GS1 Digital Link Decoder

Supported Application Identifiers

The most commonly scanned GS1 AIs are recognised by AI number or by Digital Link short name (e.g. /gtin/, /lot/, /expiry/).

What Is GS1 Digital Link?

GS1 Digital Link is a syntax that turns GS1 identifiers into a regular https:// URL. The path encodes Application Identifiers as key/value pairs: a GTIN sits under /01/, a batch under /10/, and data such as an expiry date goes in the query string as ?17=. That URL is then encoded into a 2D barcode — usually a QR code or a Data Matrix.

The result is one barcode that does two jobs: a shopper's phone resolves the URL to a web page, while a retail or hospital scanner uses the same payload to extract the GTIN, batch and serial for inventory and traceability. No more separate marketing QR plus EAN-13.

https://id.gs1.org/01/07640156790000/10/ABC123?17=260131&21=42 │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └─ serial (21) │ │ │ │ │ │ │ └──────── expiry (17), 2026-01-31 │ │ │ │ │ └──────────────── batch / lot (10) │ │ │ └──────────────────────────────── GTIN value │ │ └──────────────────────────────────── GTIN AI (01) │ └────────────────────────────────────────────────── GS1 resolver host └─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── any https:// host works

About This GS1 Digital Link Decoder

This GS1 Digital Link decoder parses GS1-formatted URLs and element strings into their underlying Application Identifiers. Paste a scanned QR code value (often something like https://id.gs1.org/01/…), a bracketed element string from a Data Matrix, or a raw FNC1-separated payload — the decoder figures out which shape you gave it and breaks it down.

It's the fastest way to inspect a GS1 QR code without spinning up a full supply-chain stack. Everything is parsed locally; nothing is sent to a server.

When to Use It

• Inspecting a GS1 QR code on a product to confirm the GTIN, batch and expiry match the printed label.
• Debugging why a Digital Link URL isn't routing correctly in your e-commerce stack.
• Comparing a supplier's GS1 DataMatrix payload against the spec they sent you.
• Teaching colleagues how GS1 Application Identifiers map to Digital Link path segments.
• Preparing for Sunrise 2027 by validating that your brand's 2D codes parse cleanly.

How It Works

1. Paste a payload Drop in a Digital Link URL, an (AI)value element string, or a raw GS1 payload using ^ / {GS} as separators.
2. Auto-detect the shape URLs are parsed via the Digital Link path/query syntax; bracketed strings via element-string rules; raw strings via the AI tables.
3. Resolve each AI Each segment is matched against the known Application Identifier table — fixed-length AIs are split deterministically, variable ones end at the GS separator.
4. Render result cards Each AI becomes a card with its number, label, raw value and human-friendly formatting (e.g. 260131 → 2026-01-31).
5. Copy what you need Copy any individual value, or grab the whole normalised element string to pass to another tool.

What to Avoid

• Treating this as an official GS1 verifier — it parses structure, it does not certify compliance.
• Pasting an arbitrary URL and expecting Digital Link semantics. The path must follow /AI/value/AI/value/… or the GS1 shortName equivalents.
• Assuming every (01) value is a registered GTIN — only that the digits are present.
• Stripping the GS / FNC1 separators from a raw GS1 payload — variable-length AIs need them to know where to stop.
• Relying on the date formatter for partial dates (DD = 00 means 'last day of month' in GS1).

Tips & Tricks

• If a date looks wrong, remember GS1 uses YYMMDD with the GS1 century rule (YY ≤ 50 → 20YY, else 19YY).
• Variable-length AIs like (10) batch and (21) serial cap at 20 characters per the GS1 General Specifications.
• Need to validate the GTIN inside a Digital Link? Copy the (01) value into the GTIN Validator.
• Some scanners deliver GS1 payloads with the GS group separator replaced by ']' or '^' — both are handled here.
• Brands often expose multiple Digital Link redirects per GTIN (consumer page, technical product info). The decoder shows the structured data regardless of where the URL routes.

Preparing for Sunrise 2027

Sunrise 2027 is GS1's global initiative for retail point-of-sale systems to accept 2D codes carrying GS1 Digital Link by the end of 2027. If you're auditing your supplier feeds or your own packaging artwork, this decoder is the fastest way to confirm a code parses cleanly. Read the Sunrise 2027 guide.

How to Decode a GS1 Digital Link URL

Paste the full URL, including https://, into the box above and press Decode. Each Application Identifier becomes its own card; this parser checks structure and is not a GS1 Digital Link verifier.

1. Copy the URL as text from your scanner app, without opening it.
2. Paste it into the box and press Decode.
3. Compare the GTIN, lot and expiry cards with the label, then check Other fields.

GS1 Digital Link Syntax

The decoder reads the path as key and value pairs from the first segment after the host, and reads query parameters the same way. Keys can be AI numbers or short names such as gtin, lot and ser. If a resolver adds its own folder, as in /p/01/…, delete it before decoding. The GS1 Digital Link guide explains the full format and syntax rules.

GS1 Digital Link vs GS1-128 Element Strings

Both carry the same Application Identifiers and values: a Digital Link as a web address, an element string as AI and value pairs for GS1-128.

To encode AIs into a URL, use the GS1 Digital Link Generator, then paste its output here. Its net weight (AI 3103) appears under Other fields.

Frequently Asked Questions