Create and Manage GS1 Compliant 2D Barcodes.
The GS1 2D Barcode standard is revolutionizing packaging, logistics, and checkout. With a single 2D code, you can incorporate dozens of powerful functionalities.
Key benefits of 2D barcodes:
- Embedded GTIN for Checkout: replaces the traditional barcode image for point-of-sale scanning.
- Digital Link Types: redirects to product and company information using GS1 standards.
- Key Qualifiers: differentiates variants, includes batch numbers, serial numbers, and more.
- Data Attributes: supports hundreds of fields like production date, expiry date, net weight, and more.
The Evolution of the Scan
Access IBN Link Free for 1 Year
Subscribe to our low-cost annual subscription via IBN Link — exclusive to the International Barcode Network. Get your first year completely free.
This system provides the full power of the retail standard 2D Barcode using our fully GS1 compliant IBN Resolver technology. No commitment. One account per customer.
The clock is ticking: Sunrise 2027.
In less than two years, retailers worldwide are expected to fully support 2D Barcode scanning on product packaging, replacing the traditional barcode image. Your EAN or UPC number will be encoded into a 2D barcode. This is the biggest change in retail barcoding since the introduction of the traditional barcode. Get ready today!
Straight Talk on 2D Barcodes
Everything you need to know about the shift from stripes to squares.
You might hear this technology called by many names: 2D Barcodes, Product QR Codes, or GS1 Digital Link. These terms are often used interchangeably.
While it looks like a regular QR code, it is backed by a GS1 Resolver. This invisible engine allows the code to be scanned at the register for the price, or on a phone for the product info. Our system handles all that complex resolver tech for you.
You have some breathing room, but the clock is ticking. The global retail industry has set a target called Sunrise 2027. By that date, all retailer Point-of-Sale (POS) systems should be able to scan 2D barcodes.
Since packaging redesigns take time, we recommend adding a 2D barcode alongside your traditional barcode now. This future-proofs your product so you don't have to panic in 2027.
No. If you already have an EAN-13 number, you keep it. That number is simply encoded inside the new 2D square image.
Think of it like getting a new ID card: the photo looks different, but your ID number stays the same. If you don't have a barcode number yet, you will need to buy barcodes from us first.
Not yet. While modern scanners can read the new 2D codes, many smaller shops and older systems still rely on the traditional EAN stripes.
For now, the safest bet is "Dual Marking"—printing both the EAN image and the 2D barcode on your package. Eventually, once the transition is complete globally, you will be able to use just the 2D code.
They look similar, but they act very differently. A standard QR code usually just opens a website link.
A 2D Barcode is smarter. It follows strict retail standards (GS1 Digital Link) to encode your product's GTIN (EAN number), batch numbers, and expiry dates plus a web link. This allows it to go "beep" at the checkout register, whereas a normal QR code cannot be scanned for purchase.
Yes! You can register on our free Customer Portal to generate basic 2D barcodes using GTINs purchased from us.
However, for the full "smart packaging" experience—including premium product data management and editable links—we recommend our IBN Link subscription (currently free for the first year).
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