2D Square and Rectangle Symbols

Question – I see datamatrix symbols that are square. Can you change the shape?

Answer – It is true that the usual pictures of datatrix barcodes are square. In fact, you know from previous columns that the largest ‘single’ system is a 24x24 matrix. This would typically include approx. 44 alpha-numeric characters, or 88 numeric characters.

If you were to look closely at some samples, you can see that as it grows larger than this, it actually multiplies itself into 4 symbols. For this you would notice a solid line of blocks through the middle of the symbol from top to bottom and left to right.

What is not normally shown in samples is the datamatrix symbol as a rectangle.

This can be done in 2 ways with datamatrix:

1) A symbol matrix can be split and placed side by side. To form the rectangle.

2) Datamatrix also supports symbol concatenation: You can split the data among several symbols and put the data back together properly.

This could be handy if you have a large amount of data to encode and a limited amount of space vertically or horizontically.

I should also note that if you are interested in a rectangle shape for your barcode and do not have a business requirement for datatrix, this same thing can also be easily accomplished by using the PDF417 barcode and adjusting it aspect ratio to produce to same result.

You can read more about 2D symbologies by reading my archives by pressing here.

For more information on the exciting technology, please call Fraser Ross at 888-999-COPI ext ‘FR’.

About Fraser Ross:

Fraser Ross, director of COPI's Custom Print Resources Group, is an internationally recognized expert in fonts for high volume computer output. If you have a question for Fraser Ross in his "Ask the Expert" column, e-mail us and we'll publish your question and Fraser's answer and expert advice in an upcoming issue of HVCO News. E-mail fr@888999copi.com