GS1 Digital Link QR Code Generator
Build a structured Digital Link URI from a GTIN, SSCC, GLN, or 12 other supported identifiers. Create a static code on your own HTTPS domain, or a dynamic QRLynx code with editable destinations and scan analytics.
Selected QR Code Type
GS1 Implementation Guide
Use a GS1 Digital Link QR Code as a Data Carrier
Choose static when your own HTTPS host will serve the complete Digital Link path. Choose dynamic when QRLynx should keep the printed URI stable while you edit destinations and record scans.
Best For
Products, logistics units, locations, assets, documents, and service relationships that already have assigned GS1 identifiers.
Assigned GS1 Identifiers
Use identifiers assigned through your GS1 Member Organization. QRLynx validates the supported format and builds the Digital Link URI.
Before Printing
Use the packaging-safe preset, preserve the four-module quiet zone, test final artwork, and arrange formal print verification when required.
What this GS1 Digital Link generator creates
QRLynx creates an uncompressed GS1 Digital Link URI and encodes it in a QR Code. The URI carries a GS1 primary identifier in its path, followed by supported qualifiers and optional expiry data. A standard phone camera can treat it as a web address, while a GS1-aware system can parse the Application Identifiers and values.
The generator accepts a GTIN in its familiar 8, 12, 13, or 14 digit form, checks the check digit, and pads a valid shorter GTIN to the 14 digit form expected by current GS1 Digital Link URI syntax. It also supports 14 other primary identifier choices for logistics units, locations, assets, documents, coupons, shipments, components, models, and service relationships.
This is the practical creation page. For the industry background and retail transition, read GS1 Digital Link QR Codes Explained. For the normative URI structure, use the GS1 Digital Link URI Syntax standard.
Start with assigned GS1 identifiers
Use identifiers assigned to your organization through your local GS1 Member Organization for the products, locations, or assets represented in the code. QRLynx then validates the supported identifier format, permitted characters, and check digit where the selected key includes one. GS1 explains identifier assignment on its identification keys page.
How to create a GS1 Digital Link QR code
QRLynx handles the supported URI construction. Your organization supplies its assigned identifiers and destination content, while printers and trading partners verify the final production workflow.
Choose the primary identifier
Select the GS1 Application Identifier that matches what you need to identify. Use GTIN (AI 01) for a trade item, SSCC (AI 00) for a logistics unit, GLN for a location or party, or one of the other supported keys listed below. For plain-language definitions, use the GS1 Digital Link glossary entry.
Enter the identifier value
Paste the assigned value. QRLynx checks the permitted length, character set, and check digit where the identifier format includes one. Valid GTIN-8, GTIN-12, and GTIN-13 values are normalized to a 14 digit GTIN in the URI.
Add the allowed qualifiers and expiry
The form only shows qualifiers supported for the selected primary key. For a GTIN, that can include consumer product variant (AI 22), batch or lot (AI 10), and serial number (AI 21). Expiry date uses AI 17 in YYMMDD form.
Choose static or dynamic hosting
Static mode builds the URI on your own HTTPS base URL, and your server must serve the resulting path. Dynamic mode creates a stable QRLynx-hosted URI, requires an account, and stores editable destinations behind it.
Set the destination
In dynamic mode, add at least one HTTPS destination and choose the default. You can store one URL for each of 16 supported GS1 destination categories. In static mode, destination behavior is controlled by your own web server.
Generate, download, and test the final artwork
Create the QR, open the download dialog, and use the packaging-safe preset when the symbol is intended for packaging. Test the final printed size and production material, then arrange formal barcode verification when the application requires it.
Static or dynamic: choose the hosting model first
Both modes encode a GS1 Digital Link URI. The operational responsibility is different.
| Decision | Static, self-hosted | Dynamic, QRLynx-hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Printed URI host | Your HTTPS domain | A QRLynx .link domain or your active custom domain |
| Account required | Create and download anonymously | Sign in to save and manage the code |
| Destination changes after printing | Managed on your server | Edit the stored destination in QRLynx |
| Activity measurement | Use analytics on your own server or destination | QRLynx redirect analytics |
| Destination routing | Configure routes on your server | Up to 16 supported GS1 link categories |
| What stays fixed | The encoded URI unless you reprint | Identifier, qualifiers, expiry, hosting mode, and hostname |
| Dynamic QR allowance | Keeps the active dynamic allowance available | Uses one active dynamic QR slot |
| Best fit | You operate the URI and redirect behavior yourself | You want editable destinations and QRLynx analytics |
How a GS1 Digital Link URI is structured
A typical product-level URI can look like this:
https://brand.example/01/09506000134369/10/BATCH7/21/12345?17=261231
https://brand.exampleis the HTTPS host./01/09506000134369identifies a trade item with GTIN Application Identifier 01./10/BATCH7adds a batch or lot qualifier./21/12345adds a serial-number qualifier.?17=261231adds an expiry date of December 31, 2026.
QRLynx places supported primary keys and qualifiers in a canonical order and percent-encodes permitted values where required. It caps the complete generated URI and each hosted destination at 2,048 characters. The resulting URI is still a web address. A general-purpose camera can open it without needing a special GS1 application. For other QR payloads, use the QR Code Format Reference.
Supported GS1 primary identifiers
The first release supports the 15 primary-key choices below. The labels follow the QRLynx generator registry.
| Application Identifier | Primary identifier |
|---|---|
| 01 | Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) |
| 00 | Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) |
| 414 | Physical Location GLN |
| 417 | Party Global Location Number |
| 253 | Global Document Type Identifier (GDTI) |
| 255 | Global Coupon Number (GCN) |
| 401 | Global Identification Number for Consignment (GINC) |
| 402 | Global Shipment Identification Number (GSIN) |
| 8003 | Global Returnable Asset Identifier (GRAI) |
| 8004 | Global Individual Asset Identifier (GIAI) |
| 8006 | Identification of an Individual Trade Item Piece (ITIP) |
| 8010 | Component and Part Identifier (CPID) |
| 8013 | Global Model Number (GMN) |
| 8017 | Global Service Relation Number, provider |
| 8018 | Global Service Relation Number, recipient |
Supported qualifiers and expiry data
The generator presents the supported qualifier and expiry fields that match the selected primary key.
GTIN and ITIP qualifiers
Add consumer product variant, batch or lot, and serial number when they are part of the identity you intend to encode.
- • AI 22: consumer product variant
- • AI 10: batch or lot
- • AI 21: serial number
Location qualifier
A physical-location GLN can include the supported GLN extension component.
- • AI 254: GLN extension component
Component and service qualifiers
CPID and GSRN entries expose the matching serial or service-relation field.
- • AI 8011: CPID serial number
- • AI 8019: service relation instance
Expiry attribute
Expiry uses AI 17 in YYMMDD form. A day value of 00 represents the final day of that month in the QRLynx validator.
- • Example: 261231 for December 31, 2026
- • Example: 261200 for the last day of December 2026
Where the supported identifiers fit
Choose the key assigned to the real business object. Use GTIN for a trade item and the matching GS1 key for locations, logistics units, assets, documents, shipments, and service relationships.
Trade items and product packaging
Use GTIN for a product or service, with supported lot, serial, variant, and expiry data when appropriate. See the product-packaging implementation guide.
Logistics units and shipments
Use SSCC for a logistics unit, GINC for a consignment, or GSIN for a shipment. Read the QR codes for logistics guide for the surrounding workflow.
Locations and parties
Use the physical-location or party GLN choice. A physical GLN can carry the supported extension qualifier when greater granularity is needed.
Returnable and individual assets
Use GRAI for returnable assets or GIAI for individually identified assets. Assignment and lifecycle rules remain with your GS1 implementation.
Documents and coupons
Use GDTI for documents and GCN for coupons. The Digital Link URI can connect the identifier to the web destination you operate or store in QRLynx.
Components, models, and service relations
Use CPID, GMN, or the provider or recipient GSRN choice when those GS1 keys match the identified object or relationship.
Dynamic destination categories supported by QRLynx
Store one HTTPS URL for each supported category and select one as the default destination for ordinary scans.
| Destination category | linkType value | Typical destination |
|---|---|---|
| Product information | gs1:pip | Product details |
| Quick start guide | gs1:quickStartGuide | Getting-started instructions |
| Instructions | gs1:instructions | Use or assembly instructions |
| Safety information | gs1:safetyInfo | Safety and handling information |
| Recipe information | gs1:recipeInfo | Recipes or preparation ideas |
| Traceability | gs1:traceability | Traceability information |
| Retailers | gs1:hasRetailers | Where the product is sold |
| Recall status | gs1:recallStatus | Recall information |
| Reviews | gs1:review | Product reviews |
| Electronic patient information leaflet | gs1:ePIL | Electronic patient leaflet |
| Product sustainability information | gs1:productSustainabilityInfo | Sourcing, impact, or disposal information |
| Promotion | gs1:promotion | Promotion or offer |
| Master data | gs1:masterData | Structured master-data source |
| Summary of product characteristics | gs1:smpc | Medicinal product characteristics |
| Certification information | gs1:certificationInfo | Certification details |
| Register product | gs1:registerProduct | Product registration |
What happens when a dynamic code is scanned
An ordinary scan opens the destination selected as the default. A request that names one of the stored linkType values can select the matching destination instead. Reporting remains attached to the QR code across its destination categories.
QRLynx provides this behavior through a bounded dynamic redirect with a default destination and supported linkType selection. Deployments that require formal resolver discovery, linksets, language selection, or context negotiation can pair the QRLynx QR workflow with a GS1-Conformant Resolver evaluated against the GS1-Conformant Resolver Standard.
The printed identity is deliberately stable. After a dynamic code is saved, QRLynx keeps the primary identifier, qualifiers, expiry, hosting mode, and hostname fixed. An authorized owner can edit destinations. When the encoded identity changes, create and print a new code.
Packaging export and print checks
The download preset prepares a restrained symbol for packaging review. A printer or barcode verification provider then measures the final production result.
Packaging-safe preset
Exports square black modules on white and removes logos, frames, gradients, transparency, and watermarking without changing the saved design.
- • Four-module quiet zone on every side
- • Crisp square modules
- • No decorative elements in the exported symbol
X-dimension size estimate
Choose 0.33, 0.40, 0.50, or 0.625 mm in the download dialog. QRLynx calculates the resulting square size from the actual module count plus the quiet zone.
- • The estimate changes with URI density
- • Dense symbols receive an extra-space warning
GS1 quiet-zone guidance
GS1's retail implementation guideline specifies a QR Code quiet zone of four times the X-dimension on all four sides. Read the 2D Barcodes at Retail Point-of-Sale Implementation Guideline for the application context.
- • Keep the quiet zone free of text and graphics
- • Do not shrink modules to force a long URI into limited space
Verify the production result
Test the final substrate, ink, size, placement, and production process. The GS1 creation and printing playbook covers practical production factors, while ISO/IEC 15415:2024 defines print-quality measurement for two-dimensional symbols. Continue with the product packaging guide and QR Code design practices.
- • Printer or verification provider measures the final symbol
- • Trading partners confirm retail acceptance
QRLynx validation and deployment responsibilities
Use QRLynx for supported URI construction and dynamic routing, then connect the specialist checks required by your GS1 deployment.
| Check | QRLynx scope |
|---|---|
| Supported uncompressed URI construction | Validated |
| Identifier length and permitted characters | Validated for the 15 supported primary identifiers |
| GS1 check digit | Validated where the selected format includes one |
| Allowed qualifier for the selected key | Validated for the supported qualifier set |
| Expiry AI 17 format | Validated |
| HTTPS base URL and destinations | Validated |
| Dynamic destination safety | Checked when a dynamic code is saved or updated |
| Identifier assignment and ownership | Use identifiers assigned through your GS1 Member Organization and maintain the ownership records |
| Printed symbol quality | A printer or verification provider grades the final production symbol |
| Retail POS acceptance | Retailers and trading partners confirm scanner, software, and rollout readiness |
| Resolver discovery and linksets | Use a GS1-Conformant Resolver when the deployment requires formal discovery, linksets, language, or context behavior |
| Digital Link encoding | QRLynx generates the supported uncompressed URI form |
GS1 Digital Link QR code questions
Short answers to the questions that matter before you generate or print.
What is a GS1 Digital Link QR code?
A GS1 Digital Link QR code encodes a web URI whose path carries GS1 Application Identifiers and their values. A phone can open the URI like any other web address, while a GS1-aware system can parse identifiers such as GTIN, batch, serial, or expiry.
Can I create a GS1 Digital Link QR code without an account?
Yes, static mode is available without an account. It encodes a URI on your own HTTPS domain, and your server must serve the complete generated path. Dynamic mode requires an account because QRLynx stores the destinations and records scans.
Where should I obtain GTINs or other GS1 identifiers?
Obtain identifiers through your local GS1 Member Organization and use the values assigned to your organization. QRLynx builds and validates the supported URI structure, permitted characters, and applicable check digit.
Which GTIN lengths can I enter?
You can enter a valid 8, 12, 13, or 14 digit GTIN. QRLynx checks the check digit and pads shorter valid values with leading zeroes so the Digital Link URI carries a 14 digit GTIN.
What is the difference between static and dynamic GS1 hosting?
Static mode uses your HTTPS base URL and leaves all redirect behavior on your server. Dynamic mode uses a stable QRLynx-hosted URI, lets you edit stored destinations without reprinting, and records scans. A free Starter account currently includes 3 active dynamic QR codes.
Can I change the GTIN after printing a dynamic code?
An authorized owner can edit the stored destinations while the printed identifier, qualifiers, expiry, hosting mode, and hostname remain fixed. When the encoded identity changes, create and print a new code.
Can one dynamic code store more than one destination?
Yes. QRLynx supports one URL for each of 16 GS1 destination categories and one default destination for ordinary scans. Reporting remains attached to the QR code across those categories.
What resolver behavior does QRLynx provide?
QRLynx provides a bounded dynamic redirect with a default destination and supported linkType selection. When a deployment requires formal resolver discovery, linksets, language selection, or context negotiation, use a GS1-Conformant Resolver evaluated against the GS1 resolver standard.
When can this QR code be used at retail checkout?
Use it after the retailer confirms scanner, software, data, and trading-partner readiness for the exact environment. Keep every carrier required during the transition. Compare the options in QR Code vs Barcode, then use the retail implementation guide.
What quiet zone does the packaging-safe preset use?
It uses four light modules on every side of the QR Code. This matches the QR Code quiet-zone guidance in GS1's retail implementation guideline. Keep the area free of text, borders, graphics, and other print noise.
How should I verify a packaging-safe export?
The preset exports a restrained black-on-white symbol, calculates physical size from the selected X-dimension, and warns when the URI produces a dense matrix. Verify the final production symbol with suitable equipment and the standards that apply to the use case.
What happens if my GS1 Digital Link URI is very long?
A longer URI produces a denser QR matrix, which can require more physical print space. QRLynx caps the generated URI at 2,048 characters, shows the calculated size for selected X-dimensions, and warns when the result is dense.
Related GS1, barcode, and packaging guides
- GS1 Digital Link QR Codes Explained covers the standard and the retail transition in more depth.
- QR Code vs Barcode compares two-dimensional and linear carriers across different operating contexts.
- QR Codes on Product Packaging covers placement, production, and packaging constraints.
- The product packaging guide gives a longer planning checklist for brands and production teams.
- QR Codes for Retail and QR Codes for Logistics place the data carrier in its operational context.
- QR Code Design Best Practices covers contrast, quiet zones, sizing, and testing.
- The QRLynx QR Code Glossary provides a short definition you can share with nontechnical stakeholders.