GS1 DataMatrix vs QR Code
Both are 2D matrix codes and both can carry GS1 data. They are built for different jobs: Data Matrix for small, dense marks on products and packaging, QR Code for content that people open with a phone.
The differences that matter
| Data Matrix (ECC 200) | QR Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | ISO/IEC 16022 | ISO/IEC 18004 |
| Shape | square or rectangular | square |
| Error correction | Reed-Solomon, fixed per symbol size | selectable: L, M, Q, H (about 7, 15, 25, 30 % of codewords) |
| Quiet zone | 1 module | 4 modules |
| Maximum numeric capacity | 3,116 digits | 7,089 digits |
| Opened by phone cameras | rarely | yes, if it contains a URL |
For short data such as a GTIN with batch and expiry date, a Data Matrix is usually smaller than a QR Code with the same module size, partly because of its smaller quiet zone. Rectangular Data Matrix sizes also fit narrow spaces like the edge of a carton or a vial label.
GS1 variants
- GS1 DataMatrix is Data Matrix with an FNC1 character in the first position, followed by GS1 element strings such as
(01)09521234543213(10)ABC123(17)251231. Scanners report it with the symbology identifier]d2. - GS1 QR Code is the same idea for QR Code. Scanners report it with
]Q3. - A QR Code that contains a GS1 Digital Link URI (a normal web address that carries GTIN and other data) is a plain QR Code (
]Q1). Phones open it as a link; GS1-aware scanners can extract the GS1 data from it. See GS1 Digital Link explained.
Which one to use
- Regulated healthcare products: GS1 DataMatrix. For example, the safety feature for prescription medicines in the EU (Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/161) uses a Data Matrix.
- Logistics labels: GS1-128 is still the common choice for SSCC and logistic data; GS1 DataMatrix where space is tight.
- Consumer-facing packaging that should open a web page: QR Code with a GS1 Digital Link URI, so the same code works for the phone and for GS1-aware scanners.
- Direct part marking (laser, dot peen on metal or plastic): Data Matrix is the usual choice.
Before switching, check what your trading partners and their scanners expect. A scanner that is not configured for a symbology will not read it, however good the print is.
Related tools
- Barcode Generator: GS1 DataMatrix, Data Matrix, QR Code and Micro QR as SVG, PNG or PDF
- Barcode Decoder: shows the symbology identifier and the GS1 data
- GS1 Parser: check element strings and Digital Link URIs
- Barcode Quality Inspector: checks error correction reserve, contrast and quiet zone in a photo (heuristic)