What a GS1 Digital Link is
A GS1 Digital Link is a web address that identifies a product the way a barcode does. It starts with the product's GTIN and can add the batch or lot and the serial number, so the same code can serve a checkout, a warehouse scanner and a shopper's phone. The structure is defined in ISO/IEC 18975.
The URL, part by part
| Part | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | Where the link resolves. It must serve a page or data for the product | https://example.com |
/01/ | Application Identifier 01: the GTIN, written with 14 digits | /01/09506000134352 |
/10/ | Batch or lot number, up to 20 characters | /10/LOT7 |
/21/ | Serial number, up to 20 characters. Makes the link unique per item | /21/000047 |
?17= | Other data, such as expiry date, goes after a question mark as YYMMDD | ?17=271231 |
The order of the path matters: the GTIN first, then any qualifiers (lot before serial), then query parameters. Characters that are not safe in a URL are percent-encoded, and this tool does that for the lot and serial.
The GTIN check digit
The last digit of a GTIN is a check digit calculated from the others. The tool checks it and tells you if it does not match, which catches most typing mistakes. A 12-digit UPC-A or 13-digit EAN-13 number is padded with leading zeros to 14 digits in the link. If you only need the check digit, use the check digit calculator.
QR code or GS1 DataMatrix
A QR code carrying a Digital Link opens a web page on any phone camera. A GS1 DataMatrix is more compact and carries the element string, which suits small items. Retailers and regulations name the carrier they accept. See GS1 Sunrise 2027 for the retail change and digital product passports for the regulatory one.
The link still needs a destination
This tool creates the link and the code. Scanning only helps if the address leads somewhere: a page on your own domain, or a GS1-conformant resolver. If you need a hosted page for each product or item, LabelInn can register a passport and serve it from the same kind of link when you print.
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Frequently asked questions
What is a GS1 Digital Link?
A web address that identifies a product the way a barcode does. It starts with the GTIN, optionally followed by batch/lot and serial number, for example https://example.com/01/09506000134352/10/LOT7/21/000047. It is defined in ISO/IEC 18975 and can be encoded in a QR code or a GS1 DataMatrix.
Why does the GTIN have 14 digits in the link?
The Digital Link standard writes the GTIN in its 14-digit form. An EAN-13 or UPC-A number is padded with leading zeros, and the check digit stays the last digit. This tool does the padding for you.
Does this generator host my product page?
No. It builds the link and the QR code. The link has to resolve to a page you control, on your own domain or through a GS1-conformant resolver. LabelInn can host a digital product passport page for a GTIN if you need one.
Is it free and private?
Yes. It has no signup and no watermark, and everything runs in your browser, so your GTIN, lot and serial numbers are never uploaded.
QR code or GS1 DataMatrix?
A QR code with a Digital Link opens a web page on any phone camera. A GS1 DataMatrix is more compact and carries the element string. Retailers and regulations name the one they accept, so check with them.
Need a GS1-128 or GS1 DataMatrix with Application Identifiers? See GS1 barcode software. A plain QR code? Use the QR code generator.