GS1 DataBar Limited Generator
Compact variant of the GS1 DataBar family for small retail items, typically scanned at point-of-sale.
How GS1 DataBar Limited is structured
GS1 DataBar Limited carries a single 14-digit GTIN under application identifier (01) and nothing else, in a symbol narrower and shorter than the Omnidirectional variant. Its item reference range is restricted — the indicator digit is limited to 0 or 1 — which is why the variant is reserved for items whose numbering stays inside that range rather than being a general-purpose fallback.
GS1 DataBar Limited check digit
As in the rest of the family, integrity comes from the GTIN check digit: a mod-10 weighting across the 14 digits. There is no additional check character in the symbol, so a digit typed wrong in the item reference produces a valid-looking code that resolves to nothing.
GS1 DataBar Limited compared with GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional
DataBar Omnidirectional is taller and can be read from any angle at a checkout scanner, which is why it is the default fresh-food choice; Limited is the compact fallback when the label is genuinely too small. DataBar Expanded is the one to use when the label has to carry weight, date or batch data next to the GTIN. Compare the GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional generator page for the same breakdown of structure, check digit and use cases.
Common GS1 DataBar Limited problems
The indicator digit is outside the allowed range
Limited only represents GTINs whose indicator digit is 0 or 1. A code built from a 14-digit GTIN with a higher indicator will encode but will not be a conformant Limited symbol; move those items to Omnidirectional or Expanded.
Readers miss it at a fast scan
Limited is not omnidirectional: a scanner passing at a shallow angle may not pick it up. Keep the symbol upright relative to the scanner window, or switch to the Omnidirectional variant where the panel allows the extra height.
Secondary data was appended to the GTIN
Limited has no room for weight, date or batch. Those belong in DataBar Expanded or on the case label in GS1-128; appending them here simply produces a longer digit string that no item file matches.
Where GS1 DataBar Limited is used
- Small cosmetics and jewellery items with a restricted item reference
- Retail items on a panel too small for DataBar Omnidirectional
- GTIN-only labelling where a short symbol is the priority
Not sure this is the right symbology? The barcode format guide groups every supported 1D and 2D format by industry with its character set and limits.