The print engine and speed must create distinct cells or modules at the intended physical size.
Industrial 2D barcode printing
2D barcode, QR code and GS1 code printing
Treat the symbol, encoded data, printing process, scanner and line response as one production system.
Direct answer
Can an industrial inkjet printer print 2D codes?
Some industrial inkjet systems can print QR Codes, Data Matrix or GS1-compliant 2D symbols, but suitability depends on print resolution, symbol size, line speed, substrate contrast, data handling and verification. “Can print” is not the same as “can produce a reliably scannable code throughout production.”
Start with the required standard and data elements, then test the complete process using the intended printer, ink, product, scanner and speed. The system should also define what happens when a code is missing, incomplete or unreadable.
System view
Data → print → verify → act.
The production result depends on four linked stages: correct source data, controlled message construction, stable printing and a defined verification response.
Explore variable and serial dataCode terminology
Choose the symbol from the use case and standard.
| Code type | Common role | Production questions |
|---|---|---|
| QR Code | Web links, consumer engagement or encoded business data, depending on the syntax used | Required content, print size, smartphone or industrial scanning, contrast and destination management |
| Data Matrix | Compact identification and traceability on products, parts and packs | Data capacity, module size, marking area, scanner position and applicable industry standard |
| GS1 DataMatrix | GS1 identifiers and application data in sectors or processes where the symbol is specified | GTIN or identifier source, Application Identifiers, validation, scanner compatibility and trading-partner rules |
| QR Code with GS1 Digital Link | Connects GS1 identifiers and web-resolvable information in a QR symbol | URI construction, product data governance, resolver or destination, POS readiness and consumer experience |
GS1 Ambition 2027
Plan for 2D-ready retail systems without treating 2027 as a universal switch-off.
GS1 describes an industry goal for retail point-of-sale systems to be capable of reading and processing a defined set of GS1-conformant 2D barcodes by the end of 2027, alongside existing linear barcodes.
That makes early testing valuable, but the appropriate symbol, data and transition plan still depend on market, retailer and product requirements. Confirm the current specification with GS1 UK and the relevant trading partners before changing live packaging.
Standards context: GS1 guidance for 2D readiness at retail POS.
Printing is only one part of a standards-based identification system.Scannability factors
Protect the modules that carry the data.
Ink, substrate colour, coating and lighting influence the scanner image.
Packaging artwork and nearby print must preserve the space required by the applicable symbol specification.
Movement, curvature, vibration and variable distance can stretch or deform the printed symbol.
Smearing, abrasion, condensation and production processes must be included in testing.
A simple scan test and formal barcode verification answer different quality questions.
Connected 2D coding
Control every stage of the message.
Approved data source
Message built and validated
Product tracked
2D code printed
Read, grade or reject
Project scope: decide whether the requirement is code presence, readability, content comparison, formal grading, serial-number aggregation or an audit trail. These are different levels of control.
Practical answers
Frequently asked questions.
Can a CIJ printer print QR Codes or Data Matrix codes?
Some CIJ models can print 2D codes, but the achievable symbol size and quality depend on model capability, speed, print distance, ink, substrate and data. Representative testing with the intended scanner is essential.
What is the difference between a QR Code and Data Matrix?
Both are 2D symbols, but they have different structures, common applications and standards. Choose the symbol required by the business process, trading partner or sector specification rather than by appearance alone.
What does GS1 Ambition 2027 mean for manufacturers?
GS1 states an industry goal for retail POS systems to process a defined set of GS1-conformant 2D barcodes by the end of 2027 alongside existing linear barcodes. Manufacturers should confirm the relevant symbol, data and transition plan with GS1 UK and trading partners.
Is scanning a printed code the same as verifying it?
No. A successful scan confirms that one scanner read the symbol under those conditions. Formal verification can assess quality against a defined methodology and grade; process inspection may instead check presence or compare decoded data.
Plan the code, data and inspection together.
Share the required symbol, encoded data, print area, speed, substrate and acceptance criteria for a joined-up review.