How to Create a GS1 Digital Link QR Code (Step-by-Step)

A GS1 Digital Link QR code isn't just a regular QR code that points to a URL. It follows a specific format defined by GS1 — the same organization behind UPC barcodes — so that it works at retail point-of-sale, in supply chain systems, and as a consumer-facing link. One code, multiple uses.

Here's how to create one, step by step.

Step 1: Get Your GTIN

Every GS1 Digital Link QR code starts with a GTIN (Global Trade Item Number). This is the 8, 12, 13, or 14-digit number that identifies your product — the same number encoded in your existing UPC or EAN barcode.

If you already have UPC barcodes, you already have GTINs. Check your existing barcode — the number beneath it is your GTIN.

If you don't have GTINs yet, you need a GS1 Company Prefix:

• In the US, register at gs1us.org. Pricing starts at $250/year for the prefix, which lets you assign GTINs to up to 10 products.
• Outside the US, contact your local GS1 office.

Each product variant needs its own GTIN. A 12oz bag of coffee and a 16oz bag are two different GTINs.

Step 2: Understand the GS1 Digital Link URI format

A GS1 Digital Link encodes your GTIN into a URL with a specific structure:

https://id.example.com/01/09506000134376

Breaking this down:

You can add more data with additional path segments:

https://id.example.com/01/09506000134376/10/LOT123/21/SERIAL456

Here, /10/ is the batch/lot number and /21/ is a serial number. These are optional but valuable for traceability.

Step 3: Set up a resolver

The resolver is the web service behind your QR code. When someone scans the code, the resolver receives the request and decides where to send them based on:

• Who's scanning — A consumer with a phone might get a product page. A retailer's system might get structured product data.
• What data is requested — Product info, traceability data, certifications, recall notices.
• Context — Language, location, device type.

This is what makes GS1 Digital Link powerful: one code serves multiple audiences.

Your options for hosting a resolver:

1. Use a managed service like SunriseQR — Enter your GTIN, configure your destinations, and we host the resolver. No infrastructure to manage. Starts at $19/month.

2. Build your own — You'll need to implement the GS1 Digital Link standard including URI parsing, content negotiation, and proper HTTP redirects. Realistic for companies with engineering teams, but significant ongoing maintenance.

3. Use your GS1 Solution Provider — Some GS1 Solution Providers offer resolver hosting as part of their service.

Step 4: Generate the QR code

Once your resolver is live, generating the QR code is straightforward. The QR code simply encodes your GS1 Digital Link URI as its payload.

Important requirements:

• Error correction level: Use at least M (Medium, 15% recovery). For packaging that may get scratched or damaged, use Q (Quartile, 25% recovery).
• Minimum size: GS1 recommends at least 20mm × 20mm for reliable scanning. Larger is better.
• Quiet zone: Leave at least 4 modules of white space around the QR code on all sides.
• Contrast: Dark modules on a light background. The contrast ratio should be at least 40%. Avoid putting QR codes on busy or textured backgrounds.

What NOT to do:

• Don't use a URL shortener — the full GS1 Digital Link URI must be in the QR code for it to be GS1-compliant.
• Don't add a custom logo overlay that covers more than 10% of the code area — it can interfere with scanning.
• Don't invert the colors (light on dark) — it reduces scan reliability.

Step 5: Test before printing

Before sending to your printer:

1. Scan with multiple devices — Test on at least 3 different phones (iOS and Android). Open the camera app and point it at the code on screen.
2. Verify the URI — Check that scanning opens the correct GS1 Digital Link URL, not a redirect or shortened URL.
3. Print a proof — Scan the printed proof at actual size. Screen testing and print testing can give different results.
4. Check at distance — Try scanning from 10-12 inches away, the typical distance for a consumer picking up a product.

Step 6: Update your packaging

Work with your packaging designer and printer to place the QR code on your packaging:

• Primary display panel is ideal for consumer engagement
• Back or side panel works for compliance
• Near the existing barcode helps retailers understand both codes coexist during the transition
• Add a small call-to-action like "Scan for product info" near the code

During the Sunrise 2027 transition period, most brands will keep their traditional barcode and add the new QR code. They can coexist on the same package.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using a generic QR code generator — Tools like basic QR code generators create QR codes, but they don't validate GS1 Digital Link format compliance. Your code might scan but not work at point-of-sale.
• Forgetting to zero-pad your GTIN — GS1 Digital Link URIs use 14-digit GTINs. If your GTIN is 12 digits (UPC-A), add two leading zeros.
• Not setting up redirects properly — Your resolver needs to handle content negotiation. A consumer scanning with Safari and a supply chain system making an API call should get different responses from the same URI.

Ready to get started?

SunriseQR takes care of the resolver, the QR code generation, and GS1 compliance validation. Enter your GTIN, configure where you want scans to go, and download your print-ready QR code.

Create your first QR code →

Need help figuring out the right setup for your products? Reach out — we'll walk you through it.