GS1-128 Barcode Generator

GS1-128 is the logistics barcode that carries a GTIN together with extra data such as batch, expiry date, weight or an SSCC pallet number. Build the data with the app's GS1 builder, which validates each Application Identifier before you print.

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What GS1-128 is

GS1-128 (formerly UCC/EAN-128) is Code 128 with the FNC1 character in the first position, which tells scanners that the content follows GS1 Application Identifier (AI) syntax. It appears on pallet labels, carton labels, healthcare and food logistics labels.

Numbers for products sold in retail must come from a licence with a GS1 Member Organisation such as GS1 US, GS1 UK or GS1 Korea. QR & Barcode Studio checks the structure and check digit of the number you enter, but it does not issue or register numbers.

Common Application Identifiers

(00) SSCC: an 18-digit serial shipping container code for a pallet or parcel.
(01) GTIN: the 14-digit trade item number.
(10) Batch or lot number, up to 20 characters.
(17) Expiry date in YYMMDD; DD 00 means the last day of the month.
(21) Serial number, up to 20 characters.
(3103) Net weight in kilograms with three decimals, so 3103001250 means 1.250 kg.

Encoding rules and printing

AIs with a fixed length, such as (01) and (17), can be followed directly by the next AI. Variable-length fields such as (10) or (21) need an FNC1 separator when another element follows, so put variable fields last where possible. Human-readable text shows AIs in parentheses, but the brackets are not encoded.

A symbol is limited to 48 data characters and, by GS1 rules, 165 mm width. Logistics labels typically use X between 0.495 and 1.016 mm, a bar height of at least 32 mm and quiet zones of 10X. Print dark bars on white labels and check quality with ISO/IEC 15416 grading.

How to make it

Choose GS1-128 in the barcode generator and open the GS1 data builder.
Add AIs one by one, for example (01), (17) and (10), and enter the values.
Review the validation messages for length, date format and check digits.
Export SVG or PDF, or batch-print labels from a CSV file.
Scan the label to confirm each AI is decoded as expected.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Code 128 and GS1-128?

GS1-128 is Code 128 that starts with FNC1 and follows GS1 AI rules, so receiving systems can parse GTIN, batch and dates automatically.

How do I create an SSCC barcode?

Use AI (00) with an 18-digit SSCC: extension digit, your GS1 company prefix, serial reference and a mod-10 check digit, which the app completes.

Why do I need FNC1 between fields?

It marks where a variable-length field ends. The app inserts it automatically when needed.