What GS1 Data Matrix Rectangular is
GS1 Data Matrix Rectangular carries GS1 Application Identifier data (GTIN, batch/lot, dates, and similar) in a rectangular Data Matrix symbol, for narrow traceability labels where a square symbol would not fit. REAL, NON-OBVIOUS FINDING, the identical pattern already documented for HIBC Data Matrix Rectangular above: despite its own name, this bcid never calls bwipp_datamatrixrectangular() at all -- confirmed directly reading bwipp_gs1datamatrixrectangular's own function body to its end: it parses/validates the GS1 AI structure with its own bwipp_gs1process() call, forces "format":"rectangle", then delegates directly to plain bwipp_datamatrix().
Generate it now
Enter one or more GS1 Application Identifiers in parenthesized form, e.g. "(01)09521234543213(17)120508(10)ABCD1234(410)9501101020917".
Valid input
Up to 4,000 characters (bwipp.gs1datamatrixrectangularinputTooLong rejects longer input). Every Application Identifier is parsed and validated by bwip-js's own shared GS1 AI-structure linter -- a bad checksum on a check-digit-bearing AI like (01) is rejected with bwipp.GS1badChecksum, and a malformed AI structure is rejected with its own real, named GS1 error.
Key options
Supported options include version, plain datamatrix's own real option genuinely passed through. Real, verified: of the 6 selectable rectangular sizes, only 2 (16x36, the auto-selected default, and 16x48) actually succeed at this capability's own real example payload length once the encoded Application Identifier structure is accounted for -- the other 4 (8x18, 8x32, 12x26, 12x36) reject with "Maximum length exceeded or invalid size." This bcid also declares its own real "gssep" option, matching its sibling GS1 Data Matrix (already covered) exactly; that option is documented for completeness here but is not exposed as a typed control on this page, the same editorial choice already made for its sibling.
Output and printing
Export SVG for vector-precise label artwork or PNG for a quick proof.
Common uses
Narrow traceability labels on small parts, cables, and lab specimen containers -- where a square GS1 Data Matrix symbol (already covered separately in this catalog) would not fit the available print area -- use this rectangular variant instead.
Example
See the live preview above, seeded with a bwip-js-verified valid value.
Size guidance
Left on its automatic default, bwip-js selects the smallest of the real rectangular sizes that fits the encoded AI data; fixing version to a larger size leaves headroom for additional Application Identifiers without changing the printed footprint later.
Troubleshooting
A rejected value usually means a malformed Application Identifier, a bad checksum on a check-digit-bearing AI like (01), or a fixed "version" too small for the payload -- leave version on its automatic default unless a specific size is required.
Related formats
Related formats: the separately-covered GS1 Data Matrix (square) generator, and HIBC Data Matrix Rectangular (the same non-obvious plain-datamatrix delegation, for HIBC rather than GS1 data).
FAQ
Does this call the same encoder as GS1 Data Matrix?
It calls plain Data Matrix's own encoder with the rectangular format forced, the same underlying function GS1 Data Matrix (square format) and Data Matrix Rectangular (already covered) both also call. It does not call a separate "rectangular" GS1-specific encoder.
Why did the smallest rectangular size get rejected?
The smallest real rectangular Data Matrix size (8x18) does not have enough capacity for this capability's own real example payload. Leave version on its automatic default to let bwip-js pick a size that fits.