Identification
Data Matrix
A compact 2D barcode used heavily in pharmaceuticals, industrial parts and shelf-edge labels — denser than QR at small sizes.
Data Matrix encodes data in a square or rectangular grid of cells, with an 'L' finder pattern in the corner. It packs more data into a smaller printed area than QR, which is why it dominates electronics marking, medical devices and EU FMD-compliant medicine packaging.
GS1 standardises a flavour called 'GS1 DataMatrix' for healthcare, where it carries a GTIN, batch and expiry as serialised structured data.
Modern phone cameras can scan Data Matrix, but consumer scan-rates are lower than QR — so for shopper-facing experiences QR is the safer default and Data Matrix is reserved for regulated or industrial contexts.