ISSN Barcodes for Magazines
If you already have an ISSN number for your magazine (or newspaper, or other periodical publication), please purchase the barcode images for your ISSN number below. If you don’t have an ISSN number please look here for information about getting an ISSN number.
When you have your ISSN number, you can order the barcode images for your ISSN number here.
We provide standard GS1 format barcodes that can be used worldwide.
Let us know your ISSN number, and what format you want (13 digit or 13+2), and whether you have any preferences for the digits in the code (eg the price code). See below for information about the 13 digit and 13+2 digit barcodes for magazines.
ISSN Barcode Format
An 8 digit ISSN number is converted into a 13-digit EAN13 barcode in this way – the last of the 8 digits is removed (this is a checksum), 977 is added to the front of the number, a nominal price code is added to the number (usually 00), and then the last digit checksum is added. For example, ISSN 1234-5678 would become 9771234567003. If the price was increased, the 2 digit price code should be changed eg from 00 to 01, and a new barcode created eg 9771234567010.
Some publications add a 2 digit supplement barcode after the main barcode – this can then vary with the issue eg it could be 01-12 for 12 monthly issues, or 01-52 for weekly issues, or 01-04 for quarterly issues. These barcodes can be reused each year – they only need to be changed when the price changes.
How to use your ISSN barcode:
After we receive your order, we will email your barcode images to you. The images will come in 5 different formats (jpeg, eps, tiff, pdf, and bmp). You can choose the format you prefer & insert the barcode into the design for your magazine cover. After your magazine has been printed and distributed to your retailers, they will enter the barcode number and product information into their inventory system. After that, when your barcode is scanned the product details will appear on the retailer’s screen.
Note: If you want us to send you a barcode that has supplement digits at the end (like in the example to the right), please let us know when you make your order. We can make barcode images that have two digit supplement numbers. Supplements are used on some magazines and newspapers to represent the issue number of the magazine e.g 01 to 12 if monthly or 01-52 if weekly.
“Dear Mr David Allis, I am very thankful to you for … this barcode to me” Farid
“Thanks so much, David. What an efficient service you and your team run. Will definitely be in touch if/when we need another barcode image.” Raywin