Choosing a 2D Barcode service
2D barcodes are the future of product identification and consumer engagement. Unlike traditional 1D (EAN) barcode images, 2D barcodes can store significantly more information and can link directly to online product data using GS1 Digital Link standards. Major retailers are already preparing for a 2027 deadline that will see 2D barcodes widely adopted, with some stores already supporting them today.
Integrating 2D barcode images into your product packaging is essential for future-proofing your brand and meeting retailer requirements. It also enables dynamic customer experiences, easier access to product data, and seamless scanning across supply chains.
Free 2D Barcode Generator for Our Customers
Have you purchased barcodes from us? You’re eligible for our free Customer Portal, where you can generate basic 2D barcode images using your EANs. Simply register or log in to get started.
Need More Than Basic?
If you’re ready to take your packaging and digital experience to the next level, our IBN Link subscription service offers advanced features tailored for serious product data integration, retailer compliance, and digital engagement.
IBN Link Features & Benefits
- Generate GS1-compliant 2D barcodes in various formats
- Full support for GS1 Digital Link URI syntax
- Manage and update product data in real time
- Add enhanced attributes such as expiry dates, batch numbers, serials, and more
- Support for regulatory, compliance and traceability use-cases
- Engage consumers directly via scan-to-web product journeys
- Dynamic redirect and campaign management
Which Option is Right for You?
If you’re simply looking to include a 2D barcode image on your packaging, the free Customer Portal tool is a great starting point. It uses IBN Link’s fully GS1 compliant Resolver technology (id.ibn.link) and supports encoding your EAN number into the 2D barcode, ensuring it can be scanned at checkout.
If you want to connect consumers to live product data, add traceability features and access the wealth of GS1 Digital Link Types, the IBN Link subscription is the right solution for your business.
Guide to GS1 Digital Link types
This table shows all link types defined in the GS1 Standard and supported by IBN Link’s Resolver. IBN Link supports adding multiple link types to your product’s 2D Barcode. The Resolver determines which link the scanner will be redirected to based on its context. For example, a customer using a sustainability app could be redirected to your product’s sustainability information (gs1:productSustainabilityInfo), while at point of sale the scanner will pick up the product’s GTIN number.
| Link Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Activity Ideas | A link to ideas for using the product, particularly with children. |
| Allergen information | A link to a description of the allergens in the product. |
| Information for professionals about this brand | A link to a brand presence aimed at clinical professionals. |
| Information for patients about this brand | A link to a brand presence aimed at patients. |
| Certification Information | A link to certification information about the product. |
| Consumer handling and storage information | A link to information about safe handling and storage of the product. |
| Default link | The default link for a given identified item to which a resolver will redirect unless there is information in the request that is a better match. |
| Default link* | A set of ‘default links’ that may be differentiated by information in the HTTP request headers sent to a resolver to enable a better match than the single default link. |
| EPC Information Services (EPCIS) repository | A link to an EPCIS repository of visibility event data. |
| Electronic Patient Information Leaflet | A link to an electronic patient information leaflet. |
| Frequently Asked Questions | A link to a set of frequently asked questions. |
| Handled by | Used when one resolver redirects all request URIs that match a given pattern without further processing, such as from GS1 to a brand-operated service. See section 7.7.1 of the Digital Link standard, version 1.1. |
| Has Retailers | A link to a list of retailers for this item |
| Ingredients information | A link to facts about the product’s ingredients. |
| Instructions | A link to instructions related to the item, such as assembly instructions, usage tips etc. |
| Leave a review | A link through which a review can be added. |
| Master data | A link to a source of structured master data for the entity. This is typically for B2B applications. |
| Nutritional Information | A link to nutritional facts about the product. |
| Product Information Page | A link to information specifically about the identified item, typically operated by the brand owner or a retailer of the product and aimed at consumers. It may include links to further information, product description, specifications etc. |
| Sustainability and recycling | A link to information about the product’s sustainability of manufacture, recycling information etc. |
| Promotion | A link to a promotion for the product. |
| Purchase supplies or accessories | A link to information about where supplies or accessories for the item can be purchased or ordered. |
| Quick start guide | A link to a description of the key features needed to be understood to begin using the item. |
| Recall status | A link to information about whether the product has been recalled or not, typically an API. |
| Recipe website | A link to a recipe website for the product. |
| Register purchase | A link to an entry point for registering ownership of a product including for warranty purposes. |
| Related video | A link to any video, or document that has an embedded video, that describes or relates to the identified item in some way. |
| Reviews | A link to reviews of the product or service. |
| Safety information | A link to safety information about the item |
| Service information | A link to service or maintenance instructions for the item. |
| SmartLabel | A link to the product’s SmartLabel page. |
| Summary Product Characteristics (SmPC) | A link to Summary Product Characteristics. To be used specifically when linking to information for healthcare professionals. |
| Social media | A link to a social media channel. The title will typically be replaced by the name of the channel. |
| Support | A link to a source of support such as a helpdesk, chat support, email etc. |
| Traceability information | A link to traceability information about the product (includes track & trace). |
| Tutorial | A link to a tutorial or set of tutorials, such as online classes, how-to videos etc. |
| Verification Service | A link to a GS1 Lightweight Messaging Service for verifying the status of a product and its identifier . |
| What’s in the box? | A link to a description of all the individual items in a packaged item. |