> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.taltech.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# About Data Matrix barcodes

> Learn what Data Matrix is, a small square 2D barcode that holds a lot of data, and what its error correction settings mean.

![Example of a Data Matrix 2D barcode](https://mintcdn.com/taltech-bdc45607/90dE9DPyCdPJ5zuC/images/barcode-datamatrix-150dpi.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=90dE9DPyCdPJ5zuC\&q=85\&s=c8753869f065f7dae6397b92875daa41)

## What is Data Matrix

Data Matrix is a high-density 2D matrix-style barcode symbology that can encode up to 3116 characters from the entire 256-byte ASCII character set. The symbol is built on a square grid arranged with a finder pattern around the perimeter of the barcode symbol.

## Technical specifications

There are two types of Data Matrix symbols, each using a different error checking and correction scheme (ECC). The different types of Data Matrix symbols are identified using the terminology “ECC” followed by a number representing the type of error correction used by the encoding software. ECC 000 to ECC 140 is the original type of Data Matrix symbols and is now considered obsolete.

The newest version of Data Matrix is called ECC 200 and is recommended for all new Data Matrix applications. The ECC 200 version of Data Matrix uses a much more efficient algorithm for encoding data in a symbol, as well as an advanced error checking and correction scheme.

## Using Data Matrix with B-Coder Pro

If you need to create Data Matrix barcodes, [B-Coder Pro](https://www.taltech.com/b-coder-pro/) can help you generate them easily and accurately. B-Coder Pro is a powerful barcode generation software that supports a wide range of symbologies, including Data Matrix. With [B-Coder Pro](https://www.taltech.com/b-coder-pro/), you can create high-quality barcodes for your products and streamline your barcode creation process. Try B-Coder Pro today and see how it can help you improve your data encoding and decoding capabilities.


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