A barcode is a machine-readable representation of a unique number, allowing retailers to track product sales in their inventory system. It typically consists of dark ink on a light background, forming high and low reflectance patterns that are converted to binary digits. UPCs (12 digits) and EANs (13 digits) are common types of barcodes.

Over 20,000 happy Australian customers | 3m+ Barcodes in circulation | 10,000+ scans each day

2D Barcodes

Barcodes are changing. By 2027, all retailers are expected to be able to scan 2D barcodes at checkouts. 2D barcodes will replace the traditional linear EAN or UPC barcodes we have known since the 1970s. Woolworths in Australia is ahead of the game and is already implementing 2D barcodes on some products.

There’s no need to panic, though. We can quickly create your 2D barcodes.

You will still need the barcode number (GTIN) you received for your product (EAN or UPC number). GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number. The GTIN is encoded into the 2D code instead of the traditional linear barcode.

For more information on GTIN, watch our short video explainer.

If you don’t yet have your product’s GTIN (barcode), you can order it here.

One Code, Multiple Possibilities

2D Barcodes condense a wealth of information into one scannable QR code, slashing printing expenses and boosting product interactivity.

2D Barcodes offer more capability than linear barcodes. They are gateways to multimedia experiences as they can connect to videos and webpages and enhance your customers’ experience and information about your product. Scanning a 2D barcode with a smartphone enables consumers to access essential details such as allergens, nutritional content, recycling, sustainability, and information alongside various web engagement activities, all facilitated by the 2D digital link.

This is much more flexible as retailers can use it for point-of-sale pricing, inventory management, product recalls, and numerous supply chain activities, enabling customers to see more about the product and company. So it’s goodbye to cluttered packaging!

What’s the difference?

A traditional linear barcode image (EAN or UPC format) contains only the 12 or 13-digit barcode number (GTIN).

When a 2D Barcode is scanned at the Point of Sale (POS), it functions like a traditional barcode, providing data about prices and inventory. However, when a consumer scans the 2D barcode with their mobile device, it leads them to rich product content or a brand-specific webpage. The 2D code can connect users either to a simple product information page or to a wide variety of other pages and product information.

Watch our videos to find out more about 2D Barcodes and how to use them.

Free Trial

We are now offering a free trial of 2D barcodes. Begin your FREE 30-day trial and get your first 2D barcode onto your products. Just enter your product’s 12 or 13-digit GTIN. No credit card is required.

Our 2D barcodes allow unlimited scans, as long as you don’t abuse the QR code with millions of scans that cause technical problems, such as crashed servers. Please see our fair use policy.

More Information

For more information about 2D Barcodes please see these blog articles:

2D Barcode Integration in Australia
Boosting Customer Engagement with 2D Barcodes
Types of 2D Barcodes
The Future of 2D Barcodes
Essential Guide: Creating a 2D Barcode