ISBN and ISSN Barcodes for Books & Magazines
If you need a book barcode or a magazine barcode we can help you. We make both ISBN and ISSN barcodes. First you have to have your ISBN or ISSN number.
Book (ISBN) Barcodes Explained
Books use ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers), now all 13 digits long and compatible with the global EAN‑13 barcode system. To convert a 13‑digit ISBN into a scannable barcode, we encode it as an EAN‑13 symbol. Publishers may also add a smaller EAN‑5 price extension separately to display the retail price. The barcode appears on the back cover (typically lower right) and must meet print and sizing standards to scan reliably.
Ireland does not have its own ISBN issuer. Hence you can either get the ISBN from one of these two sources;
The Independent Publishing Network offers a single ISBN for £30
Nielsen ISBN Agency for £93
Magazine (ISSN) Barcodes Explained
Magazines and other serial publications use ISSNs—eight digits identifying the title, not individual issue. We convert an ISSN into a 13‑digit EAN‑13 barcode by adding the 977 prefix, removing the ISSN’s existing check digit, appending a two‑digit price or issue code (commonly “00”), and recalculating the EAN check digit. Publishers can also add a two-digit supplement (EAN‑13+2 format) to denote each issue (e.g. monthly “01–12” or weekly “01–52”)
Both ISBN and ISSN barcodes follow standardized formats using EAN‑13 symbology. Proper placement, sizing, and print quality (on high-contrast white background, vector graphics) are essential—ink spread, and poor resolution can cause scan failures
Order Barcodes for Books & Magazines:
> ISBN Book Barcodes
> ISSN Magazine Barcodes
Books & Magazines Video Explainer
“Thanks you so much David!! It may be a while until the next book but I’ll know where to go :)” Christine A
Barcodes for Magazines
“Thank you for your very speedy attention to my request for an ISSN image. It is greatly appreciated. I will most certainly remember your company in future.” Greg W