ISBN Barcode Generator

Understanding ISBN Barcodes

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique commercial book identifier used worldwide. Our generator creates high-quality, standards-compliant barcodes with correct hyphenation based on the official International ISBN Agency dataset.

Why Hyphens Matter

ISBN hyphens aren't random - they follow a specific structure defined by the ISBN Agency. They separate the ISBN into meaningful parts: prefix, registration group, publisher, title, and check digit. Correct hyphenation helps identify the book's country of origin and publisher instantly.

Benefits of Correct Barcodes

  • • Ensures accurate book identification worldwide
  • • Speeds up inventory management
  • • Reduces errors in book distribution
  • • Facilitates sales tracking and reporting
  • • Improves compatibility with book databases

Price Barcodes (EAN-5)

In addition to the main ISBN barcode, you can optionally add a price barcode (EAN-5) to display pricing information. The price barcode is a separate 5-digit barcode that appears alongside the ISBN barcode and includes currency and price data.

How to Combine Both Barcodes:

  1. 1. Generate your main ISBN barcode using our primary generator
  2. 2. Generate your price barcode using our Price Barcode Generator
  3. 3. Use any image editing software (Photoshop, GIMP, Canva, etc.) to place both barcodes side by side
  4. 4. Maintain proper spacing between the barcodes (minimum 3mm gap)
  5. 5. Ensure both barcodes are aligned at the same baseline
Generate Price BarcodePrice barcodes are optional and commonly used in traditional retail environments

Where to Buy ISBNs

ISBNs can be purchased from your country's official ISBN agency. In the United States, Bowker is the official ISBN agency. For other countries, you can find your local agency through the International ISBN Agency's website.

Popular ISBN providers:

ISBNBarcode.org Guide

URL-Based Generation

Generate barcodes directly through URL parameters for quick access and automation:

View Barcode

https://isbnbarcode.org/?generate=9781612681122

Instantly generates and displays a barcode for the specified ISBN.

Download PNG

https://isbnbarcode.org/?generate=9781612681122&download

Generates the barcode and automatically downloads it as a PNG file.

ISBN Ranges API

We provide free access to our ISBN ranges database through a simple API endpoint. This data is essential for proper ISBN validation and hyphenation.

API Endpoint

https://isbnbarcode.org/api/isbn-ranges.json

Returns the complete ISBN ranges dataset in JSON format.

Usage Example

fetch('https://isbnbarcode.org/api/isbn-ranges.json')
  .then(response => response.json())
  .then(data => {
    // Use the ISBN ranges data
    // Data is available for processing
  });

Terms of Use

  • Free for both personal and commercial use
  • No API key required
  • Data is updated yearly from the ISBN International Agency
  • Please include attribution to ISBNBarcode.org

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