Loving the Data Matrix code generator. However, I want to be able to serialise this in an array. Is this possible?
Hi Jim
this would probably be a @adammhaile Question - but so its well understood - can you explain exactly your need?
Maybe some examples or detailed workflow?
I assume they mean using sequential serial numbers?
Yes. Just use variable text: Create Bar Code - LightBurn Documentation
As an example, Lets assume I have a panel containing a 4 by 4 array of something. In one corner I want to engrave a data matrix code, that is actually a serial number. I want each data matrix code to increase by 1 each time., so on this panel in each corner, there will be for example, 001, 002 going through to 016 (but in data matrix format)
Just to complicate matters a little more, I then want to do the same, for another panel, but the data matrix codes on these would run in sequesnce to the first, 017 to 032. I hope that makes sense.
Correct. I understood… check out the variable text documentation linked above. It does all of that.
Also watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KONOAPuXV8
Worth noting that variable text functions for bar codes only support CSV file as a source. We could add support for serial numbers as well, but that’s not in there at present, so you’d need to put the numbers in a text file.
That’s actually not true as of v1.7 - During my overhaul of the bar code system I added Date Time and Serial. It does not support the Cut Setting option because that didn’t make any sense. But you can do serial numbers now.
Well look at Mr Fancypants over here. 
4 Likes
Just wanted to say thank you so much for all your assistance. I have mastered the art of serial numbers in Data matrix’s, with you help, and am very grateful.
2 Likes
Do you happen to know which standards/encoding methods are being used to generate Data Matrix images in LB?
Before 1.7, I purchased an Excel add-in that generates Data Matrices and want to switch to lightburn.
But the images generated in LB are different from the images in the Excel add-in.
This wouldn’t be a problem except that I have to provide a database (Excel file) of Text and the barcode image next to it.
So the (serialized) lasered Data Matrix Images must match the images in the Excel file. I have a TON of different options for how to generate a Data Matrix in the add-in but have not been able to make them match.
Any insight you could provide would be helpful.
Under the hood it uses a library called ZInt (https://zint.org.uk/)
Specifically we are using the ECC200 standard, which is the only one (and the main modern DataMatrix standard) supported by ZInt.
See more here: Zint | Manual - Chapter 6
We are using all the default options specified there.
Are you possibly using the HIBC (health industry) standard?
Adam,
The options available with TBarCode don’t map to the options in Zint.
I might try to find a decoder that provides detailed info about the matrix to inform me what they’re doing, exactly. If you know of one, please let me know as I’m not having much luck. Thanks for your help.
I don’t know of one, sorry.
This topic was automatically closed 30 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.