Configure a Datamatrix Symbol to a Specific mil Size

Description

Some Datamatrix (2D barcode) specifications require that the symbol Cell Height be a specific dimension in mils (.001 inches). This can be computed manually using the printer/label resolution and the specification to compute the number of pixels. This article will cover the manual computation method as well as a shortcut method.

How to Configure a Datamatrix Symbol to 30 mils

Manual Computation Method

1. Example: Resolution 300 pixels/inch * 1 inch/1000mils = .3 pixels/mil

2. .3 pixels/mil * 30 mils = 9 pixels

3. Set the 2D barcode Cell Height to 9
   

Shortcut Computation Method

1. Example: Resolution 300 pixels/inch

2. Add a default linear barcode to the label (Code 39 The 3 of 9 bar code is a variable length, discrete, self-checking, bidirectional, alphanumeric bar code.  Its character set contains 43 meaningful characters: 0-9, A-Z, -, ., $, /, %, *, and space.  Each character is composed of nine elements: five bars and four spaces.  Three of the nine elements are wide (binary value 1), and six elements are narrow (binary value 0).  The character (*) is used for both start and stop character. (Full ASCII))

3. Set the Line: X-Dim to the value closest to the 30 mil setting
4. Set the 2D barcode Cell Height to the resulting Line: Width setting from the linear barcode
   

Both methods will work for any combination of mil setting and label resolution.