What HIBC Data Matrix is
HIBC Data Matrix carries a Health Industry Bar Code (HIBC) Labeler Identification Code payload inside a standard Data Matrix symbol. bwip-js computes and prepends the HIBC "+" link character and a Modulo-43 check character, then delegates the actual symbol drawing to its own Data Matrix encoder.
Generate it now
Enter your HIBC data (digits, capital letters, spaces, and -.$/+%) to see a live preview -- bwip-js computes and appends the check character for you.
Valid input
HIBC data may contain only digits, capital letters, spaces, and the symbols -.$/+%; bwip-js rejects any other character. By default, bwip-js computes the Modulo-43 check character from your data and appends it -- there is no way to supply your own check character in this mode. Turning on "validatecheck" switches to a verification workflow: the input must then include a trailing check character, and bwip-js rejects it if it does not match.
Key options
Supported options include "format" (square or rectangle, the same real symbol-shape option plain Data Matrix uses, since bwip-js delegates HIBC Data Matrix's own symbol drawing to its Data Matrix encoder) and "validatecheck" (verify an existing check character instead of computing one).
Output and printing
Export SVG for medical-device/product label artwork or PNG for a quick proof.
Common uses
HIBC Data Matrix appears on healthcare product and medical-device labels needing a compact 2D symbol in the same HIBC labeling ecosystem as HIBC Code 128 and HIBC QR Code.
Example
See the live preview above, seeded with a bwip-js-verified valid HIBC payload.
Size guidance
Since bwip-js delegates drawing to its own Data Matrix encoder, HIBC Data Matrix shares Data Matrix's own narrow quiet-zone requirement.
Troubleshooting
A rejected code is usually a character outside the allowed HIBC set (only digits, capital letters, spaces, and -.$/+% are valid), or a mismatched trailing check character when validatecheck is on.
Related formats
Related formats: HIBC Code 128 and HIBC QR Code (the same HIBC check-character scheme in a linear symbol and a different 2D symbol) and plain Data Matrix (the underlying symbol HIBC Data Matrix delegates its drawing to).
FAQ
Do I need to compute the HIBC check character myself?
No -- enter just your HIBC data and bwip-js computes and appends the correct Modulo-43 check character for you. If you turn on "validatecheck" and supply your own trailing character, bwip-js verifies it instead and rejects a mismatch.