GS1-128 barcode generator
The logistics barcode that says what is inside: product, batch, best-before date, serial or pallet number.
GS1 element strings like (01)09501101530003(17)271231(10)AB12.
About GS1-128
GS1-128 is Code 128 with a rule for the data: each value starts with an application identifier in brackets, such as (01) for the GTIN, (17) for the expiry date and (10) for the batch.
Warehouses and retailers read these fields straight into their systems. The brackets are printed under the bars for people; scanners do not see them.
What goes in it
- Format
- (AI)value(AI)value…
- Common AIs
- (00) SSCC, (01) GTIN, (10) batch, (17) expiry YYMMDD, (21) serial
- Length
- Up to 48 characters of data
- Built on
- Code 128 with FNC1
Where GS1-128 is used
GS1-128 labels go on cartons and pallets moving between companies. Application identifiers in brackets say what each number means: (00) is the SSCC that identifies a pallet, (01) a GTIN, (10) a batch or lot, (17) an expiry date, (21) a serial number.
Food, healthcare and retail supply chains rely on it for traceability: a recall can be traced to a batch only if the batch is on the label. Many retailers specify exactly which identifiers they need on inbound shipments.
Printing it so it scans
Print dark bars on a white or light background; black on white is safest. Red, orange and yellow bars vanish under the red light most laser scanners use. Keep the quiet zones on both sides free of text and graphics.
Do not squash the height or crop the bars, and keep the size within the range the symbology allows. Thinner bars need more precise printing, so test small sizes first.
Send your printer SVG or PDF: they are vectors and stay sharp at any size. Before the run, scan a proof with a real scanner or a phone and check that the number it reads is right.
GS1-128 questions
YYMMDD. 31 December 2027 is 271231. Use 00 for the day if only the month matters.
An 18-digit number for one pallet or parcel, under AI (00). It must start with your GS1 company prefix.
Yes, like (01)09501101530003. We use them to find the fields and leave them out of the bars.