How to Create GS1 Digital Links in Bulk

QRTRAC allows you to create multiple GS1 Digital Links at once instead of creating each link individually. By uploading a CSV or Excel file, you can validate your records, preview the generated Digital Link paths, create the links, and then select and download the generated QR codes in one workflow.

Before You Create GS1 Digital Links in Bulk

Before getting started, ensure you have the following requirements:

• A QRTRAC account
• A GS1 Digital Link domain
• A CSV or Excel file containing the required data

Your file must follow specific rules:

• GTIN is required.
• Destination is required.
• Name, lot, and serial are optional.
• Up to 500 rows can be uploaded at a time.
• A header row is supported and will be skipped during processing.

Ensure your columns are in this exact order:

gtin, destination, name, lot, serial

Step 1: Open Bulk Create

Go to the GS1 Digital Links section in your QRTRAC dashboard and select the Bulk Create option.

Open Bulk Create from the GS1 Digital Links section.

Step 2: Select Your GS1 Digital Link Domain

You need to select or enter the domain that will be used for all the generated Digital Links in your bulk upload.

For example, you might select:

gs1.qrtrac.com

This domain becomes the base part of all your generated GS1 Digital Link URLs.

Step 3: Upload Your CSV or Excel File

In the Bulk Create modal, you will find the option to Choose CSV or Excel file.

Remember that your file should follow the supported column order:

gtin, destination, name, lot, serial

• GTIN is required.
• Destination is required.
• Name is optional.
• Lot is optional.
• Serial is optional.

Header rows are skipped automatically, and you can upload up to 500 rows at a time. If you need help preparing your file, use the Download a template option provided in the modal.

Upload a CSV or Excel file containing your GS1 Digital Link records.

Step 4: Review and Validate the Uploaded Records

After uploading the file, QRTRAC validates the uploaded records and displays a preview before actually creating the links. You will see a summary, for example:

20 ready

The preview table will show you:

• LINE
• GTIN
• DIGITAL LINK PATH
• STATUS

An example Digital Link path might look like this:

01/00850012345671/10/LOT-US-VCS-260927-A/21/SN-VCS-260927-00001

Only records with a "Ready" status can be created. If any records have errors, you should correct them in your source file and re-upload.

Review the validated records and Digital Link paths before creating the links.

Step 5: Create the GS1 Digital Links

Once you have reviewed the uploaded records and everything looks correct, click the creation button, which will indicate the number of valid records (e.g., Create 20 links).

QRTRAC will then process the batch and create the GS1 Digital Links from your validated records.

Step 6: Review the Created GS1 Digital Links

After creation is complete, the generated links will appear in your GS1 Digital Links list.

You can review all the information associated with each record, including:

• Code
• GTIN
• Batch / Lot
• Serial
• Digital Link
• Destination

For example, a record might display:

• GTIN: 00850012345671
• Batch/Lot: LOT-US-VCS-260927-C
• Serial: SN-VCS-260927-00013
• Digital Link: https://gs1.qrtrac.com/01/00850012345671/10/LOT-US-VCS-260927-C/21/SN-VCS-260927-00013
• Destination: https://www.cerave.com/skincare

Review the GS1 Digital Links created from your bulk upload.

Step 7: Select Multiple GS1 Digital Links

You can manage your newly created links by selecting multiple generated records using the checkboxes in the table.

The interface will show the total number of selected records and provide bulk actions such as:

• Clear
• Move to folder
• Download selected

Select the GS1 Digital Links you want to download.

Step 8: Configure the Download

When preparing to download your selected links, you will see Include in Download options in the interface.

You can choose exactly what information to include with your download:

• QR code
• 1D barcode
• GTIN number

Make sure to check the boxes for the information you want included in your export before finalizing the download.

Step 9: Download the Selected GS1 Digital Links

After selecting the required records and configuring the download options, click Download selected.

This will package your generated GS1 Digital Link codes and download them to your device, ready for use in packaging, labels, product materials, or any other workflow.

Bulk GS1 Digital Link Creation Workflow

Here is a quick summary of the process:

CSV / Excel File Requirements

Your upload file must be formatted correctly. Use the table below as a reference:

• Column order: gtin, destination, name, lot, serial
• Header row: Supported and automatically skipped
• Maximum rows: 500 rows per upload
• Best practice: Use the QRTRAC template when needed

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Invalid or Missing GTIN

Each record should contain a valid GTIN. If a GTIN is missing or improperly formatted, the record will fail validation and cannot be created.

Missing Destination

Each record should include a destination URL. This is the link users are directed to when scanning the Digital Link.

Incorrect Column Order

Make sure your file columns follow this exact sequence: gtin, destination, name, lot, serial. If the columns are out of order, the validation will misinterpret your data.

More Than 500 Rows

QRTRAC allows up to 500 rows per upload. If your list is larger, you should split your file into multiple smaller uploads.

Records Not Ready

If the preview status for any record is not "Ready", review the validation feedback, correct the errors in your source file, and re-upload the file before creating links.

Related QRTRAC Guides

• How to Create a GS1 Digital Link QR Code
• GS1 Digital Link Guide
• Digital Product Passport QR Codes