GS1 DataBar Scanner
Add GS1 DataBar scanning to your mobile application or website
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Turn smartphones into fast & reliable GS1 DataBar scanners
The Scanbot GS1 DataBar Scanner SDK delivers exceptional performance even under challenging conditions – such as damaged barcodes or when reading compact barcodes found in retail and healthcare. With a scanning speed of under 0.04 seconds, your users get instant reads for seamless workflows.
Key benefits include:
- Offline scanning: The Scanbot SDK works 100% on-device, ensuring both uninterrupted performance and data security.
- Enterprise-grade support: Get dedicated chat support via Slack, Teams or email for any issue. Includes free assistance during the integration phase.
- Flat pricing model: Cost stays the same no matter how much your user base or scanning volume grows.

Quickly scan GS1 DataBar codes online
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How this scanning tool works
Our free online GS1 DataBar barcode scanner reads barcodes directly through your camera or on imported images. This scanner works in any browser, no app download or signup needed. Enjoy real-time camera view scanning or decode barcodes on pictures in seconds – just point your camera at the GS1 DataBar code or import an image file to instantly access the encoded data.
This tool is powered by the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK!
(We don’t store any images or data you import. Everything stays on your device.)
Understanding GS1 DataBar codes
What are GS1 DataBar codes?
The GS1 DataBar code, formerly known as Reduced Space Symbology or RSS, is a compact one-dimensional (1D,) linear code defined by the ISO/IEC 24724 standard. Smaller than traditional UPC or EAN codes, GS1 DataBar codes are ideal for printing on small items in retail and healthcare. Retailers use them for fresh produce, while healthcare relies on them for tracking medical supplies.
There are different variations with variety in capacity and use cases:
Barcode type | Capacity | Application |
---|---|---|
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional | GTIN-14
(Global Trade Item Number 14) |
General retail products, designed for omnidirectional scanning |
GS1 DataBar Truncated | GTIN-14 | Small items, designed for single-direction scanning |
GS1 DataBar Stacked | GTIN-14 | Small items, stacked format for small spaces, designed for single-directional scanning |
GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional | GTIN-14 | Small items, stacked format, designed for omnidirectional scanning |
GS1 DataBar Limited | GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 | Small items, designed for single-directional scanning |
GS1 DataBar Expanded | Variable (up to 74 numeric or 41 alphanumeric characters) | Variable weight products, coupons, and products requiring additional information |
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked | Variable (up to 74 numeric or 41 alphanumeric characters) | Items requiring additional information, stacked format for small spaces |
Their size and high data capacity make GS1 DataBar barcodes a trusted choice for traceability and efficiency across industries. Furthermore, they often include a check digit to ensure data integrity.
Applications of GS1 DataBar codes
Retail and fresh foods
GS1 DataBar codes are essential for identifying small and hard-to-mark items, particularly fresh produce, meat, seafood, and bakery goods.
Healthcare
Also, they play a vital role in labelling pharmaceuticals and medical devices, ensuring compliance with strict regulatory requirements for tracking and traceability. They can encode additional information like batch numbers and expiry dates, crucial for patient safety.
Coupons and marketing
For promotional materials and coupons, GS1 DataBar Expanded variants offer enhanced flexibility and security, allowing for more sophisticated and targeted marketing campaigns in retail environments.
Advantages of GS1 DataBar codes
- Compact size: These barcodes store large amounts of information in minimal space, ideal for small or irregularly shaped surfaces.
- Error correction: Advanced algorithms enhance the ability to decode even if the barcode is damaged or partially obscured.
- Scalability: Different formats can encode up to various amounts of barcode data, including GTINs, serial numbers, and expiration dates, to meet varying requirements.
- Versatility: Omnidirectional scanning ensures seamless decoding from any angle.
Why choose the Scanbot SDK for GS1 DataBar scanning?
The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK is specifically designed to handle the challenges of decoding GS1 DataBar codes in real-world scenarios.
What sets us apart:
- Exceptional performance: Reliably decodes even damaged, low-contrast or distorted barcodes.
- High-speed scanning: Read GS1 DataBar codes in as little as 0.04 seconds.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Easily integrate with Android, iOS, cross-platform, web, Windows, and Linux platforms.
- Customizable UI: Customize the ready-to-use components to match your app or website design.
- Privacy-first: Operates offline for complete data security.
Whether your use case involves GS1 DataBar codes, UPC barcodes or any other barcode, the Scanbot SDK delivers the accuracy, speed, and reliability you need to succeed.
Related Barcode Types:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a GS1 DataBar code?
The GS1 DataBar code is a compact one-dimensional (1D,) linear code that is smaller than EANs and UPCs. While different variations, like DataBar Expanded Stacked exist, all GS1 DataBar codes are ideal for labeling small items. Retailers use them for fresh produce, while healthcare relies on them for tracking medical supplies.
Where is a GS1 DataBar code used?
The GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional is commonly used for POS scanning in retail environments. The GS1 DataBar Expanded and Expanded Stacked are often used on coupons and fresh produce for encoding additional information beyond GTIN, such as weight, expiration dates, or serial numbers. The GS1 DataBar Truncated and Limited versions are used for very small item identification in healthcare, such as unit dose pharmaceuticals and ampoules.
How can Scanbot SDK help you with GS1 DataBar code scanning?
The Scanbot GS1 DataBar code scanner is a software solution that delivers exceptional performance in challenging environments, including damaged or curved barcodes, with a scanning speed of under 0.04 seconds for seamless workflows. Try it now with a free trial license.