GS1 DataMatrix · GS1 Digital Link QR · Pro
GS1 DataMatrix & GS1 Digital Link QR label generator
Add GS1 2D codes to your product labels: GTIN, batch or lot number, expiry date, serial number and more — validated before they are printed, and generated row by row from your spreadsheet.
GS1 data you can encode
| AI | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (01) | GTIN — global trade item number | 09506000134352 |
| (10) | Batch / lot number | LOT2503C |
| (11) | Production date (YYMMDD) | 251015 |
| (17) | Expiry date (YYMMDD) | 271015 |
| (21) | Serial number | SN0003 |
GS1 DataMatrix or GS1 Digital Link QR?
GS1 DataMatrix is the established choice for healthcare, pharmaceuticals and medical devices (UDI). It is compact and read by industrial and point-of-care scanners.
GS1 Digital Link QR stores the same data as a web address. Retail checkout scanners can read the GTIN, while shoppers scan it with a phone camera to open product information. It is central to the industry move towards 2D barcodes at retail point of sale.
Generate a different code for every label
Connect an Excel file or Google Sheet, map the GTIN, LOT, EXPIRY and SERIAL columns to the GS1 fields and print. Every row produces its own GS1 code together with the human-readable text on the label. Excel date cells and YYMMDD values are both understood. How batch printing works →
Validation built in
- GTIN check digits
- Valid calendar dates for production and expiry
- Allowed characters and maximum lengths for lot and serial numbers
A downloadable Excel template with the right column names is included in the designer.
GS1 identifiers must be licensed from your GS1 member organisation. GS1 Label Designer is not affiliated with GS1.
GS1 label FAQ
What is a GS1 DataMatrix?
A 2D barcode that carries GS1 Application Identifiers such as (01) GTIN, (10) batch/lot, (17) expiry date and (21) serial number. It is used for pharmaceuticals, medical devices (UDI) and increasingly for retail and food.
What is GS1 Digital Link QR?
A QR code that encodes the same GS1 data as a web address, for example https://id.gs1.org/01/09506000134352/10/LOT1. Point-of-sale scanners read the GTIN while consumers can scan it with a phone.
Can I generate a different GS1 code for every row of my spreadsheet?
Yes, with Pro. Map columns such as GTIN, LOT, EXPIRY and SERIAL to the GS1 fields, and every printed label gets its own code. Excel dates and YYMMDD dates are both accepted.
Does the tool validate my data?
Yes. GTIN check digits, date formats and field lengths are checked before the code is drawn, and invalid rows show an error instead of an unreadable barcode.
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