---
id: ppf-datamatrix
version: "0.2"
license: MIT
license_treatment: permissive
maintenance: aging
---

# ppf-datamatrix — Python port of https://github.com/datalog/datamatrix-svg

License: permissive · Maintenance: aging · Downloads: 100.3K/mo

## What it is and what it does

ppf.datamatrix is a pure-Python library that generates 2D datamatrix barcodes and outputs them as SVG graphics. It was ported from a JavaScript implementation and provides a simple API: instantiate a DataMatrix object with a string, and get back an SVG representation. The library integrates with IPython, so in Jupyter notebooks or IPython terminals with graphics support, you can display the barcode directly as an image.

The package has no external runtime dependencies, making installation straightforward. It supports Python 3.6 and later and is classified as Beta-stage software. The codebase is stable but aging—the last release was in August 2023, and there have been no recent commits, though the repository remains active and unarchived.

Use it for:

- Generate datamatrix barcodes for product labeling or inventory tracking in manufacturing workflows
- Create SVG barcodes for embedding in web applications or PDF documents
- Visualize datamatrix codes interactively in Jupyter notebooks for testing or demonstration
- Batch-encode data into barcode graphics for supply chain or logistics systems

## Worth the install?

AI-flagged interpretation of the facts above — verify before relying.

Generates datamatrix codes (2D barcodes) in SVG format from Python, with built-in IPython display support for interactive notebooks.

Yes, if you need to generate datamatrix codes in SVG format and don't require active maintenance. The low install friction, permissive MIT license, and lack of dependencies make it straightforward to adopt. The aging maintenance status means you should verify that the output meets your datamatrix reader compatibility requirements before committing to production use.

## Install

pip install ppf-datamatrix
uv add ppf-datamatrix
poetry add ppf-datamatrix

## Installing ppf-datamatrix

Before you install: Low install friction with no runtime dependencies. Maintenance is aging—last release was 2023-08-23 and repository shows no recent activity, though it remains unarchived.

License in practice: MIT license permits free use, modification, and distribution with minimal restrictions, suitable for both open and proprietary projects.

Quickstart:

from ppf.datamatrix import DataMatrix

myDataMatrix = DataMatrix('Test!')

Verify before relying:

- Whether the SVG output is compatible with modern datamatrix readers and standards
- Performance characteristics when generating large batches of codes
- Whether IPython integration works with current Jupyter versions

## Package facts

- License: MIT (permissive)
- Python support: supports_current
- Install friction: low
- Maintenance: aging
- Downloads: 100.3K/month (top 15,000 on PyPI)
- Known vulnerabilities: none known

## Tags

datamatrix code generation, 2D barcode SVG, datamatrix python, barcode encoder, ipython visualization, barcode-generation, svg-graphics

[View on SkillFed](https://skillfed.io/packages/ppf-datamatrix) · [View on PyPI](https://pypi.org/project/ppf-datamatrix/)