QR code basics
What is in your QR code?
CodePersist's current product QR code contains a web address and a product number. Together, they identify the product. The pages that a scan can reach are connected to that identity separately.
Printed in the QR code
The QR web address and product number. If you plan to print a code, choose these carefully first.
Connected after a scan
Your product page and any other links you configure. Once you publish a link change, QR codes already printed on products still work with the new link. You do not have to reprint packaging or relabel products you have already shipped.
Choosing the QR web address
When you create a product, choose the web address that will be printed in its QR code. If you own a domain, you can connect a subdomain such as id.yourbrand.com and select it. If you do not own a domain, or prefer not to use one, choose id.codepersist.com. CodePersist provides that address at no additional charge.
Choose before printing: changing the web address inside a QR code requires a new code for future products. You can change which pages that address leads to—for example, add a nutrition information page or update the product page destination—without changing QR codes already on products.
Your domain is a choice, not a requirement
If a phone shows the web address before opening a scan, your own domain may look familiar to customers. Both options support the same CodePersist features.
A basic domain can cost around US$10 per year, but registration and renewal prices vary by name and provider. If you already own a domain, you can usually connect a subdomain without buying another one.
You stay in control
Connecting a subdomain does not give CodePersist access to your domain registrar, DNS account, or website. We cannot edit your website content or change your domain or DNS settings. You remain in full control, and any changes to your domain, subdomain, DNS, or website must be made by you in the accounts you manage. CodePersist only handles product QR scans sent to the subdomain you connect.
ⓘ Why use a domain you control?
CodePersist cannot establish that your account is authorized to use a particular GTIN. GS1's lookup can identify whether a number was issued and which company licenses it, but that information alone cannot prove the person setting up this account has permission to use it. CodePersist checks the domain’s DNS configuration and certificate status. These checks do not establish domain ownership by a particular CodePersist organisation or permission to use a GTIN.
See Verified by GS1 for the available GTIN lookup information.
Next, choose where a scan leads
The QR web address—technically called a GS1 Digital Link URI—identifies your product. Your product page is the separate page an ordinary scan opens first, for example when a customer scans the QR code with their phone's camera. You enter its public URL when creating the product. After you publish a destination change, scans can reach the updated page without relabeling products already shipped.
Example: share a promotion
Want customers to see a new promotional page when they scan? Add a link to your promotion, set it as the default page for scans, and publish the change. Once it is live, scans of QR codes already on products in shops or shipped to customers can go to the promotion. There is no extra charge for each destination change, and you do not need to change or reprint any labels.
A separate code for each item
A serial number can identify one individual item rather than just the product type. Adding one to each QR code needs a separate setup and is not available in this version.
Technical detail
GS1 calls the product number a GTIN and marks it with application identifier 01. A serial number uses application identifier 21 alongside the GTIN. The current QR code contains a GTIN-only GS1 Digital Link. See the GS1 Digital Link quick start guide.