How to Read Barcodes

GS1 barcodes

Barcodes are symbols that can be scanned electronically using laser or image-based technology.

They are used to encode information such as key identifiers (product, shipment, location, etc.) and key attributes (serial numbers, batch/lot numbers, dates, etc.) via GS1 syntaxes (plain, GS1 element string and GS1 Digital Link URI).

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 utilises several types of barcodes to satisfy different business requirements.

Linear barcodes

Linear barcodes, like the U.P.C. code commonly found on consumer goods, use a series of variable-width lines and spaces to encode data, including the GTIN for product identification.

UPC/EAN

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

GS1 DataBar

Can hold additional product attributes such as the weight of fresh foods

GS1-128 and ITF-14

Versatile barcodes often used in a distribution environment

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes

2D barcodes use patterns of squares, hexagons, dots and other shapes to encode data. Because the data is encoded in a two-dimensional pattern, 2D barcodes can hold more data than 1D barcodes while still appearing physically smaller.

Data matrix types

- Data matrix encoded with GS1 Digital Link URI syntax

- GS1 DataMatrix encoded with GS1 element string syntax

QR code types

- QR Code encoded with GS1 Digital Link URI syntax

- GS1 QR Code encoded with GS1 element string syntax

DotCode

- GS1 DotCode (exclusively for EU Tobacco reg 2018/574)