QRFY vs QR Tiger: GS1 Digital Link QR Code Generator Matchup

Step 1: Set Up Your Account and Landing Page

1. Create an account on QRFY by entering your email address and password. If you want to create product pages in QRFY where your GS1 QR code will link, you need to create the page first.

2. Click New QR Code.

3. Choose either Product or Landing Page.

4. Fill in the required content.

5. Complete the generation process.

6. Once finished, copy the generated Short Link.

You can use this Short Link as the single URL that your GS1 QR code will point to.

Step 2: Create Your GS1 QR Code

In the QRFY dashboard, you need to click on ‘Create New’ and select the ‘2D Barcode’ option under the ‘Dynamic QR’ section. Enter the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) and enter the website URL that you want to link to the code. You can paste the product page URL generated in the above step. Your code is now ready.

Step 3: Customize and Download

You can now design the QR. Choose a suitable frame option, QR code style, border color, background color, shape, and color of corners, correction level (a higher level increases the readability, but it may increase the size of the code), and add a logo.

Once all the customization is done, click ‘Complete’ to generate your QR code. You can download it in formats like JPEG, PNG, SVG, EPS, PDF, ASCII, or SVG Tiny.   

QR Tiger/GS1 Overview

QR TIGER has built a strong reputation as a leader in dynamic QR code creation. It is being trusted by more than 850,000 brands globally. With proven expertise in QR technology and enterprise solutions, it’s a trusted platform for businesses needing scalable and secure QR code generation and management.

To meet the growing demand for GS1 standards, the platform introduced QR TIGER/GS1. It is a dedicated solution designed specifically for GS1 Digital Link QR code. This ensures companies can easily generate codes that comply with GS1 requirements while still benefiting from dynamic features like customization and tracking.

It is developed in collaboration with GS1 US and GS1 UK, and fully aligns with GS1 Digital Link standards. Every QR code generated follows the correct format, structure, and resolver rules to guarantee smooth integration across the global GS1 system. 

It serves as a future‑ready tool for businesses preparing for the widespread adoption of 2D barcodes.

Here are its key features:

Simple QR Code Creation

It is easy to generate GS1 QR code with QR TIGER/GS1. You begin by entering your product details; GTIN is required. You can add additional details like packaging date, batch number, expiry date, country of origin, or links to certifications.

Once the details are filled, you choose how the QR code should work and then download it. The step‑by‑step flow makes it easy to handle whether you create a single or multiple codes.

Flexible QR Code Outputs

The platform gives you control over how your QR codes work. Here are several output options it supports to match different needs:

• Single Link: Directs users to one chosen URL.
• File: Opens a downloadable file instantly.
• Link Page: A landing page that manages multiple links in one place.
• Product Page:  A page showcasing images, text, videos, reviews, FAQs, and links.
• Smart URL: Adjusts automatically to change its destination as per language, location, or scan count.
• App Store Link: Guides users to the correct app store (Android, iOS, or Harmony)

These options suggest businesses' flexibility to connect with audiences in the desired way. All these output options can be edited anytime.

Bonus: EAN Barcode

You can make small adjustments to GS1 QR code colors and patterns while staying fully compliant with ISO/IEC (International Organization for Standardization and International Electrotechnical Commission) standards. This ensures every code passes verification checks smoothly. You get the freedom to personalize the design.

Organized QR Code Management

The platform allows keeping your QR codes in order. You can group them into folders to find and manage them easily. For businesses handling many products or campaigns, the bulk generation feature lets you create multiple codes at once. This saves you time and effort.

Track QR Code Performance

You can check how your QR codes are being used. Each scan reveals the following details.

• Total scans: The total number of times your code has been scanned
• Unique scans: The number of unique individuals who interacted with the code
• Device type: Shows from where the scan happened: a phone, tablet, or another device
• Date and time: When each scan was performed
• Location: Based on IP or GPS (GPS needs user permission)

These analytics help understand customer behavior, and accordingly, you can improve your product management strategies.

Security

This GS1 QR code generator keeps your data protected. It offers password‑protected access, encryption, SSL‑secured communication, and ISO 27001 certification to ensure compliance with global standards. It also follows EU and CA privacy rules; data is anonymized before storage.

Also, the platform supports two‑factor authentication, regular internal audits, and 24/7 monitoring by both humans and AI. With these security measures, customer information stays safe.

Bulk QR code Creation 

QR TIGER’s bulk QR code generator allows businesses to create up to 3,000 QR codes in a single batch using a CSV file upload. Each row in the CSV contains unique data (such as URLs, vCards, or custom names), and the platform applies a single design template across all codes. 

This makes it efficient for product labeling, campaigns, or large-scale deployments.

QR Code Customization

You can modify the look of the QR code by adjusting colors or patterns. The corresponding design changes are tested to pass the ISO/IEC verification checks.

How to create GS1 DL QR codes with QR Tiger?

Step 1: Provide Your Product Details 

To create these codes, start by entering your product data. You can do this in two ways:

• Simplified mode: Enter only the GTIN.
• Extended mode: Enter the GTIN along with any extra product details you would like to include.

There is also an option to show the GTIN as human‑readable text (HRI) below the QR code. Once this step is complete, the platform will display the generated URL syntax for your reference. The system ensures the format is correct automatically, but it is recommended to double‑check for accuracy.

Step 2: Select an Output Format and Generate 

Next, decide how you want your QR code to show information. The platform supports several output options:

• Single URL, File, or App Store: Easy and quick to set up.
• Link Page or Smart URL: They offer more design flexibility as they are simple to configure after testing.
• Product Page: The most advanced option that allows you to add text, images, videos, FAQs, reviews, and multiple links. You can check live previews as you edit.

Click Generate after selecting and configuring the output method.

Step 3: Customize and Download

You can adjust the appearance of your QR code before saving it. Change the patterns or colors to match your brand, or choose contrasting colors to let the QR code stand out on your packaging. Download the QR code once you made the necessary customization.

Optional: Download EAN Barcodes 

For products that need both 2D and traditional markings, you can also download the corresponding EAN barcode. It will help your product stay compatible with retail scanners in stores that haven’t yet upgraded to support 2D barcodes.

QRFY vs QR Tiger/GS1: Comparison

Ease of Use

QRFY: Simple 3-step process for single URL codes; product-specific codes require creating separate pages first, then linking them, so it adds extra steps.

QR Tiger: It offers a guided, step‑by‑step flow for creating GS1-compliant QR codes. The process is structured and intuitive for businesses in regulated industries.

Winner: QR Tiger

Both platforms are easy to use and beginner friendly.

Link Output & Customization

QRFY: Offers custom domains and branded QR codes, with dynamic links that can point to landing pages, PDFs, or files. This makes it flexible for marketing and content sharing.

QR Tiger: Offers GS1‑compliant multi‑link outputs along with custom domain support. It enables advanced product page design, flexible customization, and regulatory alignment for structured product data.

Winner: QR Tiger

QRFY is a suitable choice for marketing use cases. QR Tiger’s GS1‑compliant multi‑link outputs and advanced customization make it the better choice for businesses needing structured product data and compliance.

Bulk Creation & Management

QRFY: Doesn’t support bulk creation of GS1 Digital Link QR codes.

QR Tiger: Businesses create up to 3,000 QR codes in one batch using a CSV upload, with each row containing unique data.

Winner: QR Tiger

Choose QR Tiger if you need large‑scale QR code generation with CSV uploads, while QRFY is better suited for smaller campaigns without bulk creation needs.

Analytics & Tracking

QRFY: Tracks real‑time scan data such as location and device type and integrates directly with Google Analytics and Facebook Pixel. This allows businesses to retarget users, measure conversions, and optimize campaigns.

QR Tiger: Tracks total scans, unique scans, device type, date/time, and location. Analytics are compliance‑oriented to make sure businesses can monitor product interactions securely.

Winner: Tie

QRFY wins this category because its Google and Facebook Pixel integrations give stronger marketing insights and retargeting options, while QR Tiger’s analytics is solid but more focused on reporting and workflow integration.

QR Code Customization

QRFY: Allows customizing various aspects including shape, color, logo, and more to your QR code to match your brand’s needs and marketing campaigns. 

Note that many of these customization options don’t follow ISO/IEC 18004 QR code standards leading to scanning failures in retail or regulated environments.

QR Tiger: Allows limited customization (colors, patterns) while maintaining ISO/IEC compliance. Heavy branding is restricted to ensure codes pass verification checks.

Winner: QR Tiger

QRFY prioritizes aesthetics, whereas QR Tiger/GS1 ensures every customization remains compliant with international standards, which is critical for enterprise use.

Data Security

QRFY: It is GDPR compliant to protect privacy and personal data of users.

QR Tiger: Provides enterprise‑grade security features like password protection, SSL (Secure Socket Layer), encryption, ISO 27001 certification, GDPR/CPPA compliance, two‑factor authentication, and 24/7 monitoring.

Winner: QR Tiger

QRFY offers basic protection, whereas QR Tiger/GS1 surpasses it with robust compliance‑level security and global certifications.

Which Platform Fits Your Needs?

When comparing QRFY vs QR Tiger/GS1, both platforms make QR code creation simple and accessible, but QR Tiger stands out as the stronger choice for businesses that need compliance, scalability, and enterprise‑grade functionality.

While QRFY is well‑suited for marketing campaigns, QR Tiger is designed to meet GS1 Digital Link standards, ensuring that every QR code generated is globally interoperable, ISO/IEC‑verified, and audit‑ready. This makes it the stronger choice for businesses preparing for Sunrise 2027, where 2D barcodes will become the global checkout norm.

QR Tiger’s enterprise‑level security provides confidence for organizations handling sensitive product data. By balancing customization with standards verification, QR Tiger ensures codes remain both brand‑friendly and compliant.

For businesses that want to future‑proof their operations and customer engagement strategies, QR Tiger is a better choice.

FAQs

1. Will traditional barcodes disappear after Sunrise 2027?

Traditional barcodes (UPC/EAN) will not disappear after the GS1 Sunrise 2027 shift; instead, GS1 recommends a dual marking approach, where products carry both the 1D barcode and a GS1‑compliant 2D barcode (such as a Digital Link QR or Data Matrix).

This ensures backward compatibility with existing retail scanners while enabling richer data through 2D codes. Dual marking will continue beyond 2027, as adoption rates vary across regions and industries, and retailers need time to upgrade their systems.

Over time, as 2D scanning becomes universal, reliance on 1D barcodes will gradually decline, but they will remain in use for years to ensure interoperability and a smooth transition.

2. How can early adoption of GS1 QR codes help businesses?

Early adoption allows businesses to:

• Enhance consumer trust by providing instant access to verified product information.

• Improve supply chain efficiency with better traceability and product recall management.

• Stay compliant with evolving global retail standards.
• Gain a competitive edge by offering richer digital experiences before Sunrise 2027 becomes mandatory.

3. What is the purpose of GS1 Digital Link QR codes?

These QR codes connect a product’s GS1 identifier (such as GTIN) to online information. When scanned, they can provide consumers with details like ingredients, certifications, promotions, and more, while also supporting supply chain needs such as traceability and recall management.

Unlike generic QR codes, they follow GS1’s global standards to ensure interoperability across retailers and systems.

DISCLAIMER: We acknowledge that GS1, as well as the materials, proprietary items, and all related patents, copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property (collectively, “intellectual property”) relating to its use, are the property of GS1 Global, and that our use of the same shall be in accordance with the conditions provided by GS1 Global.