Modernize Your Product Barcodes with GS1 Digital Link
Generate GS1 Digital Link QR codes that replace traditional barcodes with a single 2D code. Encode your GTIN along with batch/lot numbers, serial numbers, and expiry dates - all in one scannable QR code. Fully aligned with the GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiative that requires retailers worldwide to accept 2D barcodes at point-of-sale. No GS1 membership required to generate.
What Is GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is a global standard that turns product identifiers (like GTINs) into web-addressable URIs. Instead of a traditional barcode that only contains a number, a GS1 Digital Link QR code contains a URL that encodes the product ID, batch, serial, and more - while remaining scannable at point-of-sale.
https://id.gs1.org/01/09506000134352/10/ABC123/21/987654Key Features
Everything you need for a professional QR code
GS1 Digital Link URI standard (ISO/IEC 18975)
Supports GTIN-8, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and GTIN-14
Automatic check digit validation
Batch/lot number encoding (AI 10)
Serial number encoding (AI 21)
Expiry date encoding (AI 17)
Use your own brand domain or GS1 resolver
Sunrise 2027 compliant - ready for POS scanning
Consumer engagement via the same QR code
Free to generate - no account required
Sunrise 2027: Why This Matters Now
GS1's Sunrise 2027 initiative requires all retailers worldwide to be capable of scanning 2D barcodes (including QR codes) at point-of-sale by the end of 2027. This means GS1 Digital Link QR codes will soon work everywhere traditional barcodes do - plus they carry richer data and link to the web.
Start generating GS1 Digital Link QR codes today - be ready before the deadline.
Perfect For
See how people are using this tool
Retail & FMCG Packaging
Replace the traditional barcode on product packaging with a GS1 Digital Link QR code. One code handles both point-of-sale scanning and consumer engagement - product info, recipes, loyalty programs, or promotions.
Product Traceability & Recall
Encode batch/lot and serial numbers directly into the QR code. When a recall happens, trace affected products instantly by scanning the code - no manual database lookups required.
Food & Beverage Safety
Include expiry dates (AI 17) and batch numbers in every QR code. Consumers can scan to check freshness, view allergen info, and trace the supply chain from farm to shelf.
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Comply with serialization requirements (EU FMD, US DSCSA) by encoding GTIN + serial + batch + expiry. Enable pharmacists and patients to verify authenticity with a single scan.
Logistics & Warehousing
Streamline receiving and inventory management. Warehouse scanners read GS1 Digital Link QR codes to capture product ID, batch, and expiry in one scan instead of multiple barcode reads.
Consumer Electronics
Link consumers directly to warranty registration, manuals, firmware updates, and support pages. The serial number in the QR code enables personalized product experiences.
Sustainability & Recycling
Provide recycling instructions, carbon footprint data, and material composition through the GS1 QR code. Supports the EU Digital Product Passport requirements coming in 2027.
Regulated Products (Alcohol, Tobacco, Chemicals)
Meet regulatory requirements by encoding required identifiers and linking to compliance data, safety data sheets, and age verification - all from a single QR code scan.
How to Create Your QR Code
1. Enter Your GTIN
Type or paste your Global Trade Item Number. We support GTIN-8, GTIN-12 (UPC), GTIN-13 (EAN), and GTIN-14. The check digit is validated automatically.
2. Add Batch, Serial & Expiry (Optional)
Enrich your QR code with Application Identifiers: batch/lot number (AI 10), serial number (AI 21), and expiry date (AI 17). These are optional but recommended for traceability.
3. Choose Your Domain
Use your own brand domain (e.g., products.yourbrand.com) or the default GS1 resolver (id.gs1.org). Brand domains give you full control over where the QR code resolves to.
4. Customize Your QR Code
Add your brand colors, logo, and choose from multiple QR code patterns. GS1 Digital Link QR codes support the same styling options as regular QR codes - error correction ensures readability.
5. Generate, Download & Print
Download your GS1 Digital Link QR code as PNG or SVG. The SVG format is recommended for print - it scales to any size without losing quality. Test with at least 3 different scanner apps before production printing.
GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) We Support
Application Identifiers define what data is encoded in the GS1 Digital Link URI. Here are the most common AIs our generator supports.
| AI | Name |
|---|---|
| 01 | GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) |
| 10 | Batch/Lot Number |
| 21 | Serial Number |
| 17 | Expiry Date |
| 11 | Production Date |
| 13 | Packaging Date |
GS1 Digital Link vs. Traditional Barcodes
See why companies are switching from 1D barcodes to GS1 Digital Link QR codes.
| Feature | Traditional Barcode | GS1 Digital Link |
|---|---|---|
| Data Capacity | Up to 48 characters | Virtually unlimited (URL-based) |
| Web Connectivity | None - numbers only | Full web link in every scan |
| Consumer Engagement | Not possible | Product info, recipes, promotions, reviews |
| Traceability Data | GTIN only | GTIN + batch + serial + expiry + more |
| POS Scanning | Yes (established) | Yes (Sunrise 2027 mandate) |
| Recall Speed | Hours to days (manual) | Instant (scan reveals batch/serial) |
| Codes on Packaging | 2+ codes (barcode + marketing QR) | 1 code does everything |
| Future-Proof | No - being phased out | Yes - the new global standard |
GS1 Digital Link Across Industries
Every industry that uses barcodes today will transition to GS1 Digital Link QR codes.
Grocery & Fresh Food
Encode batch numbers and expiry dates to enable automatic markdown pricing, reduce food waste, and give consumers real-time freshness information.
- Automatic expiry-based pricing at checkout
- Farm-to-shelf traceability for organic products
- Allergen and nutrition info via QR scan
Fashion & Apparel
Link garments to care instructions, sustainability reports, and size guides. The EU Digital Product Passport will require this for textiles from 2027.
- Digital Product Passport compliance
- Recycling and material composition data
- Authentication for luxury goods
Healthcare & Pharma
Meet serialization mandates (EU FMD, US DSCSA) while enabling patient-facing features like dosage info and drug interaction checks.
- Pharmaceutical serialization compliance
- Patient information leaflets via scan
- Cold chain temperature monitoring links
DIY & Home Improvement
Provide assembly instructions, safety data sheets, and warranty registration through the product's QR code - no more lost manuals.
- Video assembly guides linked from packaging
- Safety data sheets for chemicals and paints
- Warranty registration via QR scan
Wine, Spirits & Beverages
Share provenance stories, tasting notes, and food pairing suggestions. Comply with the EU's mandatory digital wine labeling requirements from 2024.
- EU wine labeling regulation compliance
- Vineyard story and tasting notes
- Age verification at point-of-sale
Electronics & Appliances
Link to firmware updates, user manuals, troubleshooting guides, and recycling programs. Serial numbers enable personalized support.
- Firmware update notifications
- Personalized support based on serial number
- WEEE recycling compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GS1 Digital Link?
What is Sunrise 2027?
Do I need a GS1 membership to use this generator?
What GTIN formats are supported?
Can I use my own domain instead of id.gs1.org?
What are Application Identifiers (AIs)?
Can POS scanners read GS1 Digital Link QR codes?
What's the difference between a regular QR code and a GS1 Digital Link QR code?
Is this the same as a GS1 DataMatrix?
How much does it cost?
What about the EU Digital Product Passport?
Can I encode multiple products in one QR code?
What size should I print the QR code?
How do I get a GTIN for my products?
Tips for Getting the Most from QR Code Tools
Practical advice for better results
Choose the Right QR Type
Different content needs different QR code types. A restaurant menu works best with a URL QR code, while sharing contact details calls for a vCard code. WiFi QR codes eliminate password-sharing friction for guests. Using the right type ensures the best scanning experience for your audience.
Prioritize Scannability Over Design
Custom colors, logos, and shapes make QR codes more attractive - but contrast matters most. Ensure dark modules on a light background with at least 40% contrast ratio. Always test printed codes under real-world conditions: different lighting, distances, and phone models.
Download in the Right Format
Use SVG for print materials - it scales to any size without losing quality. Use PNG for digital channels like websites, emails, and social media. For large-format printing like banners and billboards, SVG is essential to avoid pixelation.
Leverage Dynamic Codes for Flexibility
Static QR codes are permanent - once printed, you cannot change where they point. Dynamic codes let you update the destination URL, track scan analytics, and even set scheduling rules. For any professional use case, dynamic codes save time and money.
Monitor Performance with Analytics
QR-Verse tracks every scan automatically: location, device, time, and referrer. Use this data to understand which placements work best, what times drive the most scans, and whether your audience is primarily mobile or desktop. Iterate based on data, not guesswork.