Is the quiet zone the same for every size?

In GS1’s rule it is always one module wide, so in millimetres it is larger on a code printed with larger modules.

Does the quiet zone count towards the code size?

Not the symbol size in modules, but it does take space on the label. Add two modules to the width and height.

Can I set the quiet zone to 0?

Yes, if the surrounding area already gives a clear margin of one module. Otherwise the code may not scan.

Do the solid L and the dotted edges count as a quiet zone?

No. They are part of the symbol. The quiet zone is the plain space outside them.

Data Matrix Quiet Zone: How Much Space You Need

A GS1 DataMatrix needs a clear margin one module wide on all four sides. Set yours in the generator and see the result.

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Shape

Size (modules)

Quiet zone (modules)

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Module size (px)

Printer resolution

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Exact size in mm, matched to your printer's dots.

Symbology ID—

Size (modules)—

Quiet zone (modules)—

Printer resolution—

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What size is the quiet zone?

GS1 sets it at one module on every side. A module is one black or white square of the code, so the margin grows with the code’s print size.

GS1 DataMatrix Quiet Zone is one module wide on all four sides.

— GS1 General Specifications, section 5.6

Source: GS1 General Specifications, Release 26.0, section 5.6.

Quiet zone in millimetres

The margin equals the module size. The printed side counts both margins, so an 18 × 18 code takes 20 modules across.

Quiet zone in millimetres
Module	Code size (modules)	Quiet zone	Side with 1-module margin	Side with the tool’s default of 2
0.254 mm	18 × 18	0.254 mm	5.08 mm	5.588 mm
0.254 mm	26 × 26	0.254 mm	7.112 mm	7.62 mm
0.396 mm	18 × 18	0.396 mm	7.92 mm	8.712 mm
0.396 mm	26 × 26	0.396 mm	11.088 mm	11.88 mm
0.495 mm	18 × 18	0.495 mm	9.9 mm	10.89 mm
0.495 mm	26 × 26	0.495 mm	13.86 mm	14.85 mm

0.254 mm is 10 mil, the lowest module size GS1 gives for regulated healthcare items not scanned at the retail point of sale.

How to set it in the generator

Enter your data in the tool above.
Set Quiet zone (modules). The default is 2, which is more than the minimum of 1 and gives extra room.
Download the file. A PNG includes the white margin. For SVG and PDF, tick White background, or the margin is just empty space.

What breaks a quiet zone

Text, a border or a label edge closer to the code than one module.
Cropping the white margin off the image in a design tool.
A pattern or photo behind the code. The margin must be plain, in the same light colour as the code’s background.
Placing a transparent SVG on a dark surface: tick White background before you download.

Data Matrix against QR Code

QR Code needs 4 modules on each side, against 1 for Data Matrix, which is one reason Data Matrix fits tight labels. The full comparison is in Data Matrix vs QR code.

Test your margin

Print at 100% and scan the code on the real label, then compare with the Data Matrix test codes to tell a scanner problem from a print problem.