Data Matrix Codes & QR Codes – Applications & Features in the Digital Printing Industry

In today’s fast-paced digital era, 2D codes simply boost up the flow of communication and spread information faster. One of the most common examples is of QR codes that we find on almost every product; big or small, whereas advanced technology also made it easier for digital printing companies to generate them more frequently and conveniently.

Still, these aren’t the only types of available and accessible 2D codes as there are data matrix codes that look quite similar. These codes are used in many different ways, depending on industries and product application such as in business card printing Dubai and designing so on.

Identifying the Difference Between Data Matrix & QR Code

When you look at both the codes, they don’t appear different but the real game is the design pattern and pixels, neatly packed inside a square. Looking at both closely or when you have both the codes digitally scanned, the cloak unveils, revealing the reality behind the strategy, technology, use and implementation of the codes.

Visually, QR codes feature bigger squares on the corners that are scannable or serve as their path/pattern finder. This allows the code to reveal embedded data to the user. On the contrary, data matrix code has a bolded, solid black border that’s L-shaped which is scanned, serving as a path/pattern finder.

Comparing Code Functions

As said, these codes almost have similar functions like both are in the form of scannable images, two-dimensional; holding valuable information in alphanumeric format. In particular applications however, these two technologies can also be used conversely. There Are specific features which outshines data matrix codes over QR codes because both do have a few features which makes each unique from one another. In today’s market, QR codes are highly preferred because they can hold more data; not just text but in multimedia files as well.

That said, QR codes are larger and denser when embossed on a product because they carry greater information whereas data matrix codes are comparably smaller that can easily be printed without taking too much space. In fact, data matrix codes can be printed in size as small as only a few millimetres which also makes them ideal for tracking and monitoring smaller products. For instance; motherboards and computer parts. Functionality aside, it’s the industrial application and capacity to carry information that factors the real difference.

Code Readability Factor

Readability is also accounted for when comparing the codes. Because data matrix codes are used more in large industries, they’re robust, tolerant and can easily withstand various environmental changes. When you scan or read the code from a digital device, it’ll function properly even if it has been physically altered, somehow damaged or changes its original colour especially in business card design Dubai.

This ability or feature of the code to resume its functionality despite exposure to unavoidable change or damage is known as error correction level. Algorithms within the code readers allow recreating and covering up damaged sections of the code which makes it readable and functional in the long-run. Damage tolerance of data matrix codes is more or less 30% whereas between 7%-and-30% for QR codes, depending on the extent of data they’re carrying.

Still, this isn’t the only readability aspect that comes with 2D codes as there’s minimum contrast needed between lighter pixels and dark shades. The contrast in codes which makes them readable is maintained at 40% whereas for data matrix, flexibility is given as these require contrast level maintenance only to 20% which means the pixels are likely to be of the same colour. On the contrary, the code isn’t fully dependent on colours they’re printed with.

Code Size

The bigger the code size, the greater the amount of information you can store; depending on the number of cells within the cube. In its simplest or traditional form, data matrix code usually has two cells whereas QR code has four but that can be altered depending on the use and application.

Code Generator

Though used mostly in industries, the data matrix codes can be generated easily whereas they’re all too simple to use. Here’re a few steps to use data matrix code generators:

• Pick up the type of content you wish to embed in the code. You’ll have different choices based on code generators as some allow alphanumeric information to be included whereas others can only have URL, SMS and contact number.
• Enter all necessary information based on the content type.
• Carefully select code size of the data matrix. The generator would let you pick between the total number of pixels and simple options to define the code size from small, medium and
• Proceed generating the code and have it printed on the desired surface where you wish to implement.

It’s possible that the data matrix code generators feature more options, not all the choices are competitive and worthy. Still, they aren’t all too competitive or preferred due to limited functionalities and comparably fewer functions to QR code generators. Lack of commercial use is the prime reason which hinders.

Static vs. Dynamic Codes

There’s one area or feature of QR codes that remains unbeaten as compared to data matrix codes is the two variations namely static and dynamic. Of the both, static/basic type is all too simple that can be scanned normally, the story with dynamic is too different as QR codes allow users to track performance, location where the scan happened, total number of times and devices they’re used to. QR codes can also be updated when needed which makes them much preferred.

Traditional Data Matrix Codes are the finest choice for asset tracking, identification, and data-driven applications. The Data Matrix Code, despite its modest size, can store huge amounts of data for encoding, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

Now that we know a lot about features of both QR and data matrix codes, the choice is yours to decide where and how you’d use them as well as products on which you want them to be printed.