Free ISBN barcode generator
Book barcodes are EAN-13 symbols that encode the ISBN. Paste the number, hyphens and all, and get a cover-ready barcode.
Barcode format
12 or 13 digits starting with 978 or 979. Hyphens and spaces are ignored; the check digit is calculated for you.
Check digit 0 calculated and appended.
Keep strong contrast (dark bars on a light background) and leave a clear margin, or scanners may fail to read it.
Preview
Rendering…
Everything is generated in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
ISBNs are issued by your national ISBN agency, and some print-on-demand services assign one for you. This tool only draws the barcode and does not create ISBNs. The optional price add-on barcode is not generated.
What is ISBN-13?
Since 2007 every ISBN has 13 digits and begins with 978 or 979, the Bookland prefix. Those 13 digits are encoded as an ordinary EAN-13, which is why bookshop scanners handle them like any other retail code.
Hyphens separate the registration group, publisher and title parts for human readers but are not encoded. The generator strips them and checks the final digit, rejecting an ISBN-10 or a number that does not start with 978 or 979.
When to use ISBN-13
Print books and print-on-demand covers that need a barcode on the back.
Self-publishers who already have an ISBN assigned.
Catalogue and listing artwork for a known title.
How to make a ISBN-13 barcode
- 1
Paste your 13-digit ISBN. Hyphens and spaces are ignored, and a 12-digit entry gets its check digit added.
- 2
Confirm the check digit matches the one printed on your copyright page.
- 3
Download SVG for cover design, or PNG for a quick proof.
- 4
Place it on a light area of the back cover, away from the spine fold, at a printable size.
ISBN-13 questions
Where do I get an ISBN?
From your country's ISBN agency, for example Bowker in the US or Nielsen in the UK, or from a publishing platform that assigns one. This site cannot issue them.
Can I use an old ISBN-10?
Not directly. Convert it to 13 digits by putting 978 in front and recalculating the final digit. The generator rejects ten-digit input and tells you so.
What is the difference between 978 and 979?
Both are Bookland prefixes. 978 was used first; 979 was opened later as the 978 range filled up in some regions. Both encode identically.
Does a book barcode include the price?
The EAN-13 itself does not. Some markets add a small 5-digit supplement beside it, which this tool does not draw.
Related barcode formats
Need a code people scan with their phone?
Barcodes hold short numbers. For links, Wi-Fi, contact cards and more, create a QR code.
- No watermark
- No account for static codes