Create GS1 QR Codes Instantly: Comparing Top Online Tools

 

GS1 QR codes are a standard way to store product information in a QR code. Both types use Application Identifiers (AIs) and follow specific value rules, ensuring every piece of information, like GTIN, batch number, or expiration date, is organized correctly and can be read by systems.

There are two main types of these QR codes:

1. Element string – a machine-readable format used when the QR code is not customer-facing. It keeps all product data in the AI structure and works well for supply chain systems, warehouses, and other backend operations. It cannot store online links.
2. GS1 Digital Link (DL) – a web-friendly format that uses the same Identifiers and data but turns it into a URL. It can be used for both customer-facing and backend purposes, letting people scan it to reach online content while keeping the same structured information.

In this comparison, we review the four platforms that usually appear first when searching for GS1 QR code generators on Google. 

Each one can create GS1 QR codes instantly. Putting them side by side makes it easier to see what each tool does and how they differ from one another.

How We’re Comparing These Tools

To help you choose the right GS1-compliant QR code tool, we’re looking at a few key points:

1. Output format supported – Does the tool create element strings, DL codes, or both?
2. Ease of use – Do you need technical knowledge, or can anyone create a QR code easily?
3. Commercial readiness – Can the QR codes be used in real products, or are they only for testing and demonstration?
    

Platform	Output Format	Ease of use	Guidance	Commercial use	Best For
QR TIGER/GS1	DL	Easy–Moderate	Yes	Yes	Customer-facing and backend use
GitHub 2D Generator	Element + DL	Moderate	Limited	No	Demo and testing
BC Gen	Element string	Hard	None	Yes	Backend supply chain
Barcode Tec-It	Element + DL	Easy (1D), Hard (2D)	Limited	Yes	Customer-facing and backend use

QR Tiger/GS1

Output format: GS1 DL QR code

What it can do:

• The online GS1 QR code generator includes more than just GTIN; additional product or custom data can be added. Some fields are templated with built-in guidance, like batch and serial numbers.
• Other data fields can be added manually, with a link on how to input them. This matters, since there are over 500 GS1 Identifiers.
• Provides guided, easy steps for generating a QR code, making it accessible for non-technical users.
• Minor QR code customization available (colors, pattern, frames) while remaining fully ISO/IEC compliant. Adding images, such as logos, is not suggested as they may cause scanning delays or failures.

Output options:

• Single URL – a standard web link for consumer scanning
• Single file – links to a file(image, video, sheet, doc, PDF)
• Link page – houses multiple links in one QR code
• Smart QR – links vary depending on location, language, or geo-fencing
• Product page – creates a digital twin of the product with detailed information, images, videos, and links
• App store links – links to up to 3 common stores (iOS, Android, Harmony) 

Best for: Both customer-facing and backend supply chain use, including connecting people to online content, marketing material, product support, and internal workflows.

Ease of use: Very easy to moderate. Basic QR creation is fast. Link and product webpages may need light testing to fully understand available features.

Commercial readiness: Fully ready for real-world use on products and packaging

GitHub 2D Barcode Generator

Output format: Element string and DL QR codes

What it can do:

• Official demo platform for GS1 2D barcodes
• Creates multiple 2D barcodes after inputting data and pressing “Generate.”
• Flags errors in the input, but only one at a time per generation, so users must refresh and try again to ensure all data is correct.
• Standard black and white QR codes, compliant with ISO/IEC.

Best for: Learning, testing, or demonstrating GS1 2D barcode syntax

Ease of use: Moderate; a basic understanding of barcode data is helpful to manage errors and retries.

Commercial readiness: Not allowed for real-world or product deployment

BC Gen

Output format: Element string QR codes only

What it can do:

• Free generation of element string GS1 QR codes
• Produces standard black and white QR codes that follow ISO/IEC rules

Limitations:

• No built-in guides or validation
• Users must already understand Application Identifiers and their value syntax
• Proper FNC1 placement is required. FNC1 is a special marker that separates data fields in a GS1 barcode. Incorrect placement can cause scanners to read the data incorrectly or not at all.
• Correct data order best practices must be applied manually

Best for: Supply chain and backend systems where element strings are required, and users already know GS1 data rules.

Ease of use: Difficult; hands-on GS1 knowledge is needed to avoid errors

Commercial readiness: Usable in real products, as long as the data is encoded correctly

Barcode Tec-It

Output format:
Element string and Digital Link QR codes 

What it can do:

• Free All-in-one platform for 1D and 2D barcode generation
• Can generate element string or Digital Link codes
• Standard black and white output, ISO/IEC compliant
• Some data values do not have built-in guidance, so user knowledge and judgment are required
• GS1 QR codes can point to one website only
• No option to display GTIN or human-readable text (HRI) below 2D barcodes

Best for: Advanced users who need a flexible barcode platform for multiple formats and complex supply chain use cases

Ease of use: Easy for 1D barcodes. Moderate to Difficult for 2D barcodes, depending on how much data is added. Element string and some Digital Link data must be entered manually, without guidance.

Commercial readiness: Fully usable in real-world applications, provided the setup and data input are correct.

Deciding When and Where to Use Each Tool

All four platforms can create GS1 QR codes instantly. The key difference is how they are best used.

Some are best for internal testing or non-commercial use, where speed and data verification are enough. Others work well for small rollouts or pilot projects, like testing a product in one location or market.
 
 A few are suited for full-scale use, including both customer-facing QR codes and backend inventory systems.

Knowing what each tool is designed for helps you pick the right one for your needs.