How to Create a Barcode for Books: A Step-by-Step Guide
In publishing, barcodes are not only helpful for sales but also a mandatory requirement for books to be distributed through professional channels such as bookstores, libraries, or e-commerce platforms.
If you're a self-publishing author or a design agency, understanding how to generate a barcode from an ISBN will enhance your professionalism and help avoid common publishing errors.
In this article, iCheckQR will walk you through the entire process of creating a barcode for a book — from differentiating between ISBN and barcode, choosing the right tool, to printing technical requirements and common mistakes to avoid.
1. What Is a Book Barcode and Why Is It Important?
Definition of a Book Barcode
A book barcode is a machine-readable code, typically using the EAN-13 standard, generated based on a book's ISBN (International Standard Book Number).
This barcode contains a unique identifier for each book title, allowing for automated recognition and processing within distribution, storage, and retail systems.
Book Barcode
Why Do You Need a Barcode for Your Book?
Mandatory for Professional Distribution: If you plan to distribute your book through bookstores, retail chains, Amazon, or libraries, a barcode is required. Without it, your book will likely be rejected by these channels.
Supports Inventory and Sales Management: A barcode allows for quick lookups, accurate inventory tracking, and efficient order processing — all through a simple scan.
A Professional Publishing Standard: For officially published or large-scale books, an ISBN barcode on the back cover is a basic requirement. It enhances global recognition and reflects the professionalism of your publication.
2. ISBN vs. Barcode – What’s the Difference?
What Is an ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a 13-digit international identifier that uniquely distinguishes each published edition of a book. Whether it's a hardcover, paperback, or ebook version, each requires its own unique ISBN.
This number is issued by the national ISBN agency and is a mandatory requirement if you want to publish your book professionally and systematically.
How Is a Barcode Related to an ISBN?
While an ISBN is a numeric string used for identification, it must be converted into a machine-readable barcode to be scanned and processed. The most common barcode format for books is EAN-13, which is generated from the ISBN (hyphens are removed and a “978” or “979” prefix is added).
For example, ISBN 978-604-67-1234-5 is encoded into a corresponding EAN-13 barcode and printed on the back cover, allowing retailers and scanning systems to identify the book instantly.
Is a Price Code Required?
Yes, but it’s optional. In practice, book barcodes often include a 5-digit supplemental code called EAN-5, placed to the right of the EAN-13 barcode to represent the suggested retail price.
Examples:
Code 50900: indicates a retail price of 90,000 VND (following the convention where 900 = 90,000).
Code 90000: means no price is displayed (i.e., the publisher chooses not to show the retail price on the barcode).
Including a price code allows point-of-sale systems to identify prices quickly, but it is not mandatory. You may choose whether or not to include it based on your publishing policy.
3. Book Barcode Generation Tools
Free Barcode Generators for Books
There are many online platforms that allow you to generate book barcodes for free using an ISBN, which is especially helpful for self-publishing authors or small publishers. Popular tools include:
ISBN.org Barcode Generator – The official tool provided by the ISBN agency.
Barcode.tec-it.com – Supports multiple barcode formats, including EAN-13 for books.
Interface of the ISBN.org Barcode Generator
These tools typically allow users to input an ISBN number, choose an output format, customize the size, and download the barcode for free.
Professional Software
For larger publishers or professional design studios, barcode generation is often done through publishing and graphic design software that integrates barcodes directly into the book cover layout. Commonly used software includes:
Adobe InDesign – Allows seamless integration of ISBN barcodes into book layouts.
In-house Publisher Software – Many publishing houses have internal tools that automatically generate and embed barcodes into each title.
GS1 Partner Tools – If you register your ISBN and barcode through GS1, they may provide official barcode generation tools ready for print use.
Technical Requirements for Printing
When generating barcodes for use in book cover designs or commercial printing, it's important to follow these technical guidelines:
Download File Format: Use high-quality formats such as PNG (with resolution of 300 dpi or higher), SVG (vector), or EPS to prevent pixelation or distortion during printing.
Standard Colors: Barcodes should have a white background with solid black bars for optimal contrast. Avoid using unusual colors or graphic effects that may interfere with scanner readability.
Standard Dimensions: According to EAN-13 specifications, the ideal size for a book barcode is approximately 37.29 mm (width) x 22.85 mm (height) at 100% scale. Avoid reducing the barcode below 80% of this size to ensure scanner accuracy.
4. Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Book Barcode
To ensure your book can be distributed, managed, and sold professionally, generating a barcode from the ISBN is an essential step. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Register for an ISBN
First, you need a valid ISBN. ISBNs can be obtained through the designated ISBN agency in each country. For example:
Bowker – the official ISBN agency in the United States.
Nielsen – the official ISBN agency in the United Kingdom.
In Vietnam – ISBNs can be registered via a publishing house or through the Department of Publishing, following national publishing regulations.
Note: Each edition of a publication (e.g. paperback, hardcover, ebook) requires its own unique ISBN.
Step 2: Choose a Barcode Generator Tool
Once you have an ISBN, select a suitable barcode generator. Consider tools that:
Allow input of a 13-digit ISBN
Support the EAN-13 barcode format (standard for books)
Offer the option to add a price extension code (EAN-5)
Provide high-quality output formats (e.g. PNG, SVG, EPS)
Recommended tools: ISBN.org Barcode Generator, Barcode.tec-it.com, and others.
Step 3: Enter ISBN and Customize Settings
In the barcode tool:
Enter the full 13-digit ISBN (without hyphens)
Select EAN-13 as the barcode format
If you want to display the retail price, add the corresponding 5-digit EAN-5 price code:
Example: 50900 = 90,000 VND
90000 = No price displayed
Adjust the barcode size if the tool allows, ensuring it’s not scaled below the minimum recommended size
Step 4: Download and Add the Barcode to Your Book Cover
Download the barcode in a high-resolution format such as PNG (300 dpi or higher), SVG, or EPS
Place the barcode on the bottom-right corner of the back cover — this is the industry standard
Make sure the barcode is sharp, black-on-white, and not distorted, covered, misaligned, or overlapping with other design elements
4 Basic Steps to Generate a Barcode for Your Book
5. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating and Using Book Barcodes
When generating and applying barcodes for books, many authors and publishers make common errors that can affect distribution, identification, and scanability. Below are the key mistakes to avoid:
Incorrect ISBN Format Entry: Some people confuse ISBN-10 with ISBN-13. Since EAN-13 barcodes are generated based on ISBN-13, entering the wrong format will result in an invalid or unusable barcode.
Low-Resolution Barcode Images: Barcodes downloaded in low-quality formats (e.g. compressed images or resolution below 300 dpi) are likely to appear blurry or pixelated when printed, causing scanners to fail. This is a frequent technical issue when using free barcode generators without checking the output quality.
Wrong Size or Improper Placement on the Cover: A barcode that is too small, too large, or placed incorrectly (instead of the standard bottom-right corner of the back cover) may disrupt the design layout and create issues for retail scanning systems.
Forgetting the EAN-5 Price Code for Commercial Publishing: In professional retail or distribution systems, omitting the EAN-5 price code may result in inventory or pricing errors — especially on platforms like Amazon or in bookstores.
Avoid these four common mistakes when creating and using book barcodes
6. Frequently Asked Questions About Book Barcodes
Can I create my own barcode?
Yes. If you already have a valid ISBN, you can use online tools like ISBN.org or Barcode.tec-it.com to generate your own EAN-13 barcode — as long as you follow the correct format and print standards.
Is a barcode included when I purchase an ISBN?
Not usually. When you purchase an ISBN from an official agency (such as Bowker or Nielsen), you only receive the ISBN number. The barcode must be generated separately using a barcode tool or design software.
Do ebooks require a barcode?
No, barcodes are not required for ebooks since they are not distributed in physical form. However, an ISBN is still necessary for formal publishing and cataloging. Barcodes are only needed for printed editions.
Can I reuse the same barcode for a different edition of the book?
No. Each edition of a book (e.g. hardcover, paperback, revised edition, ebook) must have a separate ISBN. Since the barcode is based on the ISBN, you cannot reuse the same barcode for different versions. Doing so would lead to confusion in inventory and distribution.
We hope the information shared has helped you understand the importance of book barcodes and how to generate them properly from an ISBN.
With just a few simple steps — registering for an ISBN, choosing the right tool, entering the details, and downloading the barcode in the correct format — you’ll be ready to publish your book professionally.
Don’t forget to check the print quality, barcode placement, and add a price code if necessary to ensure smooth distribution across all channels.
