Create ISBN barcodes for book covers
Create ISBN barcode artwork for book covers, catalogs and publishing proofs.
Create your barcode
ValidateWhen to use an ISBN barcode
ISBN barcode artwork is for book identifiers that already exist. Before printing a cover or proof, confirm the ISBN itself, the price add-on requirements if any and the final placement rules from the printer or publisher.
Start with the book number
ISBN barcodes carry publishing data that should already be assigned.
- Use the ISBN from the publisher or official agency.
- Check whether the price add on is needed for your market.
- Scan a proof from the back cover size.
Bookstores and distributors may reject artwork with unofficial numbers.
Create an ISBN barcode
- Enter the ISBN-13 value for the book or publishing proof.
- Confirm the ISBN record and any publisher or printer requirements.
- Generate the barcode and check that the human-readable text is correct.
- Send the SVG to the cover designer; a PNG or PDF is fine for proof review.
- Scan a printed cover proof before approving production.
Where ISBN barcodes fit
- Book cover proofs
- Publisher catalogs
- Library and distribution records
ISBN print checks
- ISBN barcodes are usually prepared for book covers, catalogs, proofs and library records.
- Some book workflows may require price add-ons or placement rules. Confirm before final print.
- Keep the barcode away from folds, spine edges and low-contrast cover art.
ISBN barcode mistakes to avoid
- Treating barcode artwork as an ISBN assignment or publisher registration step.
- Using ISBN-10 where the cover workflow expects ISBN-13 barcode data.
- Approving cover art before scanning a physical proof at final size.
ISBN barcode questions
Can this issue an ISBN?
No. It creates barcode artwork for an ISBN you already have. To get an ISBN, apply through your national ISBN agency, such as Bowker in the US, Nielsen in the UK or the equivalent in your country.
Should I use ISBN-10 or ISBN-13?
Book barcodes are normally based on ISBN-13. Use the ISBN check digit calculator if you need to validate ISBN-10 or ISBN-13 values.
What should I test before printing a book cover?
Check the ISBN value, barcode size, quiet zone, cover contrast and scan result from a printed proof.
Can I add a price add-on to an ISBN barcode?
This generator focuses on the main ISBN barcode. Some publishing workflows need a price add-on, so confirm the cover requirements with your printer, distributor or publisher before final artwork.
Where should the ISBN barcode go on a book cover?
The standard placement is the back cover, usually in the lower right area. Keep that space clear of other text and artwork so the barcode scans cleanly. Check your printer's template for exact positioning.
How do I get an ISBN for a self-published book?
In the US, purchase one from Bowker at myidentifiers.com. In the UK, go through Nielsen. Other countries have their own national ISBN agencies. Each format of your book (paperback, hardcover, ebook) needs its own separate ISBN.
Should I include the price in my ISBN barcode?
It depends on your distributor's requirements. Many self-published authors use 90000 as the price add-on code, which means no suggested retail price. This avoids reprinting covers when you change the price later.
More tools for book identifiers
ISBN Check Digit Calculator
Check ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 values before creating book barcode artwork.
Free Barcode Generator
Pick a barcode format, enter a value and download print-ready artwork with check digit validation.
EAN-13 Barcode Generator
Generate EAN-13 barcode artwork for retail products, with check digit validation built in.
Barcode Scanner Online
Decode a barcode from a label, package or screenshot to check the value before it goes to print.