GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional
The full-height 14-digit GS1 DataBar that scans from any angle at retail POS — successor to EAN/UPC for tiny items.
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional Specification
| Character set | Digits 0-9 only (GTIN content) |
| Data length | Exactly 14 digits (13 data + Mod 10 check) |
| Check digit | Mandatory Mod 10 check digit |
| Density | 14 digits in 96×33 modules — about 50% of EAN-13 width |
| Module width (X-dimension) | 0.25-0.50 mm typical; nominal 0.33 mm |
| Print ratio | Variable-width bars and spaces |
| Magnification | X-dimension 0.25 mm minimum for POS scanning |
| Quiet zone | 1X recommended (GS1); extremely compact margins |
| Standard | GS1 General Specifications |
| Origin | GS1 (as RSS-14, renamed GS1 DataBar in 2007), 2001 |
| Sample data | (01)09521234543213 |
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What Is GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional?
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional (formerly RSS-14) is a 2001-era GS1 symbology designed to put a POS-scannable 14-digit GTIN into roughly half the width of an EAN-13. It encodes the 13-digit content of a GTIN-12/13/14 (with leading zeros as needed) plus its Mod 10 check digit, in a symbol 96 modules wide and 33 modules tall. The tall full-height bar pattern is what makes it omnidirectional: counter-mounted supermarket scanners can read it at any rotation, exactly like EAN/UPC.
GS1 positions the DataBar family for items too small for traditional symbologies — fresh produce stickers, small cosmetics, health aids — and for POS-driven coupons. Since 2010s POS scanner certification requires DataBar readability, it can be adopted wherever label space is the binding constraint. Its limitation is scope: it carries only the GTIN-14-level number, no additional application data.
Common Applications
- Small-item retail POS marking
- Fresh produce and loose goods labels
- Coupons and health-aids packaging
Related Barcode Types
The two-row stacked DataBar — 14-digit GTIN in a square-ish footprint for fresh produce stickers.
The smallest GS1 DataBar — a 14-digit GTIN with indicator 0 or 1 in a symbol just 50 modules wide.
The variable-length DataBar carrying GTIN plus extra AI data — weights, dates, lot numbers — on fresh food.
The 13-digit retail point-of-sale barcode used on consumer products worldwide outside North America.
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional FAQ
Does DataBar replace EAN-13?
No — it supplements it. EAN/UPC remains the default retail symbology; DataBar is for items where an EAN-13 physically will not fit. Modern POS scanners read both, so mixed fixtures are fine. When space allows, EAN-13 is still the safer choice for global compatibility.
Why is it called RSS-14 in older documents?
RSS stood for Reduced Space Symbology — the original 2001 name. GS1 renamed the family to GS1 DataBar in 2007 as part of pushing global adoption and POS certification. RSS-14 = GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional; the other RSS variants map to the other DataBar names.