ISSN
The EAN-13 alone, which identifies the title completely.
Create ISSN ›Used by 700,000+ people
Free ISSN barcode generator.
Create the 977 barcode for a magazine or newspaper cover from its International Standard Serial Number (ISSN), with an optional issue add-on.
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How to create an ISSN barcode
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01
Drop the ISSN's check digit
Type its first seven digits, then 00 for the normal title. Typing all eight gives a wrong number or an error.
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02
Add the issue code
Choose ISSN + 2 and append two issue digits, such as 05 for a monthly's May issue.
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03
Print at full height
The generator has no height setting, but with 240 dpi and 3-pixel modules (0.318 mm) its bars meet GS1's minimum. GS1 prefers the lower left quadrant of a magazine's front cover.
What is an ISSN barcode?
An ISSN barcode is the EAN-13 that checkouts scan on magazines and newspapers. It starts with 977, the prefix GS1 gave to the ISSN International Centre, followed by the ISSN's first seven digits, two variant digits and a check digit.
Where ISSN barcodes are scanned
A daily is a separate item each day of the week: the variant digits tell the days apart, and the add-on gives the week.
Returns to wholesalers and publishers are sorted and counted, which GS1 says implies reading a supplementary number: the add-on.
Price variants and print grade
One ISSN serves every issue, and an issue sold at another price can take other variant digits.
GS1 requires print grade 1.5 or better for the EAN-13, with or without its 2-digit add-on, and bars never cut below the minimum height.
Barcodes for a year of issues
Without an account, you create one barcode at a time; after a free sign-in, a data sheet makes one per issue. SVG comes with a plan.
Barcode Studio exports a whole issue list in one run; its Pro edition adds CMYK files in EPS, PDF and AI.
ISSN barcode at a glance
- Check digit
- Modulus 10; the ISSN's check character is dropped
- Module width X
- 0.264–0.660 mm, 0.330 mm target
- Quiet zones
- 11X left, 7X right; add-on gap 7–12X
- Number issuer
- ISSN National Centre in the publisher's country
From ISSN 0317-8471 to 9770317847001
- Drop the hyphen and the check character 1, then add 977 and the variant 00: 977031784700.
- Weight the digits 1, 3, 1, 3 … and add them: 99.
- Check digit: 10 minus the last digit of 99, so 1.
Issue codes for the add-on
| Frequency | GS1 recommends |
|---|---|
| Weekly | Week 01–53 |
| Monthly | Month 01–12 |
| Quarterly | First month of the quarter |
| Seasonal | Year's last digit + season 1–4 |
| Annual | Year's last digit + 5 |
GS1 also allows a five-digit add-on, which the generator does not offer for ISSN.
ISSN or ISSN + 2?
ISSN + 2
Adds the issue code, which wholesalers can read to process returns.
Create ISSN + 2 ›Frequently asked questions
Learn more about ISSN.
How do I get an ISSN?
From the ISSN National Centre in the publisher's country, or the International Centre where none exists. Print titles may apply up to 3 months ahead; blank journals wanting only a barcode are not eligible.
Does every issue need a new barcode?
Usually only the add-on changes: all issues keep the ISSN. A new title or medium needs a new ISSN and so a new barcode.
Do I need a GS1 Company Prefix?
No, the 977 number is built from prefix 977 and your ISSN. GS1's other options, such as a regular GTIN, need one. For national rules, ask your local press distribution agency.
Which ISSN goes on a magazine that is also online?
The print edition's ISSN: each medium and each language edition has its own ISSN.
Does the barcode show the ISSN?
Not as "ISSN 0317-8471": the image shows only the 13 digits. The ISSN Manual says the ISSN shall be printed, preferably in the top right-hand corner of the front cover.
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