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Free GS1 QR Code generator.
A GS1 QR Code holds element strings such as GTIN, batch and serial number for 2D imaging scanners. Type the AIs and values; the generator puts FNC1 first.
How to create a GS1 QR Code
-
01
Pad and check the GTIN
(01) needs 14 digits: put zeros in front of a GTIN-13 or GTIN-12. Verify the check digit; the generator checks no AI, length or check digit.
-
02
Enter the element strings
Type
01+ GTIN,10+ batch,\F,21+ serial number, without parentheses or spaces.\Fends a value without predefined length when another AI follows; Escape sequences can stay unticked. -
03
Size it in whole printer dots
Under Settings, enter your dpi and a module width in pixels inside your application's range below, e.g. 6 px at 300 dpi for 0.508 mm. The image has no margin by default: leave 4 modules clear on all sides.
What is a GS1 QR Code?
A GS1 QR Code is a QR Code (ISO/IEC 18004) that starts with the Function 1 Symbol Character (FNC1). It holds GS1 element strings: an Application Identifier (AI) plus value, such as (01) with the Global Trade Item Number (GTIN). GS1 approves it only for applications its standards name and where imaging scanners read it along the whole supply chain. It is not a checkout barcode; new consumer links must use GS1 Digital Link.
Scanned in plants, warehouses and hospitals
In manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), GS1 gives GS1 QR Code precedence for trade items, with GS1-128 and GS1 DataMatrix. 2D imagers or vision systems read an item's GTIN, batch and serial number from one symbol, as in the example.
Hospitals can put a patient's Global Service Relation Number (GSRN) on the wristband under (8018), a caregiver's on the ID card under (8017). Pallets with a GS1-128, asset tags, warehouse location labels and EU tobacco unit packs can carry it too.
Error correction you choose, sizes GS1 sets
Error correction helps imagers read a partly damaged code: level M, the generator's default, recovers 15% of the codewords, level H 30%. Level H grows this page's example from 25 × 25 to 29 × 29 modules.
The drawing shows it at 0.495 mm per module, GS1's target for manufacturing and MRO items: 12.38 mm, or 16.34 mm with the quiet zone. GS1's minimum there is grade 1.5, measured through an 8-mil aperture at 660 nm.
Downloads, data sheets and TEC-IT software
Codes download as PNG, GIF or JPG; SVG and higher print resolution come with a plan. Without an account you create one code at a time. After a free sign-in, a data sheet turns its rows into codes in one go, converting \F in each.
TBarCode SDK adds GS1 QR Codes to .NET, C++ or COM applications, where escape sequences must be on for \F. Barcode Studio exports CSV-imported lists in one run; TBarCode/SAPwin prints from SAPscript and Smart Forms.
GS1 QR Code at a glance
- Type
- QR Code (ISO/IEC 18004) with FNC1 first
- Symbology identifier
- ]Q3 (Digital Link QR Code: ]Q1)
- Symbol size
- 21 × 21 to 177 × 177 modules
- Error correction
- L, M, Q or H: 7–30% of codewords
- Quiet zone
- 4X on all sides
- Print quality
- ISO/IEC 15415 grade 1.5 or better; 3.5 for EU tobacco
Main GS1 applications and module sizes
Working EAN/UPC, GS1-128, GS1 DataBar or GS1 DataMatrix applications should stay.
| Application | Role | X-dimension (module size) |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing and MRO items | Takes precedence, with GS1-128 and GS1 DataMatrix | 0.375–0.990 mm |
| Logistic units | Added to the GS1-128, repeating it; alone if no surface exceeds A6 | 0.743–1.50 mm |
| Assets, locations | One of three carriers | 0.375–0.743 mm (locations up to 1.520 mm) |
| Patients, staff (GSRN) | One of five carriers | 0.254–0.495 mm |
| Direct part marking (not regulated healthcare) | Endorsed, like GS1 DataMatrix | 0.254–0.615 mm |
| EU tobacco unit packs | With GS1 DataMatrix and GS1 DotCode, in addition to the checkout code; error correction H | 0.380–0.990 mm |
Building, scanning and printing the example
| AI | Content | In the example |
|---|---|---|
| (01) | GTIN, 14 digits | 09520123456788 |
| (10) | Batch or lot number, up to 20 characters | ABC123, then \F |
| (21) | Serial number, up to 20 characters | 12345 |
Here \F becomes % in alphanumeric mode. Scanners send ]Q3010952012345678810ABC123, GS (ASCII 29), then 2112345.
The generator adds no text line. Print the HRI (human-readable interpretation) beside the code, AIs in parentheses and without the separator: (01) 09520123456788 (10) ABC123 (21) 12345.
When to choose a related code
A web address with the GTIN in its path that phone cameras open (]Q1).
Same symbol without FNC1 mode; GS1 uses it only for Digital Link URIs.
Same AIs, 1-module margin instead of 4; GS1's element-string option at checkouts and for healthcare direct marks.
Linear, mandatory on logistic units, at most 48 data characters.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about GS1 QR Code.
Is GS1 QR Code the same as a Digital Link QR Code?
Can I use a GS1 QR Code on retail packaging?
Is AI 8200 still allowed?
How big is a GS1 QR Code?
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