Data Matrix Font and Encoder Suite

Data Matrix Font and Encoder Overview

Data Matrix is a popular 2D barcode symbology that is capable of encoding much larger quantities of data than standard linear barcodes. The symbology evaluation reveals that in many cases, Data Matrix is more efficient and compact than other 2D symbologies such as PDF417 and QR-Code. The data encoded in a Data Matrix barcode may include text letters, numbers, and actual bytes of data such as extended characters, Unicode characters, and even small images. IDAutomation recommends restricting the data encoded into each symbol because many 2D barcode scanners have difficulty reading barcodes that contain more than 800 characters of data.

User Manual Encoder App DataMatrix FAQ Download Demo

To print Data Matrix as a font, the data-to-encode must first be formatted with a Data Matrix font encoder, which will return a text string that, when combined with the Data Matrix 2D Font, will create an accurate Data Matrix symbol. For example, sending the text of "IDAUTOMATION DataMatrix Font and Encoder" through the encoder returns the string of characters as depicted below on the left. An accurate Data Matrix barcode is generated when the appropriate font is applied to that text string.

The text string returned from the Data Matrix Encoder.	This Data Matrix barcode displays when applying the font to the text string.

In addition to the advantages mentioned above, the following features are provided within this package:

• Compatible with VBA and Word mail merge for Windows and Mac systems.
• Custom Function Encoding allows easy encoding of tabs and returns between fields in a single Data Matrix barcode symbol.
• Automatic Square-Symbol Size Selection from 10 x 10 to 144 x 144.
• Rectangular Symbol Support from 8 x 18 to 16 x 48.
• Supports Encoding Modes BASE256, C40, TEXT, ASCII, and GS1-DataMatrix within ASCII encoding.
• COM DLL was created in C++ ATL and has no dependencies.
• Java Class Library is compatible with JDK 1.4 and above.
• GS1-DataMatrix support is provided in the Suite version of this product to automatically format the HRI (Human Readable Interpretation) and is provided as VBA, SSRS, Crystal Reports VB, and JavaScript code with examples.
• All font encoders provided are compatible with the Universal 2D Fonts, which create several barcode types from a single font.
• The 2D XLS Font for Excel is compatible with the font encoding routines of this product and easily generates multiple symbols within large columns or rows of spreadsheets.

Encoders Provided

IDAutomation provides multiple Data Matrix Font and Encoder packages to fit a variety of application environments. Additional implementations are provided in the Data Matrix Font and Encoder User Manual.

Data Matrix Font Encoders	User Suite	Developer Suite
ActiveX COM DLL
Crystal Reports Font Formula
FileMaker Pro Plugin	(32 & 64 bit)  (32-bit only)	(32 & 64 bit)  (32-bit only)
FileMaker Font Encoder Object	(32 & 64 bit)	(32 & 64 bit)
Native VB Module for Excel and Access
Native Open Office VB Macro
Native Crystal Reports Formula (32 and 64-bit)
.NET in C# and VB.NET with signed assembly
.NET Windows Forms Control & DLL
.NET Framework Assembly
Native JavaScript Font Encoder
Java Class Library
C++ .H Header File
SSRS Font Encoder
Additional GS1-DataMatrix HRI support
Data Matrix Graphic Encoders	Font and Encoder User Suite	Font and Encoder Developer Suite
ActiveX Control
Signed ActiveX CAB File
.NET source code in C# and VB.NET to generate BMP, SVG, EPS, and HTML images
.NET Forms Control

The complete source code for any single compiled encoder, such as the ASP.NET Web Server Control, for example, may be provided by request after the purchase of an Unlimited Developer License of the Font and Encoder Suite.

Encoder Example

Multiple encoders provide more options for integrating Data Matrix barcoding into the application. Using an encoder is necessary because of the complexity of the 2D Data Matrix symbology. IDAutomation provides both font and graphic encoders in the package. The accompanying chart summarizes how font and graphic encoders work to generate accurate Data Matrix barcodes.

Font Encoder
Data Sent To Encoder	Text String Returned	Text String with Font Applied
Created with the IDAutomation DataMatrix Barcode Font and Encoder	A text string is retrieved from the encoder
Graphic Encoder
Data Sent To Encoder	Image Returned	Image Displayed
Created with the IDAutomation DataMatrix Barcode Font and Encoder	The image is retrieved from the encoder and prepared for display or printing