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

ISBNBarcode.org

Price Barcode Generator

EAN-5 Price Barcode

Generate price barcodes (EAN-5) that appear beside ISBN barcodes on book covers. The 5-digit code includes currency and price information based on international standards.

51299$12.99
10850£8.50
31995A$19.95
90000NACS New

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EAN-5 price barcode generator showing ISBN and price barcodes side by side

Understanding EAN-5 Price Barcodes

What is EAN-5?

EAN-5 (European Article Number 5) is a supplementary barcode that appears alongside the main ISBN barcode on book covers. This 5-digit barcode provides pricing and currency information, making checkout faster and more accurate for retailers worldwide.

The EAN-5 barcode consists of five digits where the first digit represents the currency code and the remaining four digits represent the price in the smallest denomination of that currency (cents, pence, etc.). For example, the code "51299" represents "$12.99" in US Dollars, while "10850" represents "£8.50" in British Pounds.

Key Benefits:

  • Faster checkout process for retailers
  • Reduced pricing errors at point of sale
  • Simplified inventory management
  • International currency support

EAN-5 Limitations

While EAN-5 price barcodes are useful, they come with several important limitations that publishers and retailers should understand:

Price Limitations

  • • Maximum price: $99.99 (9999 cents)
  • • Cannot represent prices over $100
  • • No decimal places beyond cents
  • • Cannot handle complex pricing structures

Practical Limitations

  • • Static pricing - cannot change without reprinting
  • • Limited currency options (10 codes)
  • • Requires additional barcode space on cover
  • • Not all retailers use price barcode data

Important Considerations:

  • • Many modern retail systems rely on database pricing rather than barcode pricing
  • • Price barcodes are more common in certain markets (US, UK) than others
  • • Consider whether the benefits outweigh the cover space requirements
  • • Consult with your distributor about their barcode requirements

ISBN Barcode Examples

ISBN Barcode Only

ISBN barcode without EAN-5 price code

Contains: Only the 13-digit ISBN barcode

Best for: Books with variable pricing or digital-only sales

Advantages: Clean design, more cover space, flexible pricing

ISBN + EAN-5 Price Barcode

ISBN barcode with EAN-5 price code showing $12.99

Contains: ISBN barcode + separate EAN-5 price barcode

Best for: Traditional retail distribution

Advantages: Faster checkout, reduced pricing errors

Placement Guidelines:

When using both ISBN and EAN-5 barcodes, the EAN-5 price barcode should be positioned to the right of the main ISBN barcode, with proper spacing according to GS1 standards.

  • • Maintain minimum 3mm spacing between barcodes
  • • Ensure both barcodes are at the same baseline
  • • Include adequate quiet zones around each barcode
  • • Test scan both barcodes before final printing

Currency Codes Reference

Standard Currency Codes:

  • 0 - British Pound£
  • 1 - British Pound£
  • 3 - Australian DollarA$
  • 4 - New Zealand DollarNZ$

Additional Currencies:

  • 5 - US Dollar$
  • 6 - Canadian DollarC$
  • 7-9 - US Dollar (Default)$

Special Industry Codes:

  • • 50000 - NACS Trade
  • • 59999 - Price for $100 and more
  • • 90000-98999 - No Price / Internal use (BISG recommended)
  • • 99990 - NACS Used
  • • 99991 - NACS Copies

Format Guidelines:

  • • First digit indicates currency type (0-9)
  • • Last 4 digits represent price in cents/pence (e.g., 1299 = $12.99 or £12.99)
  • • Use leading zeros for prices under $10.00 (e.g., 50599 = $5.99)
  • • Maximum price is $99.99 (code: 59999)
  • • Use codes 90000-98999 for "No Price" or internal purposes