2D Barcode Writer
How to Generate GS1 QR Codes Using Aspose.BarCode for .NET

How to Generate GS1 QR Codes Using Aspose.BarCode for .NET

This article shows how to generate GS1 QR codes using Aspose.BarCode for .NET in C#. GS1 QR codes enable global identification, traceability, and regulatory compliance in food, pharma, and retail, using standardized Application Identifiers (AIs) and FNC1 separators.

Real-World Problem

Retail, food, and healthcare regulations increasingly require GS1 QR codes for product labeling, serialization, and track-and-trace. Generic QR generators often lack the compliance logic and encoding features needed for GS1 standards.

Solution Overview

Aspose.BarCode for .NET provides native support for GS1 QR generation with AIs, FNC1, Unicode data, and full QR code customization—ensuring compliance for retail, food, pharma, and more.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have:

  1. Visual Studio 2019 or later
  2. .NET 6.0 or later (or .NET Framework 4.6.2+)
  3. Aspose.BarCode for .NET installed via NuGet
  4. Basic knowledge of C#
PM> Install-Package Aspose.BarCode

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Install and Import Aspose.BarCode

Install the NuGet package and import the required namespaces:

using Aspose.BarCode.Generation;

Step 2: Create the GS1 QR Code Generator

Format data per GS1 QR standard with AIs:

string gs1QRData = "(01)09501101530003(21)1234567";
BarcodeGenerator generator = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.GS1QR, gs1QRData);

Step 3: Customize GS1 QR Code Settings

Adjust ECC, version, size, and colors:

generator.Parameters.Barcode.QR.QrErrorLevel = QRErrorLevel.LevelM;
generator.Parameters.Barcode.QR.QrVersion = QRVersion.Auto;
generator.Parameters.Barcode.XDimension.Pixels = 8;
generator.Parameters.Barcode.BarColor = Color.Black;
generator.Parameters.Barcode.BackColor = Color.White;

Step 4: Generate and Save the GS1 QR Code

Export the QR code to PNG, JPEG, or any supported format:

generator.Save("gs1-qr-code.png", BarCodeImageFormat.Png);

Step 5: Complete Example 

using Aspose.BarCode.Generation;
using System.Drawing; // Required for Color

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        string gs1QRData = "(01)09501101530003(21)1234567";
        BarcodeGenerator generator = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.GS1QR, gs1QRData);
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.QR.QrErrorLevel = QRErrorLevel.LevelM;
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.QR.QrVersion = QRVersion.Auto;
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.XDimension.Pixels = 8;
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.BarColor = Color.Black;
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.BackColor = Color.White;
        generator.Save("gs1-qr-code.png", BarCodeImageFormat.Png);
        // Validate output with GS1 scanner
    }
}

Use Cases and Applications

  • Food & pharma packaging: Compliance with serialization, batch, expiry
  • Retail product traceability: Identify and track products in supply chains
  • Global trade: GS1 barcodes for customs and regulatory paperwork

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: GS1 QR not scanning or reading AIs? Solution: Verify correct use of parentheses for AIs, FNC1 separators are handled automatically.

Challenge 2: Too much data for QR? Solution: Use a larger version, higher pixel size, or split data across several codes.

Challenge 3: Compliance testing? Solution: Always validate QR codes with GS1-certified scanners or online tools.

Performance Considerations

  • Batch-generate GS1 QR for inventory or packaging
  • Export at 300 DPI for print, or PNG for digital
  • Use memory streams for ERP or label software

Best Practices

  1. Format data strings per GS1 Application Identifier rules
  2. Use PNG and 300 DPI for print, JPEG for web
  3. Document all code text, AIs, and parameters for audits
  4. Validate all output in test and production

Advanced Scenarios

1. Batch Generate GS1 QR Codes 

foreach (var item in products)
{
    BarcodeGenerator g = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.GS1QR, item.GS1QRData);
    g.Save($"gs1qr_{item.Serial}.png", BarCodeImageFormat.Png);
}

2. Set Custom Colors or Layout 

generator.Parameters.Barcode.BarColor = Color.DarkBlue;
generator.Parameters.Barcode.BackColor = Color.LightYellow;

Conclusion

With Aspose.BarCode for .NET, you can generate GS1 QR codes for regulatory compliance, traceability, and global trade workflows. Find more options in the Aspose.BarCode API Reference .

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