Better inventory
Connect product identifiers with batch- and serial-level information.
User instructions
Product authenticity
Allergens & ingredients
Regulation & legislation
Offers & promotions
Brand information
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Create a GS1 Digital Link QR Code
GS1 Digital Link 2D barcode helps businesses connect products to both physical and digital information.
A single GS1 Digital Link 2D barcode can carry product identification data, such as a GTIN, batch or lot number, serial number, and expiration date. It can also connect that product to online information, including product details, traceability data, regulatory content, and other digital resources.
Start preparing for the transition with a GS1 QR code generator powered by QR TIGER.
Executive Solution Partner of
Coordinating with GS1 member organizations to ensure full compliance with global standards.
What is a GS1 QR code?
A product identifier. A digital connection. All in one scan.
A GS1 QR code is a QR code that follows GS1 standards and links to online information. We use "GS1 QR code" because it's the name most people know, but it's technically not correct. Its official name is QR Code powered by GS1 or GS1 Digital Link QR code.
It contains a GS1 Digital Link, which encodes product data as a web address that identifies a product and links to online information.
Unlike traditional 1D barcodes, GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes can carry additional product data and link to digital information, supporting traceability, transparency, and more efficient data access.
Inside a GS1 Digital Link
A web address with meaningful product data
- DomainBase URL
- Primary identifierGTIN
- Key qualifiersVariant, batch & serial
- AttributesExpiry date & weight
Illustrative URI · GS1 Application Identifiers give each value meaning.
Why use a GS1 2D barcode?
Compared to the traditional 1D barcode, 2D barcodes meet the needs of both supply chains and consumers.
Sustainability
Give customers access to your product’s sustainability information.
Product authentication
Link products to the information people need to verify them.
Branding and marketing
Continue your product’s story beyond the packaging.
Get started
About GS1
Sunrise 2027
Sunrise 2027 is an industry initiative to enable retail point-of-sale (POS) systems to read and process GS1-standard 2D barcodes. GS1, a global organization that develops standards for identifying, tracking, and sharing product information, leads this effort.
The goal is to replace all 1D barcodes by 2027 on both types of barcodes.
This will allow businesses to use 2D barcodes, such as QR Codes powered by GS1 and GS1 DataMatrix, for more precise product identification and to connect products to digital information.
Start preparing today
For manufacturers and brands, this means it can be useful to start testing now.
Consider testing:
- Product packaging
- GTIN and product data
- QR Code print quality
- Scanners and POS systems
- Inventory and supply chain workflows
- Product information systems
- Your plans for managing digital product information
See the difference
UPC/EAN Barcode vs Dynamic QR Code vs GS1 Digital Link QR Code
| Capability | UPC/EAN 1D Barcode |  Dynamic QR Code | GS1 Digital Link QR Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product data | Encodes a GTIN | May encode a URL or a randomized, shortened URL used only to point to online content | Encodes a GTIN and can include additional product data |
| Connectivity | Works offline | Works only online | Works both online and offline |
| Inventory & POS | Inventory and POS systems can look up the GTIN | Not designed for inventory or POS lookup | Inventory and POS systems can look up the GS1 data |
| Digital information | Cannot link directly to online information | Can link to online content | Can link the GS1 identifier to online information |
| Damage tolerance | May fail to scan if damaged | May still scan if partly damaged because of error correction | May still scan if partly damaged because of error correction |
| Global standards | Accepted global standard | Does not use a global product identification standard | Accepted global standard |
Why use a GS1 Digital LinkQR Code by QR TIGER?
Purpose-built for your products. Ready to grow with your business.
ISO-compliant GS1 QR codes
Customization is strictly based on ISO/IEC 2D verification standards to ensure readability and standard compliance.
Specialized GS1 QR code experts
Focus purely on specialized GS1 QR code generation for accuracy and industry compliance. Our platform is dedicated solely to GS1 standards, not general-purpose solutions.
Detailed reporting
Access real-time tracking and analytics for your GS1 QR codes in a unified dashboard. Monitor performance metrics at a glance.
Seamless integration
Streamline your workflow by integrating via our robust API, MCP, and CRM platforms like Zapier, HubSpot, and Monday.com.
24/7 customer support
Get the most accurate and need-specific responses quickly with our around-the-clock customer support team.
GTIN-based limit
Generate unlimited QR codes per GTIN at no extra charge. Expand into batch- and serial-level tracking without increasing your costs.
Support business systemoffline lookup and online access
Like a standard 1D barcode, a GS1 Digital Link QR code can be scanned by business systems to identify a product and support an offline lookup.
It can also provide a path to online product information when a network connection is available.
One GS1 QR codeBusiness systems
Product identification & offline lookup
Online information
Connected product resources
Connect products tothe right information
A GS1 Digital Link connects a product identifier to online resources through a resolver. The resolver can direct different scanners, applications, or users to the appropriate resource based on the configured link types and access rules.
Public information
- Product information
- Product instructions
- Certifications
- Sustainability information
- Product images and videos
Gated information
- B2B product documentation
- Distributor or retailer resources
- Restricted compliance documents
- Supply chain information
- Business-specific resources
Where to link your GS1 QR codes
Link to a specific product page on your website whenever possible.If you don’t have one, use these alternatives.
Product PDF
Share product details, ingredients, instructions, recipes, and troubleshooting tips.
Product video
Show how to use your product, explain its features, or provide instructions.
Social media
Link to posts featuring the specific product, usage tips, or product updates.
QR TIGER GS1 product page
Create a white-labeled page with text, images, videos, product details, and links to additional resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to generate a GS1 QR code?
You need a GS1-registered Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) to generate a GS1 QR code for your product. Contact your local GS1 Member Organization (MO) to register your company and products and obtain your GTINs. Please note that QR TIGER does not issue GTINs. You must obtain them directly from GS1.
What is a GS1 Digital Link?
GS1 Digital Link is a GS1 standard for representing GS1 identification keys and related information in Web URIs. The URI represents GS1 identification data in a web-compatible format and can connect a product to online information and services.
What is a GS1 Digital Link 2D barcode?
A GS1 Digital Link 2D barcode is a 2D barcode that contains a GS1 Digital Link URI. This URI organizes GS1 product identification data into a web address that can connect a product to online information. It can take two forms:
QR Code: A GS1 Digital Link QR code, or formally, QR Code powered by GS1.
Data Matrix: A GS1 Digital Link Data Matrix or Data Matrix with Digital Link
Is a GS1 Digital Link the same as a QR Code?
No. A GS1 Digital Link is a structured URI that contains GS1 information. A QR Code is the data carrier.
What information can a GS1 Digital Link QR code contain?
A GS1 Digital Link QR code begins with a single primary identifier. The Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) is the most common and widely promoted option for product identification. The Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) is another standardized option for identifying logistics units. The other 14 GS1 identifier keys, such as the Global Location Number (GLN) and Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI), can also be used in relevant applications. Once the primary identifier is established, you can add related data based on the identifier. Sample:
GTIN: Batch or lot number, serial number, and production or expiry dates
SSCC: Additional logistics and shipping information related to the identified unit.
To put it simply, the information you can include depends on the primary identifier and the GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) that apply to your use case.
Can a GS1 Digital Link be used in a Data Matrix?
No. A GS1 Digital Link is a structured URI that contains GS1 information. A QR Code is the data carrier.
What is the difference between a GS1 QR code and a regular QR Code?
A regular QR Code does not have to contain GS1 data. A GS1 Digital Link QR code contains a GS1 Digital Link URI, which provides a standardized way to represent GS1 identification data in a Web URI.
Can smartphones scan GS1 Digital Link QR codes?
Yes. A GS1 Digital Link URI is a Web URI, so a compatible smartphone can generally treat it like other Web URLs. Business applications and scanners may have additional requirements for processing the GS1 data.
Can GS1 Digital Link QR codes be used at retail checkout?
They can be used in retail environments where the POS and scanning systems support the relevant 2D barcode and GS1 data. Retail system readiness is an important part of the transition to 2D barcodes.
Can I create a GS1 Digital Link QR code for free?
QR TIGER provides a free account option for creating GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes. It allows up to 3 GTINs. So you can generate unlimited codes as long as they use the same 3 GTINs.
Are GS1 Digital Link 2D barcodes used in healthcare?
In regulated healthcare applications, GS1 DataMatrix is the established barcode standard. It encodes GS1 data in an Element String format, which carries product information such as the GTIN, batch or lot number, expiry date, and serial number. It does not contain a web address or link directly to online information. There is currently no established GS1 healthcare requirement to implement GS1 Digital Link for these regulated use cases.
Why does a GS1 QR code have so many names?
GS1 officially calls this type of code a QR Code powered by GS1. It uses a GS1 Digital Link, a web address that holds product data, to connect a product to online information. This is why it is also called a GS1 Digital Link QR code. GS1 QR Code also has its own technical meaning. It refers to a different QR code that stores product data in a GS1 format but does not include a web address. It holds product data but does not link online by itself. The mix-up comes from everyday use. When most people say “GS1 QR code,” they mean a QR Code powered by GS1, the kind that links online. Most people think the two names mean the same thing.
Create your GS1Digital Link QR Code
Start creating QR Codes that connect your products’ GS1 identification with digital information.Generate your code, test it, and prepare your packaging for the next generation of product barcodes.