Unlock the Power of
2D Barcodes
Barcodes are changing. Soon, all retailers around the world will be scanning 2D Barcodes at the Point of Sale instead of linear UPC or EAN barcodes. Here at IBN Link we make it easy to create these 2D Barcodes for your products.
The Future of Barcodes is Here
By 2027, all retailers are expected to scan 2D Barcodes at Point of Sale.
2D Barcodes are replacing UPC/EAN barcodes. Get ready and make the change with IBN Link today!
Begin your FREE 30-day trial and get your first 2D Barcode!
Just enter your product's GTIN below — no credit card required.
What happens when a UPC or EAN Barcode is scanned?
Retail Barcode (UPC or EAN)
data encoded: 0701197903555
Scan Result at Point of Sale: 0701197903555 (GTIN)
The only information contained is the barcode number (GTIN). The retailer has to manually link the GTIN to the product name and price within their own inventory system.
Scan Result on a Smartphone: 0701197903555 (GTIN)
What happens when a 2D Barcode is scanned?
Simple 2D Barcode
data encoded: https://id.ibn.link/01/00701197903555
Scan Result at Point of Sale: 0701197903555 (GTIN)
A 2D Barcode functions just like a UPC/EAN barcode at the Point of Sale (displaying the GTIN number, which is connected to the product name/price in the retailers system).
Scan Result on a Smartphone: Product Info Page (eg https://future-products.com.au/vivafizz-naturale/) which shows you the product name, description, image, and GTIN number.
When scanned on a smartphone, a 2D Barcode directs the user to a landing page, typically the Product Information Page, via a Resolver service like IBN Link. The page will automatically appear in the language set on the smartphone, provided it’s configured in the IBN Link dashboard. For instance, the barcode to the left will display content in English or Portuguese based on your phone's language settings.
2D Barcode with Batch Number and Best Before Date
data encoded: https://id.ibn.link/01/00701197903555/10/3?15=250902
Scan Result at Point of Sale:
0701197903555 (GTIN)
Batch 3
Best Before 2 Sept 2025.
Scan Result on a Smartphone: Product Data Page (https://ibn.link/01/00701197903555/10/3/?15=250902) which shows you the GTIN number, Product name and information, Batch Number, and Best Before Date.
PLUS extra power via Digital Link Types!
Digital Link Types direct the user to specific types of information via a Resolver (such as the IBN Link Resolver).
They can either be encoded directly within the 2D barcode, or else added via an App.
Scan the 2D Barcode below for a demo
Scan the 2D Barcode below with your smartphone camera to see how a 2D Digital Link QR Code works!
Frequently asked questions
What is a 2D Barcode?
A 2D barcode is a two-dimensional way to represent information. Unlike the traditional linear UPC or EAN barcodes, which are limited to storing a small amount of data, 2D barcodes can hold a significantly larger amount of information.
How are 2D Barcodes different from traditional barcodes?
Traditional barcodes store data in a series of black and white lines, while 2D barcodes use patterns of squares, dots, hexagons, and other shapes. This allows 2D barcodes to encode more data in a smaller space.
Can 2D Barcodes display information in different languages?
Yes they can. When scanned with a smartphone, 2D Barcodes automatically display information in the device’s language setting. For example, if a smartphone is set to Portuguese, the content will appear in Portuguese, provided the product owner has set up multiple language options in their IBN Link dashboard)
Why are retailers switching to 2D Barcodes?
Retailers are switching to 2D barcodes for their capacity to hold more information, their speed and accuracy in scanning, and their versatility in use across different types of products and industries.
Will my existing UPC/EAN barcodes still work?
While the transition to 2D barcodes is underway, most retailers will continue to accept traditional UPC/EAN barcodes for a period of time. However, it is recommended to adopt 2D barcodes as soon as possible.
How do I generate a 2D Barcode for my product?
At IBN Link, we provide an easy-to-use platform where you can create 2D barcodes for your products. Simply enter your product information and our system will generate the barcode for you.
How can customers scan 2D Barcodes?
Customers can scan 2D Barcodes using standard barcode scanners at retail outlets or through smartphone cameras using various barcode scanning applications.
What are the costs involved in switching to 2D Barcodes?
Transitioning to 2D barcodes involves minimal costs on our platform. The primary cost is associated with updating your product packaging to include the new barcode.
How will 2D Barcodes benefit my business?
By adopting 2D barcodes, your products will be ready for the future of retail, ensuring compatibility with the latest retail technology. This transition also offers opportunities for enhanced product tracking, better inventory management, and enriched customer engagement through augmented product information.
