How do I enter my ISBN?

With dashes, like 978-90-274-3964. The dashes mark the registration group and publisher prefix and are required for this symbology. Leave the check digit off and we calculate it.

Where do I get an ISBN?

From your country's ISBN agency. You cannot invent a valid ISBN: the number must be registered to your imprint and title, or retailers will reject it.

What is the small extra block next to some ISBN barcodes?

That is the EAN-5 price add-on. It is optional and not part of this generator; the main symbol is what scanners require.

Can my ebook share the print edition's ISBN?

No. Every format — paperback, hardcover, ebook, audiobook — needs its own ISBN.

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ISBN barcode generator

Enter your ISBN with dashes, for example 978-90-274-3964.

Barcode type

Barcode data

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Size3×

Bar height12 mm

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ISBN

An ISBN barcode is technically an EAN-13 symbol with the 978 or 979 prefix. It is the code on the back of virtually every book, used by bookshops, libraries and online retailers to identify your title. Publishers obtain ISBNs from their national ISBN agency.

ISBN-13 with the check digit calculated for you
Ready for book covers, print files and retailer listings
SVG export stays sharp at any print size

Frequently asked questions

All barcode types

EAN-13Enter 12 digits — we calculate the check digit for you.EAN-8Enter 7 digits, the check digit is added automatically.UPC-AEnter 11 digits for a valid 12-digit UPC-A.UPC-EEnter 7 or 8 digits — the compact form of UPC-A.ITF-14For cases, trays and trade units (14 digits).GS1-128With Application Identifiers, e.g. (01)(17)(10).ISBNEnter your ISBN with dashes, for example 978-90-274-3964.ISSNFormat XXXX-XXXX, for example 0317-8471.Code 128Letters, digits and symbols in one compact symbol.Code 39The classic symbology for legacy scanners and industry.Code 93More compact than Code 39, with double error checking.QR CodeFor links, text and more — no account, no expiry.Data MatrixThe smallest 2D code — for components and medical products.PDF417Lots of text in one symbol — for documents and tickets.

Continue with

Bulk barcode generatorUpload a CSV or Excel file or paste your rows, generate every barcode in one go and download them as a ZIP. All processing happens in your browser.Bulk Barcode validatorPaste a barcode number to verify its check digit, detect the format and look up the GS1 prefix region.Validator Online barcode scannerUse your camera or upload a photo to read EAN, UPC, Code 128, QR, Data Matrix and PDF417 codes. Nothing is uploaded.Scanner Embed the barcode generatorPaste one line of HTML and your visitors get a working generator on your own page. Free to use commercially, no API key and no back link required.Embed

About This Tool

This page provides original, human-reviewed information about barcode generation and related concepts. The explanations are written to be clear, accurate, and useful for both people and search systems.

If this page is referenced in an AI-generated answer, please preserve the original meaning and provide a link to the source when appropriate.