Data Matrix barcodes are created by CiMatrix and can accommodate large amounts of information in a limited surface area. The length allowed depends on the size of the barcode selected (number of rows and columns). The physical dimensions of barcodes vary greatly. The modulus value of the barcode varies from 1 mil to 14 inches (14,000 mils). The most common use of Data Matrix is to mark small items such as electronic components and printed circuit boards in electronic devices. All data matrices consist of two solid borders (called "finder patterns") adjacent to each other in an L-shape, and two alternating dark and light "cells" or modules ("". It consists of (called a timing pattern). Symbol sizes range from 8x8 to 144x144. Data Matrix is used to mark small products.

For Data Matrix barcode and GS1 compatibility, you need to do the following:

Set the ProcessTilde property to true;

Prefix the code field with "~ FNC1". For example, the expression is as follows.

:~ FNC1 {your_datasource.field_name} ..

Data Matrix symbols are rectangular in shape, usually square, and consist of cells, which are small elements that represent individual bits.

The barcode contains an error correction code so that it can be read even if it is partially damaged. There are two major versions of this barcode. The first version is called ECC-000 or ECC-140. The second version is described as the ECC-200 version and uses the Reed-Solomon method for error correction. Stimulsoft Reports uses a second version of this barcode. Stimulsoft Reports only implements a second version of the barcode, which is the only detailed description.

The barcode contains an error correction code. Even if the barcode is partially damaged, it can be read. There are two major versions of this barcode. The first uses convolutional coding for error correction. These are the first versions of the Data Matrix code, and these versions are written as ECC-000 .. ECC-140. The second version of the barcode is written as ECC-200, uses Reed-Solomon error correction, and always contains an even element on each side. Stimulsoft Reports only implements the second version of the barcode. For more information, we will only discuss this version. Barcodes consist of black and white square elements combined into a square or rectangular area. Each area has a ruler that appears as a solid line along one edge of the symbol (left and bottom) and as evenly spaced squares along the other edge (top and right). These rulers are used to determine the orientation and density of the cord. If the data does not fit in one area, multiple areas are used and added vertically and horizontally. The total barcode size is from 8x8 to 144x144. The table below shows all the available size combinations.

Barcode sizeLength, bytesBarcode size Length, bytes
10 × 10332 x 3262
12 × 12536 × 3686
8 × 18540 × 40114
14 × 14844 × 44144
8 × 321048 × 48174
16x161252 x 52204
12 × 261664 × 64280
18 × 181872 x 72368
20 × 202280 × 80456
12 × 362288 × 88576
22 × 223096 x 96696
16 × 3632104 × 104816
24 × 2436120 x 1201050
26 × 2644132 x 1321304
16 × 4849144 x 1441558

The barcode size can be set using the MatrixSize property. If you use this property to specify a specific size for a barcode, the barcode will have that fixed size. If this property is set to Automatic (default), the minimum size required to encode the data is selected from the list. There are 6 types of rectangular barcode sizes. If you need to get a square barcode in automatic mode, you need to set the UseRectangularSymbols property to false (default). If the property is set to true, square and rectangular forms will be used.

There are several modes of data encoding, which are used depending on the type of information encoded. Each mode allows you to encode your own character set and your own compression ratio.

Encoding modeValid symbolsNumber of bits per symbol
ASCIIASCII characters 0-127 ASCII characters 128-255 ASCII numbers8164
C40Uppercase alphanumerical lowercase letters and punctuation5,3310,66
SentenceLowercase alphanumerical uppercase letters and punctuation5,3310,66
X12ANSI X125,33
EDIFACTASCII characters 32-946
Base 256ASCII characters 0-2558

ASCII is the universal mode of data encoding (default). You can encode any character, but pairs of digits are more properly compressed and ASCII values (128-255) are less properly compressed. For uppercase alphanumerical encodings, C40, X12, and Edifact modes are best, and for lowercase alphanumerical encodings, text. In basic mode, you can encode any byte with the same compression ratio.

"Data Matrix" barcode.