GS1 Digital Link QR Codes
Fully supported by GS1, this smart 2D barcode meets global retail standards, preparing your business for the industry-wide shift to dynamic product identification.
Trusted by 10,000 companies worldwide
- Replaces your barcodeOne GS1 code that the till scans and that customers scan with their phone.
- Ready for the futureBuilt on the GS1 standard that retailers move to with Sunrise 2027.
- One code, every audienceCheckout, supply chain, regulators and consumers each get the right information.
What is a GS1 Digital Link QR code?
A GS1 Digital Link QR Code is a QR code that is GS1-approved and uses GS1 standards to embed a URI (or URL) with product identifiers like a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). It would be the same type of number on a barcode but, QR codes hold more information for different audiences.
One code, routed to the right information
Imagine being able to scan a QR code and, depending on the URL, being directed to the information you need immediately. This one code caters to supply chain managers, regulators, and end consumers. And based on the type of device that scans, the person will be routed to the correct information.
Create a GS1 QR codeFrom barcode to 2D code
Because of Sunrise 2027, an industry-led standard set by the GS1 organization, retailers will need to transition to barcode QR codes in order to appeal to the demand for more information by all stakeholders. This means that placing QR codes on product packaging is the perfect way to maintain sustainability.
- 1974First barcode scanned at a till
- TodayBarcode for the till, a separate QR for marketing
- 2027Sunrise 2027: one 2D code does both
Barcode vs. GS1 Digital Link QR Code
Traditional barcode (EAN)
- Only holds the GTIN
- Only the till can use it
- Fixed once printed
- No idea who scans it
GS1 Digital Link QR code
- GTIN plus batch, expiry and serial
- Works at the till and on every phone
- Links you can change anytime
- Scans tracked per product
Want to understand the full difference? Here’s how a Barcode QR Code replaces a traditional EAN without disrupting checkout systems while offering far more flexibility.
Brands of all sizes need a solution that works for 100 to 1M products that they can rely on
If you want simplified traceability that unifies the supply chain and retail ecosystem, GS1 Digital Link QR codes are your best bet. This is your product’s digital identity, and since you need a GTIN to sell anything, the QR code with the content you have already made is just an added bonus. It makes information sharing a lot less complicated while creating a direct digital communication channel with the end consumer. If you want a more connected and stronger brand experience that includes story telling, care instructions, warranty signups, product reviews, etc., all while pleasing regulators, no other technology compares!
FMCG and CPG brands
FMCG and CPG brands benefit because they have millions of SKUs and need to compete in international environments. GS1 Digital Link QR Codes are easy to make and provide scalability, automation, and PIM/MDM integrations.
Private label and mid-sized brands
Private label and mid-sized brands benefit by having less complex amounts of SKUs but still needing to meet the demands of GS1 and conscious consumers. Since QR codes are so easy to make, it’s only one more small step in the process.
Packaging and label printers
Packaging and label printing companies can use and integrate Trueqrcode GS1 Digital Link QR codes, using our white-label options, APIs, and bulk generation.
Webshops and D2C brands
Webshops and D2C brands find it simple and affordable to use Trueqrcode to focus on traceability and storytelling, while they generate smaller batches of QR codes.
Who is making the switch to GS1 Digital Link QR codes?
Just about everybody who uses a barcode! We’ll give you some examples below and check out the articles in depth for more information. But it doesn’t stop there! GTIN QR codes are going to be necessary by 2027, so any industry that sells a product with a UPC or EAN will be able to take advantage of this great technology and its benefits.
GS1 Digital Link for Food Packaging
Use product-level or batch-level QR codes with a GS1 Digital Link to promote transparency about farm-to-fork practices, make cool landing pages with recipe suggestions, add ingredient and allergen information, and please regulators with the information they require, all in one code.
Replace your barcode for cosmetic products with a GS1 Digital Link QR code
Add URLs that lead to cool makeup tutorials, provide CTAs that keep them anticipating promotions in the future for scanning the code later for seasonal products, and add links to signups for repeat purchases on products like shampoo every few months.
GS1 Digital Link for Electronics & Consumer Goods
Take advantage of bulk QR code generation by serializing electronics, high-end, or luxury goods with item-level QR codes. You can create a GS1 QR code for each item by uploading a spreadsheet with the proper information. This is great for warranties, registration, and traceability.
GS1 Digital Link for E-Commerce & D2C Brands
Use QR codes for sharing virtual experiences, promote post-purchase engagement through social media channels, recall management, product instruction manuals, and more!
Check out our most popular QR code use cases in retail for more interesting ways to use GS1 Digital Links to compile all of your product information in one place, pleasing conscious consumers, regulators, and streamlining supply chain tracking.
How to create a GS1 Digital Link QR code with Trueqrcode
Go to Trueqrcode’s QR code generator and choose the barcode QR code option. You can also generate QR codes in bulk by downloading our spreadsheet, filling it out, and uploading it, generating more than one code at a time. Most products only need one product-level code, but that depends on your industry and QR code use case
Enter your information. Your product’s GTIN, social media channels, URLs, and any other content necessary for your product.
Use a QR code template to customize your QR code design. You can play with the design tools and save the ones that maintain your brand consistency so you can use them again and again. Add a QR code logo to enhance brand awareness and recognition. Use contrasted colors to make sure they scan.
Download your code. Do a test scan. This is not optional. Although all of our codes are dynamic QR codes, meaning they are editable on the backend, it reduces credibility with your audience if there are mistakes. Additionally, do a test print on one package before printing them all to make sure QR codes are not printed on ultra-glossy finishes, creases, have no white space around them, are too small, or are on curvy surfaces.
If it’s necessary for your campaigns, QR code tracking is available with all of our codes so you can see the city, time, number of scans, and with what device they were scanned, in real time.
This isn’t a six month long IT project. It only takes a few minutes to generate a GS1 Digital Link QR code. Check out our quick system here!
Create a GS1 QR codeGS1 Digital Link Use Cases by Industry
QR Codes for Retailers
Use product or item-level GS1 Digital Link QR Codes to streamline inventory and supply chain operations while offering cool virtual extras to consumers.QR codes for retailersQR Codes on Food Packaging
Create product or batch-level GS1 Digital Link QR codes for food packaging to share necessary information about allergens, provide another channel for recalls, share origin stories, recipes, and more.QR codes on food packagingQR Codes on Product Packaging
Print GS1 Digital Link QR codes on product packaging for any industry to enhance the digital experience of the product while improving processes in the supply chain.QR codes on product packagingQR Codes for Video Games
Provide product or item-level GS1 Digital Link QR codes on the packaging of video games to serialize the item, register it, and add exclusive future promotions to encourage future purchases of complementary products.QR codes in video games
4 Key Benefits of Barcode QR Codes
Improve supply chain processes
Streamline all of the logistics and procurement information in one place, from manufacturing to distribution.
Streamline product information
Share anything stakeholders need or want to know, like farm-to-fork practices, in one tiny code.
Edit content anytime
Have a new seasonal promotion or accessory to go with your item? Or, add new content like tutorials later on.
Engage end users
Smart packaging is interactive, unlike traditional packaging. Use QR codes to maximize customer engagement from their purchases.
Loved by marketers, makers and agencies
“We have many events. Thanks to the dynamic QR codes of Trueqrcode, we can always easily adjust the link.”
“As a marketing agency, we manage all QR codes of our customers at Trueqrcode!”
“We use QR codes a lot and often. Since we use Trueqrcode we have structure in the use of QR codes.”
Frequently asked questions
Can't find your answer? Our support team replies within one working day.
Contact supportWill this work with all checkout systems?
Yes, as long as the QR code contains a valid GTIN (according to GS1 guidelines), it will be compatible with supported POS systems.
Can I change the links later?
Yes. If you generate a dynamic Barcode QR Code with Trueqrcode, you can update the links whenever needed.
Is it secure?
Absolutely. You control the destination. Add HTTPS, password protection, or tracking as needed.
Can I print this on packaging or labels?
Yes. You’ll receive print-ready formats in high resolution.
Is this solution future-proof?
Yes. Retailers worldwide, and GS1 itself, are transitioning toward 2D barcodes. This solution aligns with that shift.
Do I need a special app to scan QR codes?
No, any smartphone with a camera can scan the QR code. Most devices have built-in QR scanners.
What happens when someone scans a GS1 Digital Link QR Code?
Depending on the scanner, a resolver service will send the person to consumer-type landing pages, to supply chain information if that is their position, or to regulators to receive information that follows government standards.
Does a QR code with a GS1 Digital Link identify the product?
It contains the product identifier (the GTIN) and links to any URLs embedded in it.
What kind of data does the GS1 Digital Link QR Code store?
When it scans, it directly pops up what has been added, such as the GTIN, batch number, expiry date, serial number, etc. However, the most detailed information that engages consumers, follows regulations, and improves supply chain processes is stored in the URLs that have been added by the QR code creator.
What is a GS1 Digital Link QR code?
A GS1 Digital Link QR code is a QR code that holds the GTIN of your product in the GS1 Digital Link format. The checkout reads the product number, and shoppers who scan with their phone get product information.
What is Sunrise 2027?
Sunrise 2027 is the GS1 industry goal for retail checkouts to be able to scan 2D barcodes, such as GS1 Digital Link QR codes, by the end of 2027.
Do I need a GTIN to create a GS1 Digital Link QR code?
Yes. You need a valid GTIN (the number in your EAN barcode) for your product. You can add extra data such as a batch number or expiry date.
Can a GS1 Digital Link QR code replace my EAN barcode?
That is where retail is heading. During the transition many brands print both the EAN barcode and the GS1 Digital Link QR code, until all their retailers can scan 2D codes at the checkout.
What can shoppers see when they scan the code?
Anything you link to: ingredients and allergens, origin, instructions, recycling information, recall notices, recipes or a page to reorder.
How do I create a GS1 Digital Link QR code with Trueqrcode?
Choose GS1 Digital Link in the generator, enter your GTIN and optional batch or expiry data, set the page shoppers should see and download the code in a print-ready format.