Data rules
13 digits beginning 978 or 979
- Length: 12–13 characters
- Character set: digits only
- Check digit: required
- Quiet zone: 9 modules
Publishing
ISBN
Encode an ISBN-13 as a Bookland EAN-13 barcode for the back cover of a book.
- Check digit verified.
Preview
Enter valid data to see the barcode.
Encoding happens entirely in your browser. This tool encodes numbers you already own — it does not issue or register GS1 company prefixes.
Printing notes
- ISBN-13 barcodes are EAN-13 symbols using the 978/979 Bookland prefix.
- A 5-digit price add-on is often printed alongside; it is a separate supplemental symbol.
- ISBNs are allocated by national ISBN agencies — this tool encodes an existing ISBN.
Workflow links
Related barcode formats
What is ISBN?
An ISBN barcode is an EAN-13 encoding a 13-digit ISBN, which always begins with the Bookland prefix 978 or 979. It identifies a specific edition and format of a title.
Retail book barcodes are often printed with a five-digit EAN-5 add-on carrying the suggested retail price.
Frequently asked questions
Is this ISBN generator free to use?
Yes. The ISBN generator is free, has no signup and adds no watermark. The symbol is encoded in your browser, so the data you type is never uploaded to a server.
What file format should I download for printing ISBN?
Download SVG for anything that will be printed. SVG is vector, so bar widths and the quiet zone stay exact at any size. PNG is fine for screens and slide decks, but never scale a PNG barcode up — enlarging it blurs the bar edges and scanners start failing.
Where do I get an ISBN?
From the ISBN agency for your country — Bowker in the US, Nielsen in the UK. No barcode tool can assign one; this generator encodes an ISBN you have already been issued.
Does each format of a book need its own ISBN?
Yes. Hardback, paperback, ebook and audiobook editions each require a separate ISBN, and therefore a separate barcode.
Standards & references
This page follows the published specifications. The bodies that own them: