Bar Code Commands
^BX - Data Matrix Bar Code
Creates Data Matrix 2D barcode
^BX - Data Matrix Bar Code
Overview
The ^BX command creates a Data Matrix barcode, a 2D matrix code similar to QR codes but with a rectangular format and different error correction approach.
Syntax
^BXo,h,s,c,r,f,e
Parameters
- o = Orientation
- N = Normal (0°)
- R = Rotated 90° clockwise
- I = Inverted 180°
- B = Bottom up (270°)
- h = Height of individual module (dots)
- s = Quality level
- 0-200 (higher = better quality)
- c = Columns (width)
- r = Rows (height)
- f = Format ID
- 0-3 (encoding format)
- e = Escape sequence character (optional)
Description
- 2D matrix barcode format
- Rectangular shape (can be very small)
- High data density
- Excellent for small labels
- Used in aerospace and manufacturing
Usage Notes
- More compact than QR codes
- Height parameter sets module size
- Quality level affects error correction
- Can store up to 3,116 bytes
- Popular in industrial applications
Example
^XA ^FO50,50 ^BXN,5,200 ^FD123456789012^FS ^XZ
Module Size Reference
| Height | Size | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 | Very small | Dense labels |
| 4-6 | Small | Standard |
| 8-10 | Medium | Large items |
| 12+ | Large | Distant scanning |
Quality Levels
| Level | Error Correction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 0-50 | Low | Clean environments |
| 51-100 | Medium | Standard conditions |
| 101-200 | High | Harsh/dirty environments |
Common Applications
- Aerospace parts tracking
- Pharmaceutical serialization
- Small object labeling
- Compact inventory codes
- Package tracking
Compared to QR Code
| Feature | Data Matrix | QR Code |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Rectangular | Square |
| Density | Higher | Good |
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Error Correction | Reed-Solomon | Hamming/RS |
| Industry | Industrial | Consumer |
Related Commands
^BQ- QR Code^BC- Code 128^BY- Change Narrow Bar Width