GS1 QR Code Generator (Digital Link)
Quick Answer
A GS1 QR codeencodes a product's GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) plus optional batch/lot, expiry, and serial number using the GS1 Digital Link standard. Scanning resolves to a canonical product URL like https://id.gs1.org/01/09506000134352/10/LOT4711/17/261231. GS1 Digital Link is the basis of the "GS1 Sunrise 2027" transition that replaces 1D barcodes on retail packaging with 2D QR codes worldwide.
Generate a GS1 QR code
Open the generator with GS1 selected and fill in:
- GTIN (AI 01) ā 8, 12, 13, or 14 digits. We auto-pad to 14.
- Lot / Batch (AI 10) ā alphanumeric, max 20 characters. Optional.
- Expiry (AI 17) ā 6 digits in
YYMMDDformat. Optional. - Serial Number (AI 21) ā alphanumeric, max 20 characters. Optional.
Why use GS1 Digital Link instead of a plain URL QR?
- Scannable by both consumers and POS ā the same QR can serve a marketing page to a phone scan and provide GTIN/lot data to a supermarket scanner.
- Pharma traceability (DSCSA, EU FMD) ā encode unique serial + lot for unit-level traceability without a second barcode.
- Recall precision ā recall a single lot, not an entire SKU.
- GS1 Sunrise 2027 ā major retailers are migrating from EAN/UPC to 2D codes by 2027. Adopt now, avoid the rush.
GS1 Application Identifiers (AIs) we support
| AI | Field | Format |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | GTIN | 14 digits (auto-padded) |
| 10 | Batch / lot number | Up to 20 alphanumeric |
| 17 | Expiration date | YYMMDD (6 digits) |
| 21 | Serial number | Up to 20 alphanumeric |
Privacy & cost
The generator runs entirely in your browser. Your GTINs and lot numbers never leave your device. Free, unlimited, no signup. The QR points to id.gs1.org by default, the canonical resolver maintained by GS1 Global.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GS1 QR code?
A GS1 QR code encodes product identifiers ā GTIN, lot, expiry, serial ā using the GS1 Digital Link URI scheme. Scanning resolves to a canonical URL like https://id.gs1.org/01/{GTIN}/10/{lot}/17/{expiry}/21/{serial}. The same QR is readable by both consumer phones and POS scanners.
How do I generate a GS1 QR code for free?
Open https://link2qr.com/?type=gs1 and enter your GTIN (8/12/13/14 digits, auto-padded to 14), plus optional lot/batch (AI 10), expiry as YYMMDD (AI 17), and serial number (AI 21). Download as PNG, SVG, JPEG or PDF. No signup, no API key, runs entirely in the browser.
What is GS1 Sunrise 2027?
GS1 Sunrise 2027 is the global retail transition that allows POS scanners to accept 2D barcodes (including GS1 Digital Link QR codes) instead of legacy 1D EAN/UPC barcodes by the end of 2027. Brands are adopting GS1 Digital Link now to be ready and to enable richer consumer engagement on packaging.
Which GS1 Application Identifiers does Link2QR support?
Link2QR supports AI 01 (GTIN, 14 digits), AI 10 (batch/lot, up to 20 alphanumeric), AI 17 (expiration date, YYMMDD), and AI 21 (serial number, up to 20 alphanumeric). The output is a fully compliant GS1 Digital Link URI.
Is the GS1 QR code I generate compliant for pharma traceability (DSCSA, EU FMD)?
Yes. Link2QR encodes GTIN + lot + expiry + serial into a GS1 Digital Link, which is one of the formats accepted by DSCSA (US) and EU FMD for unit-level pharmaceutical traceability. Verify with your specific regulator's encoding requirements before production use.
Ready to generate?
Open the generator with GS1 mode pre-selected and start encoding products.
Generate GS1 QR Code ā