Data Matrix Generator
Encode text, UDI or GS1 payloads as a Data Matrix barcode. Download as PNG or SVG — fully client-side.
Up to 2335 ASCII characters. For GS1, use parenthesised AIs.
Adds FNC1 prefix and parses AIs.
(01)09506000134352(17)261231(10)ABC123Files are generated on your device — nothing is uploaded.
About the Data Matrix generator
The ReadBarcode Data Matrix generator encodes text, UDI or GS1 payloads as a Data Matrix 2D barcode and renders both PNG and SVG output — all locally with the open-source bwip-js library.
Data Matrix is the dominant 2D format outside consumer QR: medical device UDI under FDA / EU MDR, pharma serialisation (PPN / GS1 DataMatrix), electronics, aerospace direct-part marking, and the GS1 Sunrise 2027 retail rollout all rely on it. Toggle GS1 mode to insert the required FNC1 prefix so scanners parse the payload as structured Application Identifiers.
When to use it
- Marking medical devices for FDA UDI or EU MDR.
- Pharma serialisation (GS1 DataMatrix with GTIN + lot + expiry + serial).
- Direct-part marking on metal, PCBs, or small electronics.
- Aerospace, automotive, and defence part traceability.
- Fresh-food variable-weight labelling alongside GS1 Digital Link.
- Embedding URLs or short payloads where Data Matrix is mandated.
How it works
- 1Step 1Enter your data
Type or paste up to 2335 ASCII characters.
- 2Step 2Choose GS1 mode
Enable for structured GS1 payloads with FNC1.
- 3Step 3Pick a size
Auto fits your data; force a size only when label artwork requires it.
- 4Step 4Tune scale & quiet zone
Bigger module size scans further; bigger quiet zone helps imperfect printers.
- 5Step 5Download PNG or SVG
SVG for print and labels; PNG for screen proofs.
What to avoid
- Putting parenthesised AIs in non-GS1 mode — scanners won't strip the brackets.
- Forcing a tiny symbol size that can't hold your data — switch back to Auto.
- Setting module size too small for the target printer's DPI — the modules blur together.
- Skipping the quiet zone — most scanners need at least 1 module of clearance.
- Encoding sensitive data in plain text — anyone with a phone can decode it.
Tips & tricks
- Use rectangular sizes (e.g. 16x48) for narrow labels like cable flags.
- For metal direct-part marking, scale modules up; dot-peen scanners need larger cells.
- Round-trip-test your output with the Data Matrix Reader on this site.
- GS1 DataMatrix payloads should match the receiver's master data exactly.
- Keep payloads short — every extra character adds modules and shrinks scan margin.
Private by default
Data Matrix codes are rendered locally with bwip-js. The payload you enter never touches our servers.