SDK Documentation Help

GS1 DataBar

GS1 DataBar is a family of linear symbologies with both fixed-length and variable-length and stacked variants. DataBar is commonly used in retail settings, for product identification and coupon codes.

Previously DataBar was also known as Reduced Spaced Symbology (RSS), but the name was eventually abandoned because of a name clash with another technology also named RSS: Really Simple Syndication.

GS1 DataBar exists in a number of variants:

  • DataBar Omnidirectional encodes a GS1 GTIN

  • DataBar Expanded encode arbitrary GS1 AIs.

  • Stacked versions of both DataBar and DataBar Expanded exist to condense the information into a more square shape.

The main use case of DataBar is adding additional product information apart from the GTIN, like weight or expiry date. DataBar barcodes are often found on fresh produce.

Symbology

Sample barcode

DataBar Omnidirectional
(databar)

Sample DataBar barcode

DataBar Omnidirectional Stacked
(databar)

Sample DataBar Stacked barcode

DataBar Expanded
(databar-exp)

Sample DataBar Expanded barcode

DataBar Expanded Stacked
(databar-exp)

Sample DataBar Expanded Stacked barcode

Symbology Characteristics

Configuration name

databar, databar-exp

Stacked variants are automatically enabled.

ISO specification

ISO/IEC 24724

Encodable character set

DataBar: Numeric (0-9)

DataBar Expanded: Numeric and alphanumeric characters, 20 punctuation characters.

Integrity protection

One mandatory checksum character

Quiet zone

No quiet zones are required

Configuration Options

DataBar and DataBar Expanded symbologies do not have symbology-specific configuration options.

Limitations

  • The DataBar Limited symbology is not supported. Please contact us if you require DataBar Limited support.

  • 2D component linkage is not supported

Last modified: 11 September 2024