ISBN Barcode Generator - Free Online Tool

ISBNBarcode.org - Generate High-Quality, Standards-Compliant ISBN Barcodes

Generate professional-quality ISBN barcodes with correct hyphenation based on the official International ISBN Agency dataset. Our free tool creates standards-compliant barcodes that ensure accurate book identification worldwide.

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

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:

  • For Indie Authors and Publishers Worldwide: FreeISBN.com
  • United States: Bowker
  • UK and Ireland: Nielsen ISBN Agency
  • Canada: Library and Archives Canada

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.

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

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

Price barcodes are optional and commonly used in traditional retail environments to facilitate quick pricing at point of sale.

Contact & Support

For technical support, questions about our ISBN barcode generator, or business inquiries, please contact us through our support channels.

Resources & Support:

  • ISBN Agency Database Integration
  • Barcode Specifications and Standards
  • Publishing Guidelines and Best Practices
  • Technical Documentation and API Support

Publishing Resources

Comprehensive publishing resources for authors, publishers, and book professionals. Learn about ISBN requirements, barcode specifications, and industry best practices for book publishing and distribution.

Publishing Essentials:

  • ISBN registration and management
  • Barcode placement and sizing guidelines
  • Distribution requirements and standards
  • International publishing regulations

Marketing for Publishers

Marketing strategies and resources for book publishers and authors. Discover how proper ISBN management and barcode implementation can support your book marketing efforts.

Marketing Benefits:

  • Enhanced book discoverability
  • Improved retail partnerships
  • Better inventory tracking
  • Professional presentation standards

Press & Media

Press releases, media coverage, and industry news related to ISBN standards, barcode technology, and publishing industry developments.

Press Resources:

  • Company information and background
  • Industry expertise and insights
  • Technical specifications and standards
  • Media contact information
Back to blog
Computer screen showing ISBN barcode generation through URL parameters

Streamlining ISBN Barcode Generation: Introducing URL-Based Generation for Publishers

8 months ago3 min read

In the fast-paced world of publishing, efficiency and automation are key to maintaining smooth operations. Today, we're excited to announce a powerful new feature at ISBNBarcode.org that makes ISBN barcode generation faster and more accessible than ever: URL-based barcode generation.

What's New?

Our new URL-based generation system allows publishers, authors, and developers to generate ISBN barcodes instantly through simple URL parameters. This feature enables seamless integration with existing workflows and publishing systems, making the barcode generation process more efficient than ever.

There are two primary ways to use this new feature:

  1. Quick View Generation Simply append your ISBN to our base URL: https://isbnbarcode.org/?generate=9781612681122 This instantly displays your barcode in the browser, ready for review.

  2. Direct Download Add the download parameter to automatically receive a PNG file: https://isbnbarcode.org/?generate=9781612681122&download Perfect for batch processing and automated workflows.

Why This Matters for Publishers

The publishing industry relies heavily on automation to manage the thousands of new titles released each year. Our URL-based generation system offers several key advantages:

  • Workflow Integration: Easily incorporate barcode generation into existing publishing management systems
  • Batch Processing: Automate barcode creation for multiple titles
  • Quality Assurance: Generate and verify barcodes quickly during the pre-press phase
  • Time Savings: Eliminate manual steps in the barcode creation process

Understanding ISBN Barcodes in Publishing

For those new to publishing, ISBN barcodes are more than just black and white stripes. They're a crucial part of the global book industry infrastructure, enabling:

  • Unique identification of books across different formats
  • Efficient inventory management and tracking
  • Streamlined distribution and sales reporting
  • Integration with global book databases and retailers

Each ISBN contains specific information encoded in its structure:

  • Prefix (978 or 979)
  • Registration group identifier (country/region)
  • Publisher identifier
  • Title identifier
  • Check digit

Best Practices for ISBN Barcode Implementation

When using our new URL-based generation system, consider these best practices:

  1. Verify ISBNs: Always double-check ISBN numbers before generating barcodes
  2. Quality Testing: Test scan the generated barcodes before mass production
  3. Resolution: Download PNG files for the highest quality printing results
  4. Documentation: Keep records of which ISBNs correspond to which titles and editions

Looking Forward

This new feature represents our commitment to making ISBN barcode generation more accessible and efficient for the publishing community. We understand that in today's digital age, automation and integration capabilities are not just conveniences – they're necessities.

For publishers looking to integrate this feature into their workflows, our system is ready to handle both individual requests and high-volume generation needs. The simplicity of the URL-based system means you can be up and running with automated barcode generation in minutes.

Getting Started

To begin using the URL-based generation feature:

  1. Format your ISBN (13 digits starting with 978 or 979)
  2. Choose between direct viewing or automatic download
  3. Integrate the URL into your workflow

We're excited to see how publishers and authors will use this new feature to streamline their production processes. As always, we remain committed to providing high-quality, standards-compliant ISBN barcodes that meet the needs of the global publishing community.

Have questions about implementing this new feature? Feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help make your publishing workflow more efficient than ever.


Keep exploring our tool at ISBNBarcode.org and start generating your barcodes today!