A magazine barcode is a unique identifier printed usually on the back cover near the bottom, used for facilitating the sale and tracking of the publication in retail environments. If you're planning to launch a magazine, this article will help you understand everything you need to know about magazine barcodes.

Is a Magazine Barcode Necessary?

If you plan to distribute your magazine through retailers, newsstands, or use any form of automated sales and distribution system, then yes, you will need a magazine barcode. Barcodes for magazines assist in inventory management, sales tracking, and efficient distribution processes. They are essential for selling physical copies in stores or through online retailers.

For internally distributed publications, such as university journals or magazines that are not intended for sale in commercial outlets, a barcode may not be necessary. 

What is a Magazine Barcode?

Many people mistakenly believe that the ISSN code is the same as a magazine barcode. However, this is not the case. 

A magazine barcode is a unique identifier, typically in the form of an EAN-13 barcode. The ISSN is encoded into an EAN-13 format, along with additional information such as issue number and pricing, to facilitate scanning and sales in retail environments.

Here's how to convert an ISSN number into an EAN-13 barcode.

1. Start with ISSN: Begin with your publication's 8-digit ISSN, for example, 1234-5678.

2. Prefix with 977: Add "977" to the start of your ISSN to designate it as a periodical, turning it into 97712345678.

3. Remove Checksum: Eliminate the last digit of the ISSN, which is a checksum, resulting in 9771234567.

4. Add Price Code: Append a two-digit price code, typically "00" for the base price, making it 977123456700.

5. Calculate Checksum: Generate a new EAN-13 checksum digit and add it to the end, finalizing the barcode as 9771234567003.

How to Get a Magazine Barcode?

So, how can you get a barcode for magazine. Here are the steps.

1. Obtain an ISSN

The first step is to apply for an ISSN for your magazine. Most countries have designated authorities responsible for ISSN assignment. If your country lacks a national center, you can apply directly to the international body. 

While the application process is usually free, it's recommended to verify any potential fees with the relevant ISSN center.

2. Convert ISSN to a Barcode

Once you have your ISSN, you can convert it into an EAN-13 barcode. This involves adding a five-digit supplement to the ISSN to create the full 13-digit barcode number. 

3. Create a Barcode for Magazine 

With the full 13-digit number, you can use a barcode generation tool to create the actual barcode image. OnlineToolCenter is a highly recommended online free barcode generator, helping you create a variety of 1D and 2D barcodes.

The barcode generating process is quite simple. Please visit “Generate a Barcode for Your Business” for detailed steps.

In summary, obtaining and using a magazine barcode is a crucial step for magazine publishers aiming for broad distribution. The process involves securing an ISSN and converting it into an EAN-13 barcode for your publications. For all your barcode generation needs, look no further than OnlineToolCenter! Enjoy a free and feature-rich experience to generate high-quality barcodes for your magazines.