GS1 DataBar Generator

Make GS1 DataBar barcodes for fresh produce, small items and coupons. Choose DataBar for a GTIN in less space, Stacked for fruit stickers, or Expanded to add weight, price or dates.

Your UPC (12 digits), EAN (13) or GTIN-14, including the check digit

Change the bar width, height and text here. The barcode on the left is drawn at the size it will print, so at 100% zoom it should match a ruler held to the screen.

PNG and JPG files store their resolution, so Word, Canva and label software place them at this size.

Colours

Dark bars on a light background scan best. Most scanners use red light, so red, orange and yellow bars read as blank.

What is GS1 DataBar?

GS1 DataBar is a family of barcodes for products that are too small for a UPC or EAN, or that need extra data. It was called RSS (Reduced Space Symbology) until 2007 and is standardised as ISO/IEC 24724. Retail checkout scanners in the US and many other countries read it.

VersionHoldsUsed for
GS1 DataBar (Omnidirectional)A GTIN-14Products where a UPC won't fit; reads at any angle
GS1 DataBar StackedA GTIN-14 in two rowsLoose fruit and vegetable stickers, tiny items
GS1 DataBar ExpandedGTIN plus up to 74 digits of extra dataWeighed items with price or weight, coupons, sell-by dates

Pick the version in the Barcode type list above.

Adding weight, price or dates

For GS1 DataBar Expanded, write each piece of data with its Application Identifier in brackets. For example (01)09521234543213(3103)000450(15)261231 means GTIN 09521234543213, net weight 0.450 kg, best before 31 December 2026.

  • (3103) net weight in kg with three decimals; (3202) net weight in pounds with two
  • (392n) price, with n decimals
  • (15) best before, (17) expiry, as YYMMDD
  • (10) batch or lot

How to make one

  1. For Omnidirectional or Stacked, type your UPC, EAN or GTIN-14 with its check digit; we write it as a GTIN-14.
  2. For Expanded, type the Application Identifiers and data as shown above.
  3. Download SVG or PDF for labels and packaging, and test with a retail scanner.
Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse
Pallet racking in a distribution warehouse.

Questions

  • GS1 DataBar is the same symbology, renamed from RSS in 2007. RSS-14 is now GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional.

  • It carries the same GTIN in less space, and most US retail checkout scanners read it. Check with your retailers before making it the only barcode on a product.

  • GS1 DataBar Stacked (Omnidirectional), carrying the GTIN, alongside the four- or five-digit PLU number.