GS1 barcodes

Barcodes are symbols that can be scanned electronically using laser or camera-based systems.

They are used to encode information such as product numbers, serial numbers and batch numbers. Barcodes play a key role in supply chains, enabling parties like retailers, manufacturers, transport providers and hospitals to automatically identify and track products as they move through the supply chain.

GS1 manages several types of barcodes. Each is designed for use in a different situation.

EAN/UPC family

Instantly recognisable 1D barcodes used in retail all over the world.

DataBar family

Compact 1D barcodes that can hold additional product attributes such as the weight of fresh foods.

One-dimensional (1D) barcodes used exclusively in general distribution and logistics

Versatile 1D barcodes used to represent ID keys and attributes in a distribution environment.

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes

Compact, high-capacity 2D symbols suitable for representing all GS1 keys and attributes.

EAN/UPC barcodes

Instantly-recognisable, EAN/UPC barcodes are printed on virtually every consumer product in the world. They are the longest-established and most widely-used of all GS1 barcodes.

Types of EAN/UPC barcodes

EAN-13		Symbol ID: ]E0 Capacity: 13 numeric Omnidirectional Supports GTIN-13 Does not support attributes
UPC-A		Symbol ID: ]E0 Capacity: 12 numeric Omnidirectional Supports GTIN-12 Does not support attributes
EAN-8		Symbol ID: ]E4 Capacity: 8 numeric Omnidirectional Supports GTIN-8 Does not support attributes
UPC-E		Symbol ID: ]E0 Capacity: 12 Numeric, zeroes suppressed Omnidirectional Supports GTIN-12 Does not support attributes

GS1 DataBar barcodes

DataBar barcodes are often used to label fresh foods. These barcodes can hold information like an item's batch number or expiry date, in addition to other attributes used at the point-of-sale such the item weight.

Types of DataBar barcodes

The GS1 DataBar family consists of seven symbols in total: four for use a point-of-sale and three not for use at point of sale. The symbols for use at point-of-sale are shown below.

DataBar Omnidirectional		Symbol ID: ]E0 Capacity: 14 numeric Omnidirectional Supports GTIN, GCN Does not support attributes
DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional		Symbol ID: ]E0 Capacity: 14 numeric Omnidirectional Supports GTIN, GCN Does not support attributes
DataBar Expanded Stacked		Symbol ID: ]E0 Capacity: Maximum 74 Numeric/ 41 Alphanumeric Omnidirectional Supports GTIN, GCN Does support attributes
DataBar Expanded		Symbol ID: ]E0 Capacity: Maximum 74 Numeric/ 41 Alphanumeric Omnidirectional Supports GTIN, GCN Does support attributes

One-dimensional (1D) barcodes used exclusively in general distribution and logistics

GS1-128 and ITF-14 are highly versatile 1D barcodes that enable items to be tracked through global supply chains. The GS1-128 barcode can carry any of the GS1 ID keys, plus information like serial numbers, expiration dates and more. The ITF-14 barcode can only hold the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) and is suitable for printing on corrugated materials.

Types of 1D barcodes

ITF-14		Symbol ID: ]I1 Capacity: 14 numeric Supports GTIN Does not support attributes
GS1-128		Symbol ID: ]C1 Capacity: 48 Alphanumeric capacity (per symbol, multiple symbols may be used) Supports all GS1 keys Does not support attributes

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes look like squares or rectangles that contain many small, individual dots. A single 2D barcode can hold a significant amount of information and may remain legible even when printed at a small size or etched onto a product. 2D barcodes are used in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing and warehousing to logistics and healthcare.

Types of 2D barcodes

GS1 DataMatrix		Symbol ID: ]d2 Capacity: 3116 Numeric capacity, 2335 Alphanumeric capacity Omnidirectional Supports all keys Supports attributes
GS1 QR Code		Symbol ID: ]Q3 Capacity: 7089 Numeric capacity 4296 Alphanumeric capacity Omnidirectional Supports all keys Supports attributes