EAN-13 Composite
Four columns.
Create EAN-13 Composite ›Used by 700,000+ people
Free GS1 Composite barcode generator.
GS1 Composite adds a 2D component with batch, expiry or other GS1 data above an EAN/UPC, GS1 DataBar or GS1-128 barcode. Enter both parts.
Create barcode →
No credit card required
How to create a GS1 Composite barcode
-
01
Enter the linear data
Pick the variant your item needs. For EAN-13, type 12 or 13 digits.
-
02
Add the 2D data
Type a vertical bar, then AIs and values without parentheses:
|1727123110ABC123. Expiry (17) before batch (10) makes the 2D part smaller. -
03
Print the attributes
The download shows only the GTIN digits. Add (17)271231 (10)ABC123 above the symbol.
What is a GS1 Composite barcode?
GS1 Composite is a linear GS1 barcode with a multi-row 2D component above it. The linear part holds the item's identification, such as the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), for every scanner type. The 2D part adds batch, expiry and other Application Identifier (AI) data.
Hospital packs and logistics
GS1 accepts it for healthcare packs dispensed in hospitals and never scanned at a retail checkout, with batch (10) and expiry (17) in the 2D part. GS1 calls it legitimate there but prefers GS1 DataMatrix.
GS1 calls a GS1-128 with a CC-C, the highest-capacity 2D component, suitable for logistics. Its example adds the lot (10) and the ship-to location (410).
Linked attributes in less space
In the 2D part, batch and expiry take less space than in bars. A linkage flag stops readers from sending them unless the linear part is decoded too.
Both parts must share one module width, and each must reach print grade 1.5 on its own (0.15 mm aperture, 660 nm).
Formats, data sheets and Barcode Studio
The generator picks CC-A, CC-B or CC-C by data length. Download PNG, GIF or JPG free, or SVG with a plan. One symbol at a time needs no account; a data sheet makes many after a free sign-in.
Barcode Studio lists GS1 Composite, imports data from CSV files and exports the barcodes in one run.
GS1 Composite at a glance
- Specification
- GS1 General Specifications R26.0, §5.11; ISO/IEC 24723
- Linear part
- EAN/UPC, GS1 DataBar or GS1-128
- 2D part
- CC-A to 56 digits, CC-B 338, CC-C 2,361
- Print quality
- 1.5/6/660 for each part
GS1 Composite compared with related barcodes
GS1 DataBar Expanded ›
Up to 74 digits in bars alone; GS1's choice when slot scanners read attributes on DataBar items.
GS1-128 ›
Up to 48 digits in bars alone; only its composite takes a CC-C.
GS1 Composite variants
EAN-8 Composite
Three columns.
Create EAN-8 Composite ›UPC-A Composite
Four columns.
Create UPC-A Composite ›UPC-E Composite
Two columns.
Create UPC-E Composite ›GS1-128 Composite
AIs in both parts; also CC-C.
Create GS1-128 Composite ›GS1 DataBar Composite
Four columns.
Create GS1 DataBar Composite ›GS1 DataBar Stacked Composite
Two columns.
Create GS1 DataBar Stacked Composite ›GS1 DataBar Stacked Omni Composite
Two columns.
Create GS1 DataBar Stacked Omni Composite ›GS1 DataBar Limited Composite
Three columns; GTIN indicator 0 or 1 only.
Create GS1 DataBar Limited Composite ›GS1 DataBar Expanded Composite
AIs in both parts; four columns.
Create GS1 DataBar Expanded Composite ›GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked Composite
Four columns.
Create GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked Composite ›Frequently asked questions
Learn more about GS1 Composite.
Can every scanner read GS1 Composite?
Only with composite decoding on, which Zebra's DS2208 ships switched off. Readers set to linear data only still deliver the linear part, such as the GTIN.
When is GS1 DataMatrix simpler?
When imaging scanners read the item everywhere: one symbol then holds the GTIN and attributes. Laser scanners can read the composite; most scanners that are not 2D imagers cannot read GS1 DataMatrix.
What does the scanner send?
One message prefixed ]e0: the linear data, then the 2D data, with GS after a variable-length field. GS1-128 emulation sends ]C1 messages of up to 48 characters; EAN/UPC data keeps its own ]E prefix.
Is GS1 Composite the same as EAN.UCC or RSS Composite?
Yes. GS1's General Specifications cite ISO/IEC 24723 under the title EAN.UCC Composite, and RSS (Reduced Space Symbology) is DataBar's deprecated name.
More resources
Guide
GS1 DataBar
GS1 DataBar is a newer global bar code standard which has been adopted in 2010. GS1 DataBar should be available on all trade item scanning systems, and retail…
GuideGS1 Composite
GS1 Composite combines a linear barcode with a 2D component. For the linear GS1 DataBar family, see GS1 DataBar .
ProductBarcode Studio
100+ barcode types, a live quality check and batch export.
ProductTBarCode Office
Add compliant barcodes to documents, mail merges and spreadsheets.
ProductTBarCode/SAPwin
The Barcode DLL for SAP: print barcodes from SAPscript, Smart Forms and ABAP on almost every printer – via SAPSprint, SAPGUI or WWI.