ISSN Barcode Generator

Make the EAN-13 barcode for a magazine, journal or other serial from its ISSN. Enter the ISSN and the two variant digits (00 for the normal title), add a 2- or 5-digit issue number if you use one, and download the barcode as SVG, PNG, PDF or EPS. Nothing is uploaded.

Valid

40.8 × 30.8 mm at 300 DPI

Barcode

12 characters

The ISSN, a space, then the 2-digit issue variant (00 if you have none).

2 digits (EAN-2, such as an issue number) or 5 digits (EAN-5, such as a book price: 52495 is US$24.95).

Barcode.codes draws the barcode for the number you enter; it does not issue numbers. ISSNs come from the ISSN network: ISSN International Centre.

Size and resolution

Output DPI

300 DPI · Thermal / offset

Sets the X-dimension and the minimum bar height together. 100% is a 0.33 mm X-dimension.

4 px per module at 300 DPI. Print size: 40.8 × 30.8 mm (1.61 × 1.21 in). PNG, WebP and JPEG: 495 × 374 px.

Human-readable text

Text size and alignment

Alignment

UPC, EAN, ISBN, ISSN and ISMN keep the standard digit layout in OCR-B, with the outer digits beside the bars.

Label textNew

Font

Alignment

Printed in the file with the barcode, outside the quiet zone, in Helvetica or Courier so it looks the same in every format.

Colors

Contrast 21.0:1; estimated symbol contrast 100%.

PreviewOff
Quiet zone (modules)2 · 7 · 2 · 11

Bar width reduction0 mil

Makes each bar thinner by this amount, to make up for ink that spreads on paper. Ask your printer for the value, or leave 0 for laser and thermal printing.

Rotation and backgroundNew0° · Filled

Rotation

In the preview, a checkered pattern shows the transparent areas. Print a transparent barcode only on a white or very light surface: scanners need the light quiet zone around it.

Margin and borderNew0 mm · no border

The margin is blank space outside the quiet zone, for cutting; the border is drawn at the outer edge. Both count in the print size.

Data inspectorNew12 chars
PresetsNew0 saved

No presets yet. Save the current settings to reuse them.

    Presets stay in this browser. They keep the type, size and style; the data and the logo are not saved.

    Recent barcodesNew0

    The barcodes you download appear here, newest first.

      The last 10 downloads, kept in this browser only.
      ISSN · Live previewValid
      ISSN barcode encoding 0311-175X 00
      New

      Scaled to fit. Actual size shows the print size on screen.

      Print simulationNew

      Shows how a worn print looks and tests it with the decoder.

      Type
      ISSN · 1D
      Print size
      40.8 × 30.8 mm
      Raster
      495 × 374 px
      Modules
      95 wide

      Download

      Vector drawing, 40.8 × 30.8 mm. Design and label programs place it at its print size.

      New
      More export optionsNewTest sheet · size set · embed code

      Print test sheet (PDF)

      The code at 80%, 100% and 150% with 100 mm and 4 in rulers. Print it at actual size and scan each copy before printing many.

      Size set (ZIP)

      Magnification

      Embed code

      Nothing you type is uploaded.New

      How to Create a Magazine Barcode

      Enter the ISSN with its variant digits, add the issue number if you use one, and download.

      1. Type the ISSN, such as 0311-175X; the dash and the variant 00 are added if you leave them out.
      2. Change the variant digits only if your publisher uses them, for example for a different price.
      3. Enter a 2-digit add-on for the issue number, or a 5-digit one if your distributor asks for it.
      4. Download SVG, PNG, PDF or EPS and check it with a scanner before printing the cover.

      How an ISSN Becomes an EAN-13

      The barcode is a 13-digit EAN-13 made from the prefix 977, the first seven digits of the ISSN, two variant digits and a new check digit.

      The Parts of the Number

      • 977: the GS1 prefix allocated to the ISSN International Centre for serials.
      • Seven ISSN digits: the ISSN without its hyphen and without its own check character.
      • Two variant digits: 00 for the normal title; other values for variants such as a price change.
      • Check digit: a GS1 mod 10 check digit for the 13 digits, which replaces the ISSN's own.

      A Worked Example

      The ISSN 0311-175X with variant 00 gives 977 0311175 00 and the check digit 1, so the barcode carries 9770311175001. The X at the end of the ISSN is its own mod 11 check character and does not appear in the barcode.

      ISSN barcode 9770311175001 for ISSN 0311-175X with variant 00: 977, the seven ISSN digits, 00 and the check digit 1.
      ISSN 0311-175X, variant 00: 9770311175001.

      ISSN Barcode Specifications

      An ISSN barcode follows the GS1 retail rules for EAN-13, with the variant digits and add-on described by GS1 and the ISSN network.

      ISSN (EAN-13 with prefix 977) at a glance
      PropertyISSN (EAN-13 with prefix 977)
      Digits13 digits: prefix 977, the 7 ISSN digits without the ISSN check digit, 2 variant digits and a GS1 check digit
      CharactersDigits 0 to 9 in the barcode; the 8-character ISSN may end in X
      Check digitThe ISSN itself: mod 11 on the first 7 digits (X stands for 10). The barcode: GS1 mod 10
      X-dimension (narrowest bar)0.33 mm (0.0130 in) standard; 0.264 to 0.66 mm allowed
      Minimum bar height22.85 mm (0.900 in) at the standard X-dimension; 18.28 mm at the smallest and 45.7 mm at the largest
      Quiet zone11 modules left, 7 modules right
      Variant digitsDigits 11 and 12 are 00 for the normal title; publishers use them for variants such as a price change or different issues of a daily
      Add-onsA 2- or 5-digit add-on usually carries the issue number
      Where the numbers come fromThe ISSN network (ISSN International Centre and its national centres)
      Example0311-175X 00

      GS1 General Specifications §1.3.1.11 and §2.1.3.5 (pages 44 and 86); ISSN International Centre pages on the ISSN and the GTIN-13.

      Sources, checked 2026-10-04: GS1 General Specifications, Release 26.0 (ratified January 2026); Identification with the GTIN 13 barcode (ISSN International Centre); What is an ISSN? (ISSN International Centre).

      Issue Numbers, Prices and Dates

      The add-on and the variant digits carry what changes from issue to issue; the ISSN itself stays the same.

      Issue Numbers in the Add-On

      A 2- or 5-digit add-on after the main barcode usually carries the issue number. GS1 notes that reading the add-on at the checkout is optional, so the main barcode identifies the title on its own.

      ISSN barcode 9770311175001 with the two-digit add-on 05 for issue number 5 to the right of the main bars.
      The same ISSN with the add-on 05 for issue 5.

      Price Variants

      The variant digits can mark issues of the same title sold at a different price. Agree on their use with your distributor; most titles keep 00.

      ISSN barcode 9770311175018 for ISSN 0311-175X with the variant digits 01, as an issue sold at another price might use.
      Variant 01: 9770311175018, a different barcode for the same title.

      Where to Get an ISSN

      ISSNs are assigned by the national centres of the ISSN network, which the ISSN International Centre coordinates.

      The ISSN Check Character

      The eighth character of an ISSN is a check digit calculated with a modulus 11 algorithm from the first seven, and it is X when the result is 10. The generator checks it and names the expected character when it is wrong.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      Is This ISSN Barcode Generator Free?

      Yes. There is no account and no limit, and you may print the barcode on the publications you sell.

      What Are the Two Digits After the ISSN?

      They are the variant digits of the EAN-13. They are 00 for the normal title, and publishers use other values for variants such as a different price or different issues of a daily.

      Why Is the X Missing From the Barcode?

      The X is the ISSN's own check character. The barcode drops it and uses a GS1 check digit for all 13 digits instead.

      Should the Issue Number Go in the Add-On?

      Usually, yes: the add-on commonly carries the issue number, while the main barcode stays the same for the title. Ask your distributor which add-on length they read.

      Can I Use a Normal EAN-13 Instead of an ISSN Barcode?

      Yes. GS1 lists three options for serials: the ISSN with prefix 977, which it recommends, a regular GTIN-13 or GTIN-12, or a national system that includes the price.

      How Do I Get an ISSN?

      Apply to the ISSN national centre of the country where the serial is published; the ISSN International Centre lists them. The generator does not issue ISSNs.

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