What GS1 DataBar Expanded is
GS1 DataBar Expanded is a compact linear barcode that encodes one or more GS1 Application Identifiers (like GTIN, batch/lot, or expiration date) in a single symbol, commonly used for variable-measure retail items such as fresh food and coupons.
Generate it now
Enter your GS1 Application Identifier data (e.g. (01)09521234543213(3103)000123) to see a live preview.
Valid input
The value must be valid GS1 Application Identifier syntax; bwip-js rejects malformed AI structure or values that violate a given AI's own length/charset rule.
Key options
Supported options include "format" (expanded, the real default single-row layout, or expandedstacked, a multi-row layout for narrower stock) and "linkage" (sets the real GS1 linkage-flag bit that signals a companion 2D composite component should be read alongside this symbol; default false).
Output and printing
Export SVG for retail label artwork or PNG for a quick proof.
Common uses
GS1 DataBar Expanded is used for variable-measure retail items (fresh food priced by weight, coupons) that need to carry more than a plain GTIN in a single point-of-sale-scannable symbol.
Example
See the live preview above, seeded with a bwip-js-verified valid GS1 Application Identifier value.
Size guidance
Switching "format" to expandedstacked changes the symbol from a single-row to a multi-row layout for the same data, changing its overall footprint.
Troubleshooting
A rejected value is usually malformed GS1 Application Identifier syntax or an AI value that violates that AI's own length/charset rule.
Related formats
Related formats: GS1 DataBar Stacked Composite (a related GS1 DataBar variant with a 2D composite component already covered in this catalog) and GS1-128 (another common GS1 Application-Identifier barcode for logistics labeling).
FAQ
What does the linkage option actually do?
It sets the real GS1 DataBar linkage-flag bit inside the encoded data, signaling that a companion 2D composite component is meant to be read alongside this linear symbol. It changes the encoded bit pattern (and therefore the rendered output), but this generator does not itself draw a composite component -- pair it with separate composite-generation tooling if you need one.