Bar Code Types
The GS1 System provides several types of bar code for use by GS1 members depending on the application. The reasons for this vary but because different bar code types have different strengths and weaknesses, GS1 selects the bar code that best fits the application the best. The bar codes used by GS1 include EAN/UPC, GS1 DataBar, GS1-128, ITF-14, GS1 DataMatrix, and Composite Component.
Our Bar Code Gallery shows a sample of all GS1 bar code symbols
Key Concepts
EAN/UPC
Are specified for retail Point-of-Sale (POS) because they are designed for the high volume scanning environment- Used at POS and in logistics must be printed larger than the "target" size to accommodate logistics scanning
- Limited to carrying GS1 Keys and special identifiers for restricted applications like variable measure trade items and internal numbering
- See examples
GS1 DataBar
A family of symbols that can be scanned at retail point-of-sale (POS), are smaller than EAN/UPC and can carry additional information such as serial numbers, lot numbers of expiry dates.- A subset of GS1 DataBar bar codes designed for use at POS are being considered by a GS1 Board Task Force for future adoption because GS1 DataBar can carry all GS1 Keys and attributes and do so in a smaller space than EAN/UPC
- GS1 DataBar symbols are already approved for global use on healthcare items that do not cross POS
- See examples
- Find out more about GS1 DataBar
GS1-128 (previously referred to as UCC/EAN-128 or EAN-128)
GS1-128 (UCC/EAN-128) bar codes can carry all GS1 Keys and attributes but cannot be used to identify items crossing POS- See examples
ITF-14
ITF-14 bar codes can only carry GTINs, can be printed directly on corrugated cartons, but cannot be used to identify items crossing POS- See examples
GS1 DataMatrix
GS1 DataMatrix is the only "2D Matrix" symbol specified for use by GS1 and is becoming increasingly the symbol of choice for many in healthcare- Because GS1 DataMatrix requires camera based scanners it is currently specified for healthcare items not crossing POS and direct part marking
- See examples
- Download GS1 DataMatrix Brochure
Composite Component
- Composite Component is the only "2D linear" symbol specified by GS1
- It is called a component because it is only used with a linear bar code like GS1-128 or RSS
- See examples
Key Questions
- How do I know what bar code to use and what size, text, color, placement, and quality to specify for its production?
- Where can I find out more about GS1 DataBar bar codes?
Bar Code Gallery
