Glossary Term
Data Matrix Code
A two-dimensional (2D) barcode consisting of black and white cells arranged in a square or rectangular pattern. It can store significantly more data than traditional linear barcodes in a much smaller area.
Small Size, Huge Data
The Data Matrix is the king of small-scale labeling. While a standard barcode (like Code 128) needs a lot of width to be readable, a Data Matrix can be as small as a few millimeters and still hold hundreds of characters. This makes it perfect for tiny products or high-tech serialization like Amazon Transparency codes.
Data Matrix vs. QR Code
While they look similar, Data Matrix codes are more common in industrial and healthcare settings because they are even more compact than QR codes and can be read with lower contrast. On Amazon, you’ll most commonly see these used for unit-level serialization to prevent counterfeiting.
- High fault tolerance; can be read even if partially damaged.
- Encodes up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters.
- Required for Amazon Transparency and some medical device labeling.
Printing 2D Codes with LabelResizer
Getting a Data Matrix to scan correctly requires high-precision printing. LabelResizer’s engine ensures that 2D codes are rendered as vector-sharp images, preventing the "blur" that often happens when you try to resize low-quality PDFs.