dmtxwrite

Data Matrix barcode encoder

TLDR

Encode text as Data Matrix barcode

$ echo "[text]" | dmtxwrite -o [output.png]

Create barcode from file contents

$ dmtxwrite -o [output.png] < [data.txt]

Set module (cell) size in pixels

$ echo "[text]" | dmtxwrite -d [5] -o [output.png]

Set margin size in pixels

$ echo "[text]" | dmtxwrite -m [10] -o [output.png]

Create SVG output

$ echo "[text]" | dmtxwrite -o [output.svg]

Use specific symbol size

$ echo "[text]" | dmtxwrite -s s -o [output.png]

Print codeword listing instead of barcode

$ echo "[text]" | dmtxwrite -c

Set image print resolution (DPI)

$ echo "[text]" | dmtxwrite -R [300] -o [output.png]

dmtxwrite generates Data Matrix barcode images from input text or binary data. Data Matrix barcodes are 2D square or rectangular patterns that encode data with built-in error correction.
The tool reads data from standard input and produces images in various formats. Symbol size is automatically chosen based on data length, or can be specified manually. Error correction is automatically included per the Data Matrix standard.
Data Matrix barcodes are widely used for small item marking (electronics, medical devices), logistics, and anywhere high data density is needed in a small space.

PARAMETERS

-o, --output file

Output filename. Default is standard output.

-d, --module pixels

Module (cell) size in pixels.

-m, --margin pixels

Margin size in pixels.

-s, --symbol-size size

Symbol size: s(quare auto), r(ectangle auto), or RxC (e.g., 24x24).

-e, --encoding scheme

Encodation scheme: b(est), a(scii) [default], c(40), t(ext), x(12), e(difact), 8 (Base 256).

-R, --resolution dpi

Image print resolution in DPI.

-f, --format format

Output format: png [default], tif, gif, pdf, svg.

-c, --codewords

Print codeword listing instead of creating barcode image.

-M, --mosaic

Create non-standard Data Mosaic barcode.

-v, --verbose

Verbose output.

-V, --version

Print version information.

SYMBOL SIZES

s: Automatic square selection
r: Automatic rectangle selection
10x10 to 144x144: Specific square sizes
8x18 to 16x48: Specific rectangle sizes

CAVEATS

Data capacity depends on symbol size and encoding; larger symbols hold more data. Binary data encoding may require specific encoding schemes. Very small module sizes may not scan reliably. Some scanners have difficulty with rectangular Data Matrix codes.

HISTORY

dmtxwrite is part of libdmtx, created by Mike Laughton in 2006. The library provides open-source tools for Data Matrix barcode generation and reading. Data Matrix is an ISO/IEC 16022 standard, originally developed for industrial marking applications.