The GS1 Digital Link barcode is a single symbol that includes GS1 AIs and a web address. This allows users to scan the barcode and retrieve more information about a product, such as user manual for example. A single GS1 Digital Link replaces the separate UPC barcode and QR Codes usually found on packaging and can also include additional tracking information such as serial numbers, expiration dates, product weight, and the best-before date. Unlike a typical URL that points to a single website, GS1 Digital Link offers a connection to a diverse range of business and consumer information. By using this GS1 standard, a QR code or Data Matrix symbol on a product not only provides a URL for scanning but also incorporates GS1 identifiers. The brand owner retains complete control over the information while connecting to a multitude of sources from one symbol, which enhances efficiency and saves space.
All IDAutomation QR Code and Data Matrix products support GS1 Digital Link, which is encoded as a single URL. Unlike other barcode GS1 symbols that must include the hidden FNC1 character, the Digital Link is only a URL encoded as text. The following symbol encodes the digital link of https://www.idautomation.com/01/00790045019623/21/12345678 in a QR Code symbol. This link encodes the website, GTIN and Serial Number in a single symbol.
More Information:
- The GS1 Digital Link Standard Specification | URI Syntax
- The How and Why of GS1 Digital Link
- GS1 Digital Link in Healthcare: A single barcode for identification, authentication, and access to information for medical products
- Create and Validate GS1 Digital Links
- Support Forum post about the GS1 Digital Link
- GS1 Digital Link Compression Algorithm
- GS1 Digital Link JavaScript Toolkit and the demo page translate between GS1 element strings and GS1 Digital Link URIs