ISBN barcode generator
The barcode for your book's back cover. Type your ISBN with its hyphens, add a price if your market expects one, and download a print-ready file.
1. Content
2. Size and style
Bulk barcodes PRO
Make up to 500 barcodes in your current type and style. Each one is test-scanned, and the ZIP includes an index.csv with the results.
What is a ISBN barcode?
Books carry their ISBN as an EAN-13 barcode, sometimes called a Bookland EAN. The 13-digit ISBN starts with 978 or 979 and is printed above the bars with its hyphens; the same digits appear below.
The hyphens split the ISBN into prefix, registration group, publisher and title. Their positions vary from book to book, so copy them from your copyright page or your ISBN agency's record. An older ISBN-10 is converted by adding 978 and working out a new check digit.
Where it's used
- Books sold in shops and online
- Library and distributor catalogues
- Sheet music uses a similar code (ISMN, 979-0)
How to make a ISBN barcode
Get your ISBN
From your national ISBN agency, such as Bowker in the US or Nielsen in the UK and Ireland. Each format (hardback, paperback, ebook) needs its own ISBN.
Type it with hyphens
Enter the ISBN exactly as printed on your copyright page. ISBN-10 works too.
Add a price if needed
US bookshops often expect a 5-digit price add-on: 5 then the price in US dollars (51299 is $12.99). 90000 means no suggested price.
Sizing and printing a ISBN barcode
Standard size
Same as EAN-13: a 0.33 mm module at 100%, about 37.3 mm wide with margins. Don't go below 80%.
Where to put it
Usually the lower right of the back cover, on a white box if the cover is dark or busy.
Price add-on
The 5-digit add-on sits to the right of the main barcode. The first digit is the currency (5 for US dollars, 6 for Canadian dollars).
Colors that scan
Black on white is safest. Never put the barcode on red or over a photo.
Use a vector file for print
SVG, PDF and EPS stay sharp at any size, so packaging designers and print shops prefer them. For PNG, download at your printer's resolution and place it at 100%.
ISBN questions
Do I need a different ISBN for the ebook?
Yes. Each format, such as hardback, paperback, audiobook and ebook, gets its own ISBN. Ebooks don't need a printed barcode.
Why do I have to type the hyphens?
They're printed above the barcode and show where the group, publisher and title parts are. Their positions depend on your ISBN range, so we can't guess them.
What is the 90000 add-on?
A 5-digit add-on of 90000 tells US bookshops there is no suggested retail price.
Can I use an ISBN-10?
Yes. We convert it to ISBN-13 with the 978 prefix and a new check digit, which is what the barcode must carry.