This section collects plain-English guides to the standards behind shop barcodes, the QR codes that are starting to join them, the QR codes used for payments and the EU Digital Product Passport. Each guide links to the primary GS1 documents it is based on, so you can check any statement against the source.
Guides
- What is GS1 Digital Link?
The GS1 standard that turns a product number into a web link, so one QR code can identify a product and open information about it. - GS1 Digital Link URL structure
The parts of a GS1 Digital Link address, the order they go in and how the GTIN check digit works. - QR code vs Data Matrix
Two square 2D barcodes that retail standards both allow. What each is good at and how to choose. - 2D barcodes in retail: what is changing
GS1's goal is for retail tills to read 2D barcodes as well as EAN / UPC. What that means in practice for sellers and makers. - How payment QR codes work: the EMVCo format
What is inside the QR code a shop shows you to pay, and why an ordinary camera app is usually not enough. - EU Digital Product Passport: what it is
The EU's plan for a digital record of a product, reached through a code on the product, and how it is being introduced.
Tool
- GS1 Digital Link generator
Write a GTIN, batch, serial number and expiry date into a correctly structured address, with check digit validation, and download it as a QR code.
How we handle this
- We cite sources. Statements are based on the public GS1 documents listed on each page and are dated with the month they were last reviewed.
- We are not GS1. BestQR is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by GS1. The standards belong to GS1.
- We do not certify codes. A correctly built address is not proof that a printed code will pass a retail scanner or that a number is registered to you. Test printed codes with real scanners.
- We do not issue product numbers. A GTIN comes from GS1 membership. Our tool only writes a number you already have into the correct format.
- Nothing is uploaded. The generator runs in your browser.
Sources
Last updated and checked against the sources on 13 October 2026. Standards change, so check the source for the current wording.