Scanning Data Matrix Codes

Overview

The Data Matrix symbology is a high-density, 2D matrix code widely used in manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and retail for efficient data encoding and retrieval. Data Matrix is standardised as ISO/IEC 16022 and GS1 Data Matrix.

Data Matrix consists of a square or rectangular matrix of black and white cells enclosed in an L-shaped finder pattern and surrounded by a quiet zone. It is known for being high-density, allowing large amounts of data to be packed into a compact space. It is particularly suited for applications requiring traceability, such as marking small items, packaging or electronic components.

Data Matrix ECC 200 has strong error correction based on Reed-Solomon (ECC 200), ensuring accurate reads even if the code is partially damaged or obscured.

Square Data Matrix

Data Matrix codes are usually square and come in a fixed number of sizes, from 10x10 up to 144x144 rows/columns. Data Matrix codes can store numeric (digits) and alphanumeric (characters and digits) data.

Increasing the number of rows and columns increases the code's capacity, but makes also makes the code harder to read. The table below lists the code capacities for each size.

Scanning Data Matrix Barcodes in Web Apps

STRICH enables you to scan Data Matrix barcodes in your web apps with just a few lines of JavaScript. The scanning happens on the device, in the web browser – no backend involved.

Adding Data Matrix scanning to your web app can be as simple as a single line of code using our Popup Scanner.

const code = await PopupScanner.scan({ symbologies: ['datamatrix'] });

For more information on Data Matrix support in STRICH, please refer to our documentation.

Online Data Matrix Scanner

Rectangular Data Matrix (DMRE)

Rectangular Data Matrix codes are less common than square ones. These codes are often used on postage and can currently not be read using our SDK. Support for DMRE codes is planned for 2026.