[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":1568},["ShallowReactive",2],{"page-\u002Fnews\u002Fgs1-barcode-formats":3,"related-\u002Fnews\u002Fgs1-barcode-formats":1546},{"id":4,"title":5,"author":6,"body":7,"category":6,"description":1533,"extension":1534,"heading":1535,"heroImage":6,"heroImageAlt":6,"layout":6,"meta":1536,"navigation":1537,"ogImage":1538,"path":1539,"publishedAt":1540,"sections":6,"seo":1541,"sourcePath":1542,"stem":1543,"updatedAt":1544,"videos":6,"__hash__":1545},"pages\u002Fnews\u002Fgs1-barcode-formats.md","GS1 barcode formats: Linear, 2D, and digital explained",null,{"type":8,"value":9,"toc":1507},"minimark",[10],[11,12,13,30,79,116,180,185,213,231,236,261,284,288,303,335,339,371,382,388,423,440,456,460,492,518,522,542,552,571,603,613,617,643,672,679,699,702,721,739,742,759,792,802,806,837,859,866,898,917,921,943,950,973,986,996,1000,1024,1053,1060,1088,1092,1161,1171,1175,1179,1199,1213,1217,1267,1271,1291,1294,1349,1368,1378,1382,1397,1400,1475,1497],"div",{},[14,15,16,17,21,22,25,26,29],"p",{},"Barcodes have done more than track prices. They’ve shaped the backbone of ",[18,19,20],"strong",{},"product identification",", ",[18,23,24],{},"inventory management",", and the entire ",[18,27,28],{},"supply chain",". But today, they’re no longer just quiet operators behind the scenes.",[14,31,32,33,36,37,40,41,21,44,21,47,50,51,54,55,58,59,62,63,66,67,70,71,74,75,78],{},"The ",[18,34,35],{},"GS1 barcode formats"," are the ",[18,38,39],{},"global standard"," that helps businesses speak the same language across ",[18,42,43],{},"retail shelves",[18,45,46],{},"logistics hubs",[18,48,49],{},"hospital wards",", and ",[18,52,53],{},"factory floors",". These codes ensure every ",[18,56,57],{},"scan"," delivers the right ",[18,60,61],{},"data",", with precision and consistency, whether it’s a ",[18,64,65],{},"UPC A barcode"," at the ",[18,68,69],{},"retail point of sale"," or a ",[18,72,73],{},"GS1 128 barcode"," used in ",[18,76,77],{},"general distribution",".",[14,80,81,82,85,86,89,90,93,94,97,98,101,102,105,106,21,109,112,113,78],{},"Now, barcodes are stepping into a bigger role. With ",[18,83,84],{},"two-dimensional"," and ",[18,87,88],{},"digital formats"," on the rise, ",[18,91,92],{},"GS1 barcodes"," are evolving to do more than manage logistics. By ",[18,95,96],{},"2027",", they’ll also power ",[18,99,100],{},"direct consumer engagement",", where a ",[18,103,104],{},"single scan"," can offer ",[18,107,108],{},"personalized content",[18,110,111],{},"traceability",", or even a ",[18,114,115],{},"digital product passport",[14,117,118,119,121,122,125,126,85,129,132,133,125,136,85,139,146,147,150,151,154,155,158,159,162,163,166,167,170,171,21,174,50,177,78],{},"In this guide, we’ll break down the most widely used ",[18,120,35],{},": from ",[18,123,124],{},"linear barcodes"," like ",[18,127,128],{},"UPC E",[18,130,131],{},"GS1 128",", to ",[18,134,135],{},"2D codes",[18,137,138],{},"GS1 DataMatrix",[18,140,141],{},[142,143,145],"a",{"href":144},"\u002F","GS1 Digital Link",". You’ll see how different sectors, from ",[18,148,149],{},"retailers"," to the ",[18,152,153],{},"healthcare industry",", use specific formats to ",[18,156,157],{},"track products",", flag ",[18,160,161],{},"expiration dates",", or ",[18,164,165],{},"mark medical devices",". Each format serves a purpose, and choosing the ",[18,168,169],{},"right barcode"," can make all the difference in ",[18,172,173],{},"efficiency",[18,175,176],{},"compliance",[18,178,179],{},"customer experience",[181,182,184],"h2",{"id":183},"what-are-1d-linear-gs1-barcodes","What are 1D (linear) GS1 barcodes?",[14,186,187,190,191,193,194,197,198,21,201,204,205,208,209,212],{},[18,188,189],{},"1D barcodes",", also known as ",[18,192,124],{},", encode data in a single, horizontal line using a sequence of ",[18,195,196],{},"parallel black-and-white bars",". These formats are ",[18,199,200],{},"fast",[18,202,203],{},"reliable",", and deeply integrated into ",[18,206,207],{},"legacy retail systems",", including the familiar ",[18,210,211],{},"UPC barcodes"," you see at checkout.",[14,214,215,216,219,220,222,223,226,227,230],{},"Because they require a ",[18,217,218],{},"direct line-of-sight",", they must be properly aligned with the scanner to work effectively. While newer 2D and digital formats are gaining ground, ",[18,221,189],{}," continue to play a ",[18,224,225],{},"crucial role"," in everyday ",[18,228,229],{},"supply chain operations"," thanks to their simplicity and widespread compatibility.",[232,233,235],"h3",{"id":234},"upc","UPC",[14,237,238,239,242,243,246,247,250,251,254,255,257,258,78],{},"Developed in ",[18,240,241],{},"1973"," and first scanned in ",[18,244,245],{},"1974",", the ",[18,248,249],{},"Universal Product Code (UPC)"," is the classic ",[18,252,253],{},"barcode symbol"," that revolutionized the ",[18,256,69],{},". It quickly became the standard in ",[18,259,260],{},"North America",[262,263,264,274],"ul",{},[265,266,267,270,271,78],"li",{},[18,268,269],{},"UPC-A (12 digits):"," The most common format used at checkout, especially for ",[18,272,273],{},"retail products",[265,275,276,279,280,283],{},[18,277,278],{},"UPC-E (6 digits):"," A compressed version ideal for ",[18,281,282],{},"smaller packages"," with limited label space.",[232,285,287],{"id":286},"ean","EAN",[14,289,290,291,294,295,298,299,302],{},"Launched in ",[18,292,293],{},"1977"," to extend barcode use beyond North America, the ",[18,296,297],{},"European Article Number (EAN)"," brought the ",[18,300,301],{},"global trade item number (GTIN)"," standard to the international stage.",[262,304,305,318],{},[265,306,307,310,311,314,315],{},[18,308,309],{},"EAN-13:"," Widely adopted across ",[18,312,313],{},"global markets",", particularly ",[18,316,317],{},"outside the U.S.",[265,319,320,323,324,327,328,331,332,78],{},[18,321,322],{},"EAN-8:"," A ",[18,325,326],{},"compact version"," used for small goods like ",[18,329,330],{},"cosmetics"," or ",[18,333,334],{},"pharmaceuticals",[232,336,338],{"id":337},"gs1-128","GS1-128",[14,340,341,342,345,346,349,350,353,354,21,356,358,359,362,363,21,365,50,368,78],{},"Originally named ",[18,343,344],{},"UCC\u002FEAN-128",", this barcode format was developed in the ",[18,347,348],{},"1980s"," and standardized in the ",[18,351,352],{},"1990s",". Unlike other ",[18,355,124],{},[18,357,338],{}," is built for more than just identification. It’s a ",[18,360,361],{},"workhorse"," for ",[18,364,24],{},[18,366,367],{},"logistics",[18,369,370],{},"regulatory compliance",[14,372,373,374,377,378,381],{},"It uses ",[18,375,376],{},"Code 128 symbology"," to encode rich data sets, including ",[18,379,380],{},"application identifiers",", which unlock detailed product information. That means it can carry much more than just a product code.",[14,383,384,387],{},[18,385,386],{},"GS1-128 barcodes"," can encode:",[262,389,390,395,403,411],{},[265,391,392],{},[18,393,394],{},"GTINs (global trade item numbers)",[265,396,397,85,400],{},[18,398,399],{},"Batch numbers",[18,401,402],{},"lot numbers",[265,404,405,85,408],{},[18,406,407],{},"Expiration dates",[18,409,410],{},"expiry date data",[265,412,413,416,417,85,420],{},[18,414,415],{},"Serial numbers",", essential for ",[18,418,419],{},"tracking assets",[18,421,422],{},"medical devices",[14,424,425,426,428,429,21,432,434,435,437,438,78],{},"Thanks to their flexibility and precision, ",[18,427,386],{}," are widely used in ",[18,430,431],{},"warehousing",[18,433,77],{},", and industries where ",[18,436,111],{}," is critical, like the ",[18,439,153],{},[441,442,443],"figure",{},[444,445,446,449],"picture",{},[447,448],"source",{},[450,451],"img",{"alt":452,"height":453,"src":454,"width":455},"Transition from 1D to 2D GS1 barcodes on production",440,"\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F05\u002FTransition-from-1D-to-2D-GS1-barcodes-on-production.png",728,[232,457,459],{"id":458},"itf-14","ITF-14",[14,461,32,462,465,466,85,469,472,473,85,476,479,480,483,484,487,488,491],{},[18,463,464],{},"ITF-14 barcode format"," was built for the rough-and-ready world of ",[18,467,468],{},"shipping",[18,470,471],{},"bulk packaging",". Its ",[18,474,475],{},"wide bars",[18,477,478],{},"rectangular bearer bars"," aren’t just for show. They make it ideal for being ",[18,481,482],{},"printed directly"," onto ",[18,485,486],{},"corrugated boxes"," using ",[18,489,490],{},"industrial-grade printers"," without losing scan accuracy.",[14,493,494,495,497,498,21,501,50,504,507,508,511,512,85,514,517],{},"You won’t see ITF-14 codes at the ",[18,496,69],{},", and that’s by design. Their real strength lies in ",[18,499,500],{},"warehouse environments",[18,502,503],{},"pallet labeling",[18,505,506],{},"shipping cartons",", where durability matters more than design. This format is also used to encode the ",[18,509,510],{},"serial shipping container code (SSCC)",", a key element in ",[18,513,367],{},[18,515,516],{},"supply chain management"," for identifying and tracking large shipments.",[232,519,521],{"id":520},"gs1-databar","GS1 DataBar",[14,523,524,525,527,528,246,531,533,534,537,538,541],{},"Originally launched in the ",[18,526,352],{}," under the name ",[18,529,530],{},"RSS",[18,532,521],{}," was created to handle ",[18,535,536],{},"high-density data"," in ",[18,539,540],{},"limited space",", and it delivers.",[14,543,544,545,85,548,551],{},"With both ",[18,546,547],{},"linear",[18,549,550],{},"stacked variants",", this versatile format can carry:",[262,553,554,558,563],{},[265,555,556],{},[18,557,407],{},[265,559,560],{},[18,561,562],{},"Batch or lot numbers",[265,564,565,331,568],{},[18,566,567],{},"Variable weights",[18,569,570],{},"pricing information",[14,572,573,574,85,576,579,580,21,583,585,586,588,589,592,593,21,596,598,599,602],{},"This makes it an ideal choice for industries where ",[18,575,111],{},[18,577,578],{},"date-sensitive tracking"," are non-negotiable, like in ",[18,581,582],{},"fresh food",[18,584,334],{},", and the ",[18,587,153],{},". Whether you’re ",[18,590,591],{},"marking medical devices"," or managing ",[18,594,595],{},"barcoding on patient wristbands",[18,597,521],{}," packs critical info into a ",[18,600,601],{},"small symbol"," that still scans reliably.",[441,604,605],{},[444,606,607,609],{},[447,608],{},[450,610],{"alt":611,"height":453,"src":612,"width":455},"Scanning linear barcode on cardboard box","\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F05\u002FScanning-linear-barcode-on-cardboard-box.png",[181,614,616],{"id":615},"what-are-2d-gs1-barcodes","What are 2D GS1 barcodes?",[14,618,619,622,623,487,626,21,629,162,632,635,636,639,640,78],{},[18,620,621],{},"2D barcodes"," take data encoding to the next level, literally. Instead of just reading left to right like traditional linear formats, they encode information ",[18,624,625],{},"both horizontally and vertically",[18,627,628],{},"squares",[18,630,631],{},"dots",[18,633,634],{},"grid patterns",". This allows them to hold ",[18,637,638],{},"significantly more data"," in a ",[18,641,642],{},"much smaller space",[14,644,645,646,649,650,21,653,50,656,659,660,663,664,85,666,669,670,78],{},"That’s exactly why ",[142,647,621],{"href":648},"\u002Fproduct\u002F2d-barcodes\u002F"," are rapidly becoming the go-to solution in ",[18,651,652],{},"healthcare",[18,654,655],{},"manufacturing",[18,657,658],{},"retail",". They’re compact, highly scannable, and capable of storing everything from ",[18,661,662],{},"serial numbers"," to ",[18,665,161],{},[18,667,668],{},"batch information",", all in one ",[18,671,253],{},[14,673,674,675,678],{},"In ",[18,676,677],{},"healthcare applications",", 2D barcodes have become indispensable for:",[262,680,681,686,691],{},[265,682,683],{},[18,684,685],{},"Barcoding patient wristbands",[265,687,688],{},[18,689,690],{},"Marking medical devices",[265,692,693,85,696],{},[18,694,695],{},"Tracking pharmaceuticals",[18,697,698],{},"medical assets",[232,700,138],{"id":701},"gs1-datamatrix",[14,703,32,704,706,707,709,710,125,713,21,715,162,718,78],{},[18,705,138],{}," is the gold standard for encoding lots of data in tight spaces. Its ",[18,708,601],{}," design is perfect for ",[18,711,712],{},"tiny packages",[18,714,422],{},[18,716,717],{},"pharmaceutical vials",[18,719,720],{},"small electronics",[14,722,723,724,727,728,731,732,735,736,78],{},"Its unique structure features two solid borders in an ",[18,725,726],{},"L-shape"," for alignment, and two ",[18,729,730],{},"dotted sides"," that help scanners recognize its size and orientation. This enables ",[18,733,734],{},"precise and fast scanning",", even on ",[18,737,738],{},"low quality materials",[14,740,741],{},"It’s widely used for:",[262,743,744,749,754],{},[265,745,746],{},[18,747,748],{},"Pharmaceuticals",[265,750,751],{},[18,752,753],{},"Medical devices",[265,755,756],{},[18,757,758],{},"Small electronics",[14,760,761,762,764,765,21,768,771,772,775,776,778,779,782,783,21,786,50,789,78],{},"But its impact goes beyond size. The ",[18,763,138],{}," supports ",[18,766,767],{},"serialization",[18,769,770],{},"expiry date tracking",", and complete ",[18,773,774],{},"product traceability",". It plays a ",[18,777,225],{}," in meeting healthcare regulations like ",[18,780,781],{},"UDI (Unique Device Identification)",", making it vital for identifying and tracking items like ",[18,784,785],{},"patient wristbands",[18,787,788],{},"surgical tools",[18,790,791],{},"controlled substances",[441,793,794],{},[444,795,796,798],{},[447,797],{},[450,799],{"alt":800,"height":453,"src":801,"width":455},"GS1 QR code scanned in pharmacy setting","\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F05\u002FGS1-QR-code-scanned-in-pharmacy-setting.png",[232,803,805],{"id":804},"gs1-qr-code","GS1 QR code",[14,807,32,808,810,811,814,815,817,818,820,821,824,825,21,828,50,830,833,834,78],{},[18,809,805],{}," takes the familiar, consumer-facing ",[18,812,813],{},"QR code"," format and supercharges it for ",[18,816,28],{}," efficiency and ",[18,819,370],{},". Unlike standard QR codes, this version is built to carry ",[18,822,823],{},"structured data",", including ",[18,826,827],{},"global trade item numbers (GTINs)",[18,829,161],{},[18,831,832],{},"product details",", all within a single, scannable ",[18,835,836],{},"square grid",[14,838,839,840,843,844,21,847,850,851,854,855,858],{},"Think of it as a smarter, more powerful version of the everyday QR. With the help of ",[18,841,842],{},"Application Identifiers",", a GS1 QR code can encode data like ",[18,845,846],{},"weight",[18,848,849],{},"batch numbers",", and even ",[18,852,853],{},"digital receipts",", similar to what ",[18,856,857],{},"Expanded Databar"," codes do.",[14,860,861,862,865],{},"You’ll recognize it instantly by the three bold squares in its corners, known as ",[18,863,864],{},"finder patterns",", that make it:",[262,867,868,880,886],{},[265,869,870,873,874,85,877],{},[18,871,872],{},"Easy to scan"," with ",[18,875,876],{},"smartphones",[18,878,879],{},"image-based scanners",[265,881,882,883],{},"Capable of holding ",[18,884,885],{},"a high volume of data",[265,887,888,889,21,892,162,895],{},"Perfect for linking to ",[18,890,891],{},"product information",[18,893,894],{},"promotions",[18,896,897],{},"interactive experiences",[14,899,900,901,21,903,906,907,910,911,914,915,78],{},"And by ",[18,902,96],{},[18,904,905],{},"GS1 QR codes"," will become a central tool for brands and retailers, enabling ",[18,908,909],{},"Digital Product Passports",", real-time updates, and ",[18,912,913],{},"mobile engagement",", blending compliance with consumer experience in a ",[18,916,104],{},[232,918,920],{"id":919},"gs1-dotcode","GS1 DotCode",[14,922,32,923,925,926,125,929,932,933,935,936,939,940,78],{},[18,924,920],{}," is engineered for speed. Designed for ",[18,927,928],{},"high-throughput environments",[18,930,931],{},"tobacco production lines",", it prints a matrix of tiny, almost invisible ",[18,934,631],{},", not bars or squares, making it ideal for ",[18,937,938],{},"real-time encoding"," on ",[18,941,942],{},"fast-moving items",[14,944,945,946,949],{},"Where other barcodes might smudge or fail, ",[18,947,948],{},"DotCode"," thrives. It’s especially useful in:",[262,951,952,957,963],{},[265,953,954],{},[18,955,956],{},"High-speed inkjet or laser printing operations",[265,958,959,960,962],{},"Situations where ",[18,961,111],{}," must be maintained at top speed",[265,964,965,966,969,970],{},"Products with ",[18,967,968],{},"very limited labeling space"," that still require ",[18,971,972],{},"regulatory data",[14,974,975,976,21,979,981,982,985],{},"Despite its subtle, ",[18,977,978],{},"scatter-like appearance",[18,980,920],{}," is ",[18,983,984],{},"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.",[441,987,988],{},[444,989,990,992],{},[447,991],{},[450,993],{"alt":994,"height":453,"src":995,"width":455},"Transition from 1D to 2D GS1 barcodes on production line","\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F05\u002FTransition-from-1D-to-2D-GS1-barcodes-on-production-line.png",[181,997,999],{"id":998},"whats-the-gs1-composite-format","What’s the GS1 Composite format?",[14,1001,32,1002,1005,1006,1009,1010,1013,1014,1017,1018,85,1021,78],{},[18,1003,1004],{},"GS1 Composite Code"," is a hybrid solution that bridges the gap between old and new. Introduced in the ",[18,1007,1008],{},"early 2000s",", it combines a traditional ",[18,1011,1012],{},"1D barcode"," with an additional ",[18,1015,1016],{},"2D component",", offering a smart compromise between ",[18,1019,1020],{},"backward compatibility",[18,1022,1023],{},"data richness",[14,1025,1026,1027,1030,1031,1033,1034,21,1036,850,1038,1040,1041,1044,1045,1048,1049,1052],{},"With just ",[18,1028,1029],{},"a single scan",", this format can capture multiple pieces of ",[18,1032,891],{},", like ",[18,1035,849],{},[18,1037,161],{},[18,1039,380],{},", all while working with existing ",[18,1042,1043],{},"linear barcode scanners",". This made it especially helpful in ",[18,1046,1047],{},"warehouse operations",", where reducing ",[18,1050,1051],{},"manual data entry"," and speeding up processes can have a huge impact.",[14,1054,1055,1056,1059],{},"Visually, it looks like a ",[18,1057,1058],{},"linear barcode"," with a rectangular “cap” sitting just above it. This top layer is the 2D part.",[14,1061,1062,1063,85,1066,1069,1070,1073,1074,85,1076,873,1079,1082,1083,85,1085,1087],{},"Today, as ",[18,1064,1065],{},"2D scanners",[18,1067,1068],{},"digital link"," solutions become the norm, the ",[18,1071,1072],{},"Composite format"," is slowly being phased out. Still, many ",[18,1075,149],{},[18,1077,1078],{},"industries",[18,1080,1081],{},"legacy infrastructure"," continue to rely on it for ",[18,1084,24],{},[18,1086,28],{}," continuity.",[232,1089,1091],{"id":1090},"composite-code-variants","Composite Code variants",[262,1093,1094,1117,1131],{},[265,1095,1096,1099,1100,1102,1103,1106,1107,85,1110,1113,1114,78],{},[18,1097,1098],{},"CC-A:"," A compact option that combines a short ",[18,1101,1058],{}," with a ",[18,1104,1105],{},"MicroPDF417"," symbol. Designed for ",[18,1108,1109],{},"tight spaces",[18,1111,1112],{},"minimal extra data",", it can encode up to ",[18,1115,1116],{},"56 characters",[265,1118,1119,1122,1123,1126,1127,1130],{},[18,1120,1121],{},"CC-B:"," Similar in structure but built for more. It supports up to ",[18,1124,1125],{},"338 characters",", making it a popular choice in the ",[18,1128,1129],{},"pharmaceutical industry",", where traceability and compliance are critical.",[265,1132,1133,1136,1137,1140,1141,1144,1145,1148,1149,21,1152,1154,1155,639,1158,78],{},[18,1134,1135],{},"CC-C:"," The heavyweight of the family. It uses a ",[18,1138,1139],{},"GS1-128 barcode"," paired with a ",[18,1142,1143],{},"PDF417 component"," and can store ",[18,1146,1147],{},"over 2,300 characters",". It’s ideal for ",[18,1150,1151],{},"complex logistics",[18,1153,419],{},", and environments that demand ",[18,1156,1157],{},"rich, structured data",[18,1159,1160],{},"human readable format",[441,1162,1163],{},[444,1164,1165,1167],{},[447,1166],{},[450,1168],{"alt":1169,"height":453,"src":1170,"width":455},"Logistics box with GS1 composite barcode","\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F05\u002FLogistics-box-with-GS1-composite-barcode.png",[181,1172,1174],{"id":1173},"what-is-the-gs1-digital-link-standard","What is the GS1 Digital Link standard?",[181,1176,1178],{"id":1177},"turning-packaging-into-a-gateway","Turning packaging into a gateway",[14,1180,32,1181,1183,1184,1187,1188,331,1191,1193,1194,85,1196,78],{},[18,1182,145],{}," isn’t a new barcode format. It’s a smarter way to use the barcodes we already know. It encodes a structured ",[18,1185,1186],{},"URL"," into formats like ",[18,1189,1190],{},"QR Codes",[18,1192,138],{},", turning any scan into a powerful tool for both ",[18,1195,176],{},[18,1197,1198],{},"digital engagement",[14,1200,1201,1202,1204,1205,1208,1209,1212],{},"Instead of simply holding a ",[18,1203,301],{},", the code contains a ",[18,1206,1207],{},"web address"," built from ",[18,1210,1211],{},"GS1 data elements",". That link can adapt based on who scans it, whether it’s a retail scanner or a shopper’s smartphone.",[232,1214,1216],{"id":1215},"scanner-behavior","Scanner behavior",[262,1218,1219,1242],{},[265,1220,1221,1224,1225,1228,1229,331,1231,1233,1234,1237,1238,1241],{},[18,1222,1223],{},"Retail scanners"," treat a ",[18,1226,1227],{},"GS1 Digital Link-enabled code"," just like a ",[18,1230,235],{},[18,1232,287],{},". They extract the ",[18,1235,1236],{},"GTIN",", access encoded data, and proceed with the sale or ",[18,1239,1240],{},"inventory tracking",", no added steps required.",[265,1243,1244,1247,1248,1251,1252,21,1254,21,1257,1259,1260,1263,1264,78],{},[18,1245,1246],{},"Smartphones",", on the other hand, open a ",[18,1249,1250],{},"mobile landing page",". This page can be customized with ",[18,1253,891],{},[18,1255,1256],{},"how-to videos",[18,1258,894],{},", or even ",[18,1261,1262],{},"sustainability disclosures",", creating a seamless, interactive ",[18,1265,1266],{},"consumer experience",[232,1268,1270],{"id":1269},"why-does-digital-link-matter","Why does Digital Link matter?",[14,1272,32,1273,1276,1277,663,1280,1282,1283,21,1285,50,1288,78],{},[18,1274,1275],{},"GS1 Digital Link standard"," expands the role of barcodes beyond identification. It enables real-time access to everything from ",[18,1278,1279],{},"authentication tools",[18,1281,161],{},", and helps brands meet growing expectations for ",[18,1284,111],{},[18,1286,1287],{},"transparency",[18,1289,1290],{},"sustainability",[14,1292,1293],{},"Here’s what it unlocks:",[262,1295,1296,1305,1320,1340],{},[265,1297,1298,1301,1302,78],{},[18,1299,1300],{},"Authentication:"," Brands can direct users to tools that ",[18,1303,1304],{},"verify product legitimacy",[265,1306,1307,1310,1311,85,1317,78],{},[18,1308,1309],{},"Compliance:"," Supports initiatives like the ",[18,1312,1313],{},[142,1314,1316],{"href":1315},"\u002Feuropean-product-passport-compliance\u002F","EU Digital Product Passport",[18,1318,1319],{},"FDA traceability regulations",[265,1321,1322,1325,1326,21,1328,21,1331,162,1334,1337,1338,78],{},[18,1323,1324],{},"Supply chain visibility:"," Tracks ",[18,1327,849],{},[18,1329,1330],{},"origin",[18,1332,1333],{},"recalls",[18,1335,1336],{},"expiry dates",", all from a ",[18,1339,104],{},[265,1341,1342,1345,1346,78],{},[18,1343,1344],{},"Sustainability:"," Cuts down on printed materials by linking to ",[18,1347,1348],{},"updatable digital content",[14,1350,1351,1352,1357,1358,21,1361,50,1364,1367],{},"And best of all? These codes can be created and managed through platforms like ",[18,1353,1354],{},[142,1355,1356],{"href":144},"Digital Link",", which provide tools for ",[18,1359,1360],{},"custom landing pages",[18,1362,1363],{},"regional targeting",[18,1365,1366],{},"scan analytics",", so every barcode becomes a dynamic gateway between your product and your audience.",[441,1369,1370],{},[444,1371,1372,1374],{},[447,1373],{},[450,1375],{"alt":1376,"height":453,"src":1377,"width":455},"Scanning honey jar with GS1 Digital Link QR","\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F05\u002FScanning-honey-jar-with-GS1-Digital-Link-QR.png",[181,1379,1381],{"id":1380},"how-do-i-choose-the-right-gs1-barcode-format","How do I choose the right GS1 barcode format?",[14,1383,1384,1385,1388,1389,1392,1393,1396],{},"Choosing the ",[18,1386,1387],{},"right GS1 barcode format"," isn’t just about technical specs. It’s about aligning your ",[18,1390,1391],{},"business goals"," with the right tool for the job. Each format plays a ",[18,1394,1395],{},"specific role"," in how products are identified, tracked, and connected to the people who use them.",[14,1398,1399],{},"Here’s a quick breakdown:",[262,1401,1402,1417,1440,1455],{},[265,1403,1404,1405,1408,1409,331,1411,1413,1414,1416],{},"For ",[18,1406,1407],{},"point-of-sale"," scanning, stick with the classics. ",[18,1410,235],{},[18,1412,287],{}," barcodes are still the go-to standards for ",[18,1415,273],{}," like groceries, electronics, and clothing. They’re fast, reliable, and universally supported.",[265,1418,1404,1419,21,1421,50,1423,1426,1427,331,1429,1431,1432,21,1434,1437,1438,78],{},[18,1420,367],{},[18,1422,431],{},[18,1424,1425],{},"bulk labeling",", use ",[18,1428,459],{},[18,1430,338],{},". These formats are built for ",[18,1433,506],{},[18,1435,1436],{},"pallets",", and tracking across the ",[18,1439,28],{},[265,1441,1404,1442,331,1444,125,1447,1449,1450,331,1452,1454],{},[18,1443,1109],{},[18,1445,1446],{},"compliance-heavy items",[18,1448,422],{}," or small cosmetics, ",[18,1451,138],{},[18,1453,905],{}," pack rich data into a small footprint.",[265,1456,1404,1457,1460,1461,1464,1465,873,1468,1471,1472,1474],{},[18,1458,1459],{},"consumer engagement",", nothing beats the flexibility of a ",[18,1462,1463],{},"GS1 QR code with Digital Link",". It merges ",[18,1466,1467],{},"regulatory information",[18,1469,1470],{},"digital content",", unlocking everything from tutorials to ",[18,1473,1262],{},", all with a single scan.",[14,1476,1477,1478,85,1480,1483,1484,1486,1487,21,1490,1493,1494,78],{},"As the industry shifts toward ",[18,1479,621],{},[18,1481,1482],{},"digital-first labeling",", the future lies in codes that do more. With ",[18,1485,35],{},", brands can move beyond static product tags and into a world of ",[18,1488,1489],{},"real-time traceability",[18,1491,1492],{},"interactive packaging",", and smarter, more connected ",[18,1495,1496],{},"customer experiences",[441,1498,1499],{},[444,1500,1501,1503],{},[447,1502],{},[450,1504],{"alt":1505,"height":453,"src":1506,"width":455},"Products with different GS1 barcodes by purpose","\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F05\u002FProducts-with-different-GS1-barcodes-by-purpose.png",{"title":1508,"searchDepth":1509,"depth":1509,"links":1510},"",3,[1511,1519,1524,1527,1528,1532],{"id":183,"depth":1512,"text":184,"children":1513},2,[1514,1515,1516,1517,1518],{"id":234,"depth":1509,"text":235},{"id":286,"depth":1509,"text":287},{"id":337,"depth":1509,"text":338},{"id":458,"depth":1509,"text":459},{"id":520,"depth":1509,"text":521},{"id":615,"depth":1512,"text":616,"children":1520},[1521,1522,1523],{"id":701,"depth":1509,"text":138},{"id":804,"depth":1509,"text":805},{"id":919,"depth":1509,"text":920},{"id":998,"depth":1512,"text":999,"children":1525},[1526],{"id":1090,"depth":1509,"text":1091},{"id":1173,"depth":1512,"text":1174},{"id":1177,"depth":1512,"text":1178,"children":1529},[1530,1531],{"id":1215,"depth":1509,"text":1216},{"id":1269,"depth":1509,"text":1270},{"id":1380,"depth":1512,"text":1381},"Discover GS1 barcode formats like UPC, GS1-128, and Digital Link, and how they support retail, logistics, traceability, and consumer engagement.","md","GS1 barcode formats: A guide to linear, 2D, and digital codes",{},true,"\u002Fimages\u002F2025\u002F05\u002FGS1-Barcode-Formats.png","\u002Fnews\u002Fgs1-barcode-formats","2025-05-09T11:55:29+02:00",{"title":5,"description":1533},"\u002Fnews\u002Fgs1-barcode-formats\u002F","news\u002Fgs1-barcode-formats","2025-05-09T11:55:32+02:00","Tnu4VA0zOy_OwiUJD0hLh7dfAgNo27VH4JraJgLNHO0",[1547,1554,1561],{"path":1548,"sourcePath":1549,"title":1550,"heading":1551,"ogImage":1552,"publishedAt":1553},"\u002Fnews\u002Fqr-codes-on-medicine-packaging","\u002Fnews\u002Fqr-codes-on-medicine-packaging\u002F","QR codes on medicine packaging: a guide to digital leaflets","Electronic patient information leaflet: how QR codes on medicine packaging are replacing the paper insert","\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F06\u002FQR-codes-on-medicine-packaging.webp","2026-06-12T15:37:47+02:00",{"path":1555,"sourcePath":1556,"title":1557,"heading":1558,"ogImage":1559,"publishedAt":1560},"\u002Fnews\u002Fbest-gs1-digital-link-platform","\u002Fnews\u002Fbest-gs1-digital-link-platform\u002F","Best GS1 Digital Link platform 2026 for Sunrise 2027","Best GS1 Digital Link platform in 2026: why resolver depth matters more than brand size","\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F04\u002FBest-GS1-Digital-Link-platform.webp","2026-04-17T18:14:28+02:00",{"path":1562,"sourcePath":1563,"title":1564,"heading":1565,"ogImage":1566,"publishedAt":1567},"\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027-2","\u002Fnews\u002Fsunrise-2027-2\u002F","Sunrise 2027 explained and why 2026 is key to prepare","What Sunrise 2027 means and why 2026 is the last comfortable year to prepare","\u002Fimages\u002F2026\u002F01\u002FSunrise-2027.webp","2026-01-02T14:08:50+01:00",1786361876501]