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GS1-128 Barcode Generator

Encode GTIN, lot and date fields in one structured barcode

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COMPANIES OF ALL SIZES TRUST US

What is a GS1-128 barcode?

A GS1-128 barcode uses Application Identifiers, or AIs, to describe each encoded field. For example, AI 01 identifies a GTIN, AI 10 a batch or lot, and AI 17 an expiry date. A compatible receiving system can interpret those fields. Ordinary Code 128 text does not supply that GS1 structure. See the GS1 Logistic Label Guideline for the underlying format.

For a lot label, select the GTIN, lot and expiry fields, then enter your actual product data. Use the editor's date format and review the formatted preview before downloading. The form supports selected AIs and checks their input, but it does not certify that a label meets every trading partner's rules or all GS1 application requirements.

How to create a GS1-128 barcode

Enter the data, check the symbol and test the downloaded label in the workflow where it will be scanned.

  1. Step 1

    Enter the correct data

    Choose a GTIN/lot/date, SSCC or custom field combination, then enter the corresponding values. Use the labelled fields rather than assembling an ordinary Code 128 string.

  2. Step 2

    Review the symbol and contrast

    Choose a dark foreground on a lighter background. Keep the built-in quiet zones and add padding if needed. Review the preview and resolve validation or scannability errors.

  3. Step 3

    Download and test a label

    Choose PNG, JPG, WebP, SVG, PDF or EPS. Preserve proportions and clear margins in your layout, then scan a printed sample with the intended reader and compare the returned data.

Prepare your GS1-128 label for its destination

Check your data, preserve clear margins and choose the right file for your label.

Give each value an explicit meaning

Use AI 01 for a GTIN, AI 10 for a lot or AI 00 for an SSCC. Confirm the field combination with your receiving partner; successful rendering alone does not establish that the combination is appropriate for the shipment.

Keep clear margins

The generator preserves required quiet zones around the symbol. Keep these areas clear in your layout, and test a printed sample at its intended size with the scanner you will use.

Choose your export format

Download SVG, PDF or EPS vectors, or PNG, JPG or WebP images. Every export is checked against the saved data; test the final print on its intended material too. Compare the six barcode download formats in our guide.

Compare barcode formats

Choose the identity your receiving system needs

Two GS1-128 labels share a GTIN but show different lot numbers and expiry dates.

Separate production lots of the same product

Two production lots can share a GTIN while carrying different lot numbers and expiry dates. In a compatible receiving system, those additional fields distinguish the batches. Use the lot and date values for the actual goods represented by the label.

Two units share a GTIN and have different GS1-128 serial numbers, SN0091 and SN0092.

Distinguish individual units with a serial number

A GTIN identifies the trade item; pairing it with a serial number can identify an individual instance. If your partner requires serialised identification, use the supported GTIN and serial fields for that unit. A lot number groups units from a batch and serves a different purpose.

A pallet label and an external shipment record show the same SSCC logistics identifier.

Identify a logistics unit with an SSCC

A Serial Shipping Container Code (SSCC) identifies a particular logistics unit, such as a pallet prepared for shipment. It is separate from the GTINs of the products inside. QR Code AI can render the SSCC you supply in GS1-128; the associated shipment records remain in your logistics system.

GS1-128 vs Code 128 vs ITF-14

QR Code AI provides GS1-128 presets for GTIN with lot and expiration, SSCC logistics labels, and selected custom AIs. Compare that structured workflow with ordinary Code 128 references and GTIN-only ITF-14 labels. Green checks mark a better fit for the stated need; a cross means that capability is unsupported. Select an icon or underlined label for details.

Format and input guidance · sources checked October 30, 2026
What to compare
GS1-128
Code 128ITF-14

Data structure

GS1 AIs + values

GS1 AIs + values

GS1 Application Identifiers and their values

ASCII text

ASCII text

Ordinary printable ASCII text

GTIN · 14 digits

GTIN · 14 digits

GTIN in a 14-digit representation

Lot / expiry

Supported AI fields

App-defined text

App-defined text

Text has only the meaning your software assigns

GTIN only

GS1 SSCC

SSCC field using AI 00

No GS1 SSCC structure

No GS1 SSCC structure

No GS1 SSCC structure in ordinary text mode

Not an SSCC carrier

Workflow

GTIN · lot · expiration

GTIN · lot · expiration

Interpret a GTIN, lot and expiration together

Internal reference

Internal reference

Look up an internal stock or work reference

Outer-case trade item

Outer-case trade item

Identify the trade item on an outer case

Editor checks

Selected AI checks

Selected AI checks

Selected AIs and supported field checks

ASCII + length

ASCII + length

Printable ASCII and length

GTIN + check digit

GTIN + check digit

GTIN length and check digit

QR Code AI combines selected GS1 field checks with native SVG, PDF and EPS output. Its final-file decode check compares the download with the saved value and format, so the artwork is checked as well as the supported inputs; this is not a GS1 qualification.

The generator supplies GS1-128’s required structure. Typing parentheses into ordinary Code 128 is not equivalent. This editor supports selected AIs; it does not certify every GS1 application or trading-partner requirement. See the GS1 guidance on GTIN carriers and GS1 explanation of FNC1.

GS1-128 barcode questions

Input, printing and saved barcode behaviour

The editor supports 00, 01, 02, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 21, 30 and 37, with up to eight fields in one barcode. These cover selected SSCC, GTIN, lot, date, serial and count data. It does not implement every GS1 AI or certify all application-specific field combinations.

GS1-128 adds GS1-specific encoding and Application Identifiers to Code 128. Those identifiers tell receiving software how to interpret each value. Use ordinary Code 128 for an internal text identifier and GS1-128 when the workflow expects structured GS1 fields.

No. QR Code AI renders the identifiers you supply. Use properly assigned identifiers and confirm the required label structure with your trading partner. Input validation and the built-in scannability check do not constitute GS1 certification.

Yes. QR Code AI offers SVG, PDF and EPS vector exports, plus PNG, JPG and WebP raster files. Keep the complete symbol and its blank margins in the layout. Verify a printed sample at its intended size with a compatible scanner.

A downloaded barcode contains fixed data and has no built-in expiry date. Changing a saved value requires downloading and printing a new symbol; existing copies keep their original data. These Barcodes do not provide scan analytics or editable redirects. A connected inventory or checkout system may update its own record for the same identifier. For customer-facing web links with scan analytics, consider a URL QR code and QR code tracking.

Yes. A personal account and each non-Premium Workspace can create three Barcodes. Archiving a Barcode does not free a creation slot; Premium allows additional creations. Creating, editing or downloading a Barcode does not start the seven-day trial. The trial begins with the first dynamic QR code or Smart Link in that scope. The barcode itself retains its directly encoded value when a trial ends; it has no managed redirect to keep active.

Encode GTIN, lot and date fields in one structured barcode. Review the value, download your chosen format and check the label in its intended scanning workflow.