VB.NET Data Matrix Generator Data Encoding Tutorial

sample source code to input valid data and generate linear Data Matrix images in VB.NET

VB.NET Data Matrix Barcode Generator is a mature linear barcode generation component designed for VB.NET developers who are necessary of adding the Data Matrix barcode printing functions into their .NET projects. It is compatible with the .NET 2.0, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0 and is able to create Data Matrix barcodes in ASP.NET Web projects, .NET WinForms apps as well as .NET reporting services (SSRS) projects using the Visual Basic .NET. It is simple to encode valid digits into the Data Matrix barcode symbology by Visual Basic .NET.

OnBarcode.com also provides more details about how to set Data Matrix barcode size and image in Barcode Generator Control on VB.NET:

• Customizing Data Matrix Barcode Image in Visual Basic.NET Project
• Customizing Data Matrix Barcode Size in Visual Basic.NET Project

Data Matrix Valid Character Set

The Data Matrix barcode, also known as Data Matrix ECC200, is a 2D barcode which is capable of encoding text or raw data. The amount of data that the Data Matrix may encode is from a few bytes up to 1556 bytes. The Data Matrix is also able to encode up to 2335 alphanumeric characters, or 3116 characters from the entire ASCII character set, including extensions. The more characters Data Matrix encode, the more symbol dimension the Data Matrix use. Error correction codes are used by the Data Matrix for accurately decoding the symbol even if they are damaged. Although the Data Matrix has large data capacities, it may encode 50 characters in a small symbol size at 2 or 3 mm square and can be read accurately. So the Data Matrix is generally used on labeling small items.

Encode data into Data Matrix using VB.NET

Sample for encoding data into Data Matrix via VB.NET

Dim barcode As DataMatrix = New DataMatrix

barcode.Data = "http://www.onbarcode.com/products/net_barcode/barcodes/data_matrix.html"

barcode.DataMode = DataMatrixDataMode.ASCII

barcode.FormatMode = DataMatrixFormatMode.Format_48X48

barcode.UOM = UnitOfMeasure.PIXEL

barcode.X = 3

barcode.LeftMargin = 0

barcode.RightMargin = 0

barcode.TopMargin = 0

barcode.BottomMargin = 0

barcode.Resolution = 96

barcode.Rotate = Rotate.Rotate0

Data Matrix Barcode Symbol Components

After encoding the data string "http://www.onbarcode.com/products/net_barcode/barcodes/data_matrix.html " into a Data Matrix symbol, it looks like the following image: