Barcodes have done more than track prices—they’ve shaped the backbone of product identification, inventory management, and the entire supply chain. But today, they’re no longer just quiet operators behind the scenes.

The GS1 barcode formats are the global standard that helps businesses speak the same language across retail shelves, logistics hubs, hospital wards, and factory floors. These codes ensure every scan delivers the right data, with precision and consistency—whether it’s a UPC A barcode at the retail point of sale or a GS1 128 barcode used in general distribution.

Now, barcodes are stepping into a bigger role. With two-dimensional and digital formats on the rise, GS1 barcodes are evolving to do more than manage logistics. By 2027, they’ll also power direct consumer engagement—where a single scan can offer personalized content, traceability, or even a digital product passport.

In this guide, we’ll break down the most widely used GS1 barcode formats—from linear barcodes like UPC E and GS1 128, to 2D codes like GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 Digital Link. You’ll see how different sectors—from retailers to the healthcare industry—use specific formats to track products, flag expiration dates, or mark medical devices. Each format serves a purpose, and choosing the right barcode can make all the difference in efficiency, compliance, and customer experience.

What are 1D (linear) GS1 barcodes?

1D barcodes, also known as linear barcodes, encode data in a single, horizontal line using a sequence of parallel black-and-white bars. These formats are fast, reliable, and deeply integrated into legacy retail systems, including the familiar UPC barcodes you see at checkout.

Because they require a direct line-of-sight, they must be properly aligned with the scanner to work effectively. While newer 2D and digital formats are gaining ground, 1D barcodes continue to play a crucial role in everyday supply chain operations thanks to their simplicity and widespread compatibility.

UPC

Developed in 1973 and first scanned in 1974, the Universal Product Code (UPC) is the classic barcode symbol that revolutionized the retail point of sale. It quickly became the standard in North America.

• UPC-A (12 digits): The most common format used at checkout, especially for retail products.
• UPC-E (6 digits): A compressed version ideal for smaller packages with limited label space.

EAN

Launched in 1977 to extend barcode use beyond North America, the European Article Number (EAN) brought the global trade item number (GTIN) standard to the international stage.

• EAN-13: Widely adopted across global markets, particularly outside the U.S.
• EAN-8: A compact version used for small goods like cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.

GS1-128

Originally named UCC/EAN-128, this barcode format was developed in the 1980s and standardized in the 1990s. Unlike other linear barcodes, GS1-128 is built for more than just identification—it’s a workhorse for inventory management, logistics, and regulatory compliance.

It uses Code 128 symbology to encode rich data sets, including application identifiers, which unlock detailed product information. That means it can carry much more than just a product code.

GS1-128 barcodes can encode:

• GTINs (global trade item numbers)
• Batch numbers and lot numbers
• Expiration dates and expiry date data
• Serial numbers, essential for tracking assets and medical devices

Thanks to their flexibility and precision, GS1-128 barcodes are widely used in warehousing, general distribution, and industries where traceability is critical—like the healthcare industry.

ITF-14

The ITF-14 barcode format was built for the rough-and-ready world of shipping and bulk packaging. Its wide bars and rectangular bearer bars aren’t just for show—they make it ideal for being printed directly onto corrugated boxes using industrial-grade printers without losing scan accuracy.

You won’t see ITF-14 codes at the retail point of sale, and that’s by design. Their real strength lies in warehouse environments, pallet labeling, and shipping cartons, where durability matters more than design. This format is also used to encode the serial shipping container code (SSCC), a key element in logistics and supply chain management for identifying and tracking large shipments.

GS1 DataBar

Originally launched in the 1990s under the name RSS, the GS1 DataBar was created to handle high-density data in limited space—and it delivers.

With both linear and stacked variants, this versatile format can carry:

• Expiration dates
• Batch or lot numbers
• Variable weights or pricing information

This makes it an ideal choice for industries where traceability and date-sensitive tracking are non-negotiable—like in fresh food, pharmaceuticals, and the healthcare industry. Whether you’re marking medical devices or managing barcoding on patient wristbands, GS1 DataBar packs critical info into a small symbol that still scans reliably.

What are 2D GS1 barcodes?

2D barcodes take data encoding to the next level—literally. Instead of just reading left to right like traditional linear formats, they encode information both horizontally and vertically using squares, dots, or grid patterns. This allows them to hold significantly more data in a much smaller space.

That’s exactly why 2D barcodes are rapidly becoming the go-to solution in healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. They’re compact, highly scannable, and capable of storing everything from serial numbers to expiration dates and batch information—all in one barcode symbol.

In healthcare applications, 2D barcodes have become indispensable for:

• Barcoding patient wristbands
• Marking medical devices
• Tracking pharmaceuticals and medical assets

GS1 DataMatrix

The GS1 DataMatrix is the gold standard for encoding lots of data in tight spaces. Its small symbol design is perfect for tiny packages like medical devices, pharmaceutical vials, or small electronics.

Its unique structure features two solid borders in an L-shape for alignment, and two dotted sides that help scanners recognize its size and orientation. This enables precise and fast scanning, even on low quality materials.

It’s widely used for:

• Pharmaceuticals
• Medical devices
• Small electronics

But its impact goes beyond size. The GS1 DataMatrix supports serialization, expiry date tracking, and complete product traceability. It plays a crucial role in meeting healthcare regulations like UDI (Unique Device Identification)—making it vital for identifying and tracking items like patient wristbands, surgical tools, and controlled substances.

GS1 QR code

The GS1 QR code takes the familiar, consumer-facing QR code format and supercharges it for supply chain efficiency and regulatory compliance. Unlike standard QR codes, this version is built to carry structured data—including global trade item numbers (GTINs), expiration dates, and product details—all within a single, scannable square grid.

Think of it as a smarter, more powerful version of the everyday QR. With the help of Application Identifiers, a GS1 QR code can encode data like weight, batch numbers, and even digital receipts, similar to what Expanded Databar codes do.

You’ll recognize it instantly by the three bold squares in its corners—known as finder patterns—that make it:

• Easy to scan with smartphones and image-based scanners
• Capable of holding a high volume of data
• Perfect for linking to product information, promotions, or interactive experiences

And by 2027, GS1 QR codes will become a central tool for brands and retailers, enabling Digital Product Passports, real-time updates, and mobile engagement—blending compliance with consumer experience in a single scan.

GS1 DotCode

The GS1 DotCode is engineered for speed. Designed for high-throughput environments like tobacco production lines, it prints a matrix of tiny, almost invisible dots—not bars or squares—making it ideal for real-time encoding on fast-moving items.

Where other barcodes might smudge or fail, DotCode thrives. It’s especially useful in:

• High-speed inkjet or laser printing operations
• Situations where traceability must be maintained at top speed
• Products with very limited labeling space that still require regulatory data

Despite its subtle, scatter-like appearance, GS1 DotCode is precisely structured and easy for machines to scan, even at full production speed. It’s a behind-the-scenes powerhouse for industries where milliseconds matter.

What’s the GS1 Composite format?

The GS1 Composite Code is a hybrid solution that bridges the gap between old and new. Introduced in the early 2000s, it combines a traditional 1D barcode with an additional 2D component, offering a smart compromise between backward compatibility and data richness.

With just a single scan, this format can capture multiple pieces of product information—like batch numbers, expiration dates, and even application identifiers—all while working with existing linear barcode scanners. This made it especially helpful in warehouse operations, where reducing manual data entry and speeding up processes can have a huge impact.

Visually, it looks like a linear barcode with a rectangular “cap” sitting just above it—this top layer is the 2D part.

Today, as 2D scanners and digital link solutions become the norm, the Composite format is slowly being phased out. Still, many retailers and industries with legacy infrastructure continue to rely on it for inventory management and supply chain continuity.

Composite Code variants

• CC-A: A compact option that combines a short linear barcode with a MicroPDF417 symbol. Designed for tight spaces and minimal extra data, it can encode up to 56 characters.
• CC-B: Similar in structure but built for more. It supports up to 338 characters, making it a popular choice in the pharmaceutical industry, where traceability and compliance are critical.
• CC-C: The heavyweight of the family. It uses a GS1-128 barcode paired with a PDF417 component and can store over 2,300 characters. It’s ideal for complex logistics, tracking assets, and environments that demand rich, structured data in a human readable format.

What is the GS1 Digital Link standard?

Turning packaging into a gateway

The GS1 Digital Link isn’t a new barcode format—it’s a smarter way to use the barcodes we already know. It encodes a structured URL into formats like QR Codes or GS1 DataMatrix, turning any scan into a powerful tool for both compliance and digital engagement.

Instead of simply holding a global trade item number (GTIN), the code contains a web address built from GS1 data elements. That link can adapt based on who scans it—whether it’s a retail scanner or a shopper’s smartphone.

Scanner behavior

• Retail scanners treat a GS1 Digital Link-enabled code just like a UPC or EAN. They extract the GTIN, access encoded data, and proceed with the sale or inventory tracking—no added steps required.
• Smartphones, on the other hand, open a mobile landing page. This page can be customized with product information, how-to videos, promotions, or even sustainability disclosures—creating a seamless, interactive consumer experience.

Why does Digital Link matter?

The GS1 Digital Link standard expands the role of barcodes beyond identification. It enables real-time access to everything from authentication tools to expiration dates, and helps brands meet growing expectations for traceability, transparency, and sustainability.

Here’s what it unlocks:

• Authentication: Brands can direct users to tools that verify product legitimacy.
• Compliance: Supports initiatives like the EU Digital Product Passport and FDA traceability regulations.
• Supply chain visibility: Tracks batch numbers, origin, recalls, or expiry dates—all from a single scan.
• Sustainability: Cuts down on printed materials by linking to updatable digital content.

And best of all? These codes can be created and managed through platforms like Digital Link, which provide tools for custom landing pages, regional targeting, and scan analytics—so every barcode becomes a dynamic gateway between your product and your audience.

How do I choose the right GS1 barcode format?

Choosing the right GS1 barcode format isn’t just about technical specs—it’s about aligning your business goals with the right tool for the job. Each format plays a specific role in how products are identified, tracked, and connected to the people who use them.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• For point-of-sale scanning, stick with the classics. UPC or EAN barcodes are still the go-to standards for retail products like groceries, electronics, and clothing. They’re fast, reliable, and universally supported.
• For logistics, warehousing, and bulk labeling, use ITF-14 or GS1-128. These formats are built for shipping cartons, pallets, and tracking across the supply chain.
• For tight spaces or compliance-heavy items like medical devices or small cosmetics, GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 QR codes pack rich data into a small footprint.
• For consumer engagement, nothing beats the flexibility of a GS1 QR code with Digital Link. It merges regulatory information with digital content, unlocking everything from tutorials to sustainability disclosures—all with a single scan.

As the industry shifts toward 2D barcodes and digital-first labeling, the future lies in codes that do more. With GS1 barcode formats, brands can move beyond static product tags and into a world of real-time traceability, interactive packaging, and smarter, more connected customer experiences.