Data Matrix reader
Read the small square code on medicine boxes, parts and labels, and see what each part means: product number, expiry, batch, serial number.
Drop a photo of a Data Matrix code
or paste a screenshot (Ctrl+V)a screenshot, a photo, or a picture someone sent you
Get close: these codes are small. The photo is read on your device and never uploaded.
Point the camera at the code
Or paste the text a scanner gave you, e.g. (01)…(17)…(10)…
Read. The app reads Data Matrix codes straight from the camera, along with QR codes and 15 other formats.
The iPhone app- 01
Photograph the code
Get close (about 10 cm), in good light, and keep it sharp. Data Matrix codes are often only a few millimetres wide.
- 02
Drop the photo here
Choose, drop or paste the photo, or use your camera. You can also paste text from a hand scanner.
- 03
Read the parts
Each part is listed with its name: product number with its check digit, dates written out, batch and serial number.
What a Data Matrix code holds
A Data Matrix is a small square code with a solid L-shaped border on two sides. It packs a lot into a tiny space, which is why it is printed on medicine packs, electronic parts, car parts and surgical tools.
Most product codes use the GS1 layout: numbered parts called Application Identifiers. (01) is the product number (GTIN), (17) the expiry date, (10) the batch or lot, (21) the serial number. This reader splits them up and writes the dates out in full. Medicine packs in the EU and the US carry exactly these four.
Other layouts it knows
Some codes use the ISO 15434 layout, which starts with [)> and uses Data Identifiers such as 9N, 1T, D and S. German medicine packs use it for the PPN; the reader checks the PPN's check digits and shows the PZN inside it. Codes with no layout are shown exactly as they are.
Data Matrix or QR code?
Both are 2D codes. QR codes have three big squares in the corners and are made for phones and web links. Data Matrix has an L-shaped border and stays readable when printed very small, which suits packaging and parts. Most phone camera apps ignore Data Matrix, which is why people end up here.
How do I read a Data Matrix code?
Phone camera apps usually skip Data Matrix, but scanner apps and this page read it. Take a close, sharp photo and drop it here.
What is the difference between Data Matrix and a QR code?
A QR code has three square finder patterns in its corners; a Data Matrix has a solid L-shaped edge. Data Matrix stays readable when printed very small, so it is used on packaging and parts. QR codes are made for phones and links.
What do (01), (17), (10) and (21) mean?
They are GS1 Application Identifiers: (01) product number (GTIN), (17) expiry date as YYMMDD, (10) batch or lot number, (21) serial number. Many others exist, such as (11) production date and (3103) net weight in kg.
Can I check if my medicine is real with this?
No. It shows what the code says. Checking that a serial number is genuine needs the national medicine verification system that pharmacies use, which is not public. If you are worried about a medicine, ask your pharmacist.
What is a Data Matrix code used for?
Tracking products and parts: medicine packs, electronics, car and aircraft parts, surgical instruments, letters (postage) and labels in factories.
Why won't my Data Matrix scan?
They are tiny, so blur is the usual problem. Get close, tap to focus, use good light, and avoid shiny foil glare. Codes engraved on metal may need light from the side.
QR Code Scan KitComing soon
