Quick answer: pick the DataBar type: Omnidirectional or Stacked for a GTIN on small items, Limited for the smallest space (GTIN starting with 0 or 1), or Expanded when you also need weight, price or a date. Enter (01) and the 13 digits of the GTIN – the check digit is added – or build Expanded data with the AI builder.
Seven DataBar types and what they are for
| Type | Data | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Omnidirectional | GTIN | Normal retail items, read by any checkout scanner from any angle |
| Truncated | GTIN | Same as above but low height – for handheld scanners only |
| Stacked | GTIN | Two short rows for very narrow space, handheld scanning |
| Stacked Omnidirectional | GTIN | Loose fruit and vegetable stickers read at the checkout |
| Limited | GTIN starting with 0 or 1 | Small healthcare items and jewellery tags |
| Expanded | GTIN + weight, price, dates, batch… | Fresh meat, cheese and bakery, US coupons |
| Expanded Stacked | Same as Expanded | When an Expanded barcode is too wide |
How to create a GS1 DataBar barcode
- Choose the type. Use the type list: Omnidirectional, Stacked, Stacked Omnidirectional, Truncated, Limited, Expanded or Expanded Stacked.
- Enter the GTIN or GS1 data. For most types: (01) followed by 13 digits. For Expanded, add more AIs such as (3103) weight or (15) best-before date.
- Check the scan test. The tool reads the symbol back and shows the decoded GS1 data.
- Download. Use SVG or PDF for sticker artwork or label templates.
Why fresh food uses DataBar Expanded
A pack of minced meat has a product number, but also a weight, a price and a use-by date that change with every pack. EAN-13 can only squeeze a price into an in-store number. DataBar Expanded carries the real GTIN plus as many fields as needed – up to 74 digits or 41 letters – so the till can block expired packs and the store can trace batches. A typical example: (01)09506000134352(3103)000750(17)270630 = this product, 0.750 kg, expiring 30 June 2027.
DataBar has no quiet-zone requirement beyond one module and no human-readable line of its own; print the GTIN and other data in normal text next to it if people need to read them.
DataBar on coupons
In the US, paper coupons switched from the old UPC-based coupon code to GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked in 2011. The coupon data uses Application Identifier (8110) and carries the offer, the company prefix and the expiry date. The “GS1 North American Coupon” type in the main barcode generator builds this format.
Sizes
DataBar is sized by its module (bar width). GS1 allows 0.264 to 0.660 mm for items scanned at the checkout, the same range as EAN-13. DataBar Stacked and Limited can go smaller on items read only with handheld scanners. Because DataBar has no printed digits of its own, print the GTIN in plain text nearby if staff may need to type it in.
Frequently asked questions
Is GS1 DataBar the same as RSS?
Yes. Until 2007 the family was called Reduced Space Symbology (RSS-14, RSS Limited, RSS Expanded).
Can every supermarket scanner read DataBar?
Most modern checkout scanners read it, but some need the symbology switched on. Test with your retail partner before rolling it out.
Why must DataBar Limited start with 0 or 1?
Limited saves space by encoding a smaller range of numbers, so the GTIN-14 must start with indicator 0 or 1.
How much data fits in DataBar Expanded?
Up to 74 numeric or 41 alphanumeric characters, including the Application Identifiers.
What does “segments per row” mean?
DataBar Expanded Stacked is cut into segments; fewer segments per row make the symbol narrower and taller.