DMATRIX - Data Matrix
Plain English
Draws a Data Matrix ECC 200 symbol — the compact square 2D barcode used for pharmaceutical labelling, automotive parts marking, and unit identification. (x,y) anchors the upper-left of the bounding rectangle; width × height define the maximum area the symbol may occupy. Real DataMatrix encoding is performed via `@rfid-me/epc-parser`. Per TSPL2 PG §DMATRIX (p47–48).
When to use
When you need a compact 2D barcode for small labels or high-density data — pharma serialisation (GS1 with FNC1 via `~1`), part marking, unit identification. For larger 2D codes use QRCODE; for 1D barcodes use BARCODE.
Syntax
DMATRIX x,y,width,height,[xm,row,col,]"data"
Parameters
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
x | Upper-left X coordinate of the bounding rectangle in dots |
y | Upper-left Y coordinate of the bounding rectangle in dots |
width | Maximum width of the bounding rectangle in dots |
height | Maximum height of the bounding rectangle in dots |
xm | Optional module size in dots (1–9) |
row | Optional forced row count (must be a legal ECC 200 row size — 10, 12, 14, … 144) |
col | Optional forced column count (must be a legal ECC 200 column size — 10, 12, 14, … 144) |
data | Data to encode in double quotes. Use `~1` for FNC1 (GS1 application identifiers), `~d###` for ASCII decimal escape sequences |
Example
DMATRIX 100,100,400,400,"DMATRIX EXAMPLE 1"
A Data Matrix encoding the string "DMATRIX EXAMPLE 1" within a 400×400 dot bounding rectangle (PG example)