GS1 DataBar Generator
Generate a GS1 DataBar barcode in its omnidirectional, stacked, limited, expanded or expanded stacked variant. Enter a GTIN for the compact variants, or application identifiers such as (01), (3103) weight and (15) best before for the expanded ones. The tool checks the data and draws the barcode as PNG or SVG for fresh produce, coupons and small healthcare items.
Frequently asked questions
Which DataBar variants can I generate?
Omnidirectional, stacked, limited, expanded and expanded stacked. Omnidirectional, stacked and limited carry a single GTIN, while expanded and expanded stacked carry a GTIN plus further application identifiers such as weight, price or dates.
What do I enter for the GTIN variants?
Enter the 13 digits of the GTIN-14 without its check digit or all 14 digits, with or without the (01) prefix. A GTIN-13 or UPC needs leading zeros to reach 14 digits, for example 09521234543213. The check digit is calculated or verified.
Why is my GTIN rejected for DataBar Limited?
DataBar Limited can only encode GTIN-14 numbers whose first digit is 0 or 1. For other indicator digits choose the omnidirectional or stacked variant.
How do I write data for DataBar Expanded?
Write each application identifier in parentheses followed by its value, for example (01)09521234543213(3103)000123. A plain GTIN is also accepted and encoded as (01). The identifiers and their values are checked against the GS1 rules.
When should I use the stacked variants?
Stacked variants split the symbol into rows to make it narrower, which helps on small items such as loose fruit or medicine vials. Omnidirectional stacked and expanded stacked are designed to be read by retail scanners from any direction.
Which format should I choose for the GS1 DataBar barcode?
SVG is a vector file that stays sharp at any size, which suits print artwork and design software. PNG is a raster image that works everywhere, including office documents and label printers. Both have a white background and a white margin around the symbol.
What do the scale and height settings change?
The scale from 1 to 10, default 3, multiplies the size of every element. The bar height in millimeters, from 5 to 50, changes the height of the symbol or of each row; leave it empty for the standard height.
Can I show the GTIN under the barcode?
Yes. The human readable text option prints the data with its application identifiers in parentheses and is on by default. Turn it off for the symbol alone.
Do retail scanners read GS1 DataBar?
Most modern retail scanners read DataBar, and GS1 has promoted it for variable measure fresh foods and coupons. Check with your retailer before replacing an EAN-13 on packaging, because some still read only EAN and UPC.
Is my data stored?
No. It is used only to draw the image, which is limited to 4000 pixels on a side.