Format ID Ignored With ECC 200 Data Matrix Barcode

Description

Data Matrix is a two-dimensional symbology, of which there are two types:

• ECC 200, recommended for new applications.
• ECC 000-140, recommended for closed (single party) applications.

The Loftware Label A label is a design area on the computer screen where a label format is created or edited. Manager and the Loftware Print Server supports both types of symbologies.
When using an ECC 200 Data Matrix barcode, changing the Format ID property when designing a label has no impact on the barcode.

Explanation

Unless you are very familiar with the detailed specification, it can be unclear that the Format ID property is only associated with the ECC 000-140 types of Data Matrix barcodes. The Format ID is used to construct a Data Prefix Bit Stream, which is not required for ECC 200 type Data Matrix barcodes. Thus, the value of the Format ID property is ignored when creating an ECC 200 Data Matrix barcode.