How to Create a GS1-Approved Digital Link QR Code

Author: Danny
February 23, 2026

9 min read

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could take your 1D traditional barcode and transform it into a two-way communication channel with stakeholders? GS1 Digital Link QR codes now enable brands to go beyond just scanning a barcode at a POS. Imagine being able to share huge amounts of content with supply chain managers, regulators, and end-consumers, streamlining all of the information into one place, while segregating it for different audiences. Now you can!

Get ready for Sunrise 2027 using GTIN QR codes

A GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) is the number you see at the bottom of your barcodes, like UPC and EAN numbers.

For the last 50 years, a GTIN barcode has been scanned at a POS when making a purchase. But with recent technology, GTIN QR codes can hold so much more information, transitioning us into what the GS1 Organization has called Sunrise 2027, an industry-led segue into storing more information for various audiences into one code.

This will help supply chain managers track and record procurement and logistics information in real-time.
It will enable regulators to see that regional laws regarding transparency and ESG have been accounted for on product labeling.
GTIN QR codes will provide links to various channels for end consumers, promoting repeat purchases, social media engagement, product instruction manuals, allergen and ingredient information, and anything else the brand can think of that would be important for fostering long-term relationships with loyal customers.

In this article, we’ll show you:

How to create a GTIN QR code with Trueqrcode’s simple and GS1-compliant barcode QR code generator.
A breakdown of the process – it’s not as complicated as it seems.
How technical things work in layman’s terms, without you having to do the work.

The process of making a GTIN QR code

1. Become a GS1 member

You’ll get a GS1 Company Prefix so you can create GTINs. Those are what you’ll add to your QR code.

2. Choose a QR code generator software

You can add identifiers to the QR code like batch/lot numbers, serial numbers, landing pages etc. Every time you add detail, it’s part of the “layer cake.” You’ve got basic product information, then enhanced information.

Basic information is stored in the code. There is information you can see immediately when you scan the code, but not all of it should be written there.

Data Element	Stored in QR Code?	Stored in GS1 GTIN Setup?
GTIN	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
GLN	✅ Optional	✅ Yes
SSCC	✅ Optional	✅ Yes
Batch/Lot	✅ Optional	❌ No
Serial number	✅ Optional	❌ No
Expiration date	✅ Optional	❌ No

Enhanced information is stored on landing pages linked to the code. What you would do is create URL links that different audiences would be directed to.

How many GTIN QR codes do I make?

That depends on what your product is and what your objectives are as a company. Here are your options:

Product-level QR codes are unique codes for each product.
Batch-level QR codes are generated in bulk and have a batch number.
Item-level QR codes are also generated in bulk, have serial numbers and batch numbers, and are personalized for every item.

Trueqrcode can do any of those options.

Best practice: Most brands have product-level QR codes, and that is suggested for things such as a barcode for cosmetic products. Batch-level QR codes are better for something like pharmaceuticals in case there is a recall. Item-level QR codes are more useful for things like GS1 Digital Links for electronics and consumer goods only if there are serial numbers involved for high-end or luxury goods.

3. Choose a resolver software

A resolver makes it possible for those scanning to get directed to their proper places. This is possible because the device that scans is taken note of, then the resolver knows if it’s a regulator, supply chain worker, POS scanner, or the end consumer. These URLs would give information regarding procurement, logistics, recalls, eco-certifications, legal and ethical practices, regional regulations, landing pages, promotions, discounts, serial numbers, warranty information, social media channels, and just about anything else important to the company when selling the product.

The 2D barcode, or GTIN QR code, is now a little magic code.

Why it’s easy to make a GTIN QR code with Trueqrcode

We take out all of the technical confusion of making the code. You don’t have to be a developer or a “techie” in order to do it. You can also make a beautiful QR code design that features your brand image and incorporate QR codes on product packaging without being a designer.

Any information you need regarding generating a GTIN with GS1 can be found on their website, but if you already generate them for your products anyways, you know the process. All you do is type the GTIN into a QR code generator that is GS1 compliant, like Trueqrcode.

How to create a GTIN QR code with Trueqrcode

Go to Trueqrcode QR code generator and choose the barcode QR code option that is GS1 compliant.
Add the GTIN (EAN) Code that you obtained from the GS1 Organization.
If you need to create bulk QR codes for batch-level information or serialization, you can choose the “Create Bulk” option, and we will provide you with a spreadsheet to download, fill out, and you will upload it again for bulk QR code generation.
The tab labelled “Header/Links/Social” comes next. This is where you’ll add links to information that enable you to create engagement with end consumers.
After that, click the “Design” tab, where you’ll incorporate branded, contrasting colors and add a QR code logo for brand awareness and recognition.
Next, you’ll download your GTIN QR code.
Do a test scan before and after adding to your packaging. Print one on a test package before printing thousands. Make sure it’s a size that is easy to scan and not obstructed by packaging folds and curves.

The benefits of having a GTIN QR code on your products

Since everyone is transitioning to 2D codes, it’s the perfect time for you to test your QR code marketing. Right now, there are both barcodes and QR codes on packaging, which appears more cluttered than it should be when all of the information can be stored in one GTIN QR code. QR codes for retail are not only going to improve the look of packaging, but smart packaging is the key to sustainability because they hold URLs to massive amounts of information that customers wouldn’t have looked up on informative landing pages you built, ebooks you wrote, video tutorials you crafted, etc., if they didn’t conveniently see the links in your practical GTIN QR code.

Useful tips about creating GS1 Digital Link QR codes:

Don’t shorten URLs like you would when making other QR codes.
Use GTINs from GS1, not from anywhere else.
Use as many GS1 identifiers as are important to your brand and product.
Put detailed information on landing pages because they can be updated without reprinting a physical dynamic QR code. Don’t saturate the actual QR code with details.
Trueqrcode is the top QR code generator for creating a barcode QR code because it’s actually GS1 compliant, whereas other QR code generators may not be.

Best practice: Make the GTIN QR code worth your while. Make sure that there is necessary and awesome content attached. It doesn’t mean saturating the market with information they don’t need to know or pushing for followers. If there are instruction manuals, make sure they are useful and understandable. If there is a promo, create a CTA that people think is worth scanning for. Use data that supports business processes for the supply chain. Include what is necessary for ESG standards in your region. Quality content, not quantity, is key!

How does a resolver work?

A resolver is a web service that reads the GS1 Digital Link URI and then decides where to direct the scanner. The service takes care of this, and you don’t need any special knowledge or technical skills to perform this.

Without a resolver, your QR code would link to whatever URL (website; don’t confuse with URI) that you put in the code. With a resolver, your QR code traffic is directed to the proper place for that audience. It detects who is scanning because of the device used, or even the location.

The resolver routes requests. It is not a website or a CMS.

This is important to Sunrise 2027 because it works for everyone in the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the end consumer, and follows regulatory laws. Since GTIN QR codes can store links to pages with country-specific and language-specific information, it’s the most value-added technology to packaging out there. The resolver simply routes the scanner to that information. You just give the resolver service whatever they ask for, and it does the work for you.

The details of what you add to the resolver can be provided to you directly from the one you choose.

The GTIN barcode will be replaced with the GTIN QR code by 2027 due to industry demands. This enables brands to streamline their product information between necessary stakeholders, promoting transparency, compliance, sustainability, and more professional-looking, value-added packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a GS1 Digital Link QR Code?

A GS1 Digital Link QR Code connects a GS1 identifier like a GTIN to the QR code to provide information about the product connected to web pages.

How is a GS1 Digital Link different from a regular QR code?

The GS1 Digital Link QR Code uses GS1 identifiers like a GTIN for products. This supports structured data that goes to multiple destinations for various purposes.

What GS1 identifiers can be used in a Digital Link?

Common identifiers include:

GTIN (Global Trade Item Number)
GLN (Global Location Number)
SSCC (Serial Shipping Container Code)
Batch/Lot number
Serial number
Expiration date

Do I need to be a GS1 member to create a GS1 Digital Link QR Code?

Yes, your company needs a GS1 company prefix and valid GS1 identifiers for your products; the most commonly used one being the GTIN.

Danny

Danny van der Ham is the Co-Founder of Trueqrcode, a SaaS platform that helps businesses create, manage, and track dynamic QR codes. Since 2022, he has led the platform’s growth to millions of scans worldwide, with a focus on innovation in Multi-Link, PDF, vCard, WiFi, and GS1 Barcode QR Codes.

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