you to save to a graphics format file. It really couldn't be any simpler.

DataMatrix is one of a new "breed" of barcode specification - the 2-dimensional barcode - other 2D barcodes are PDF-417, QR-Code, Maxicode, and Aztec. Although some of these specifications have been around for a while, they are now starting to be adopted for new uses at an increasing rate - their ability to store larger amounts of data with built-in error correction features mean new markets are opening up for this technology. DataMatrix is specified for use by NASA (NASA-HDBK-6002 and NASA-HDBK-6003) and the US Department of Defence (MIL-STD-130 / MIL-STD-130N).

Unlike some other products, DataMatrix is included in the "main" version of AVS Barcode Source - no need to upgrade to a special "2D" version or buy any add-ons.

Note that the 'AVS Barcode Source' product supports a number of other barcode formats, not just DataMatrix. For a full list, see the main product details page.

We would like to thank Andrews and Arnold ISP Limited for kindly giving us permission to use their 'iec16022' encoding routine in our implementation.

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