Do Newspapers Have Barcodes?

Yes, newspapers have barcodes. A newspaper barcode is a machine-readable code that is printed on newspapers. It is used to identify the newspaper and its publication date.

Different types of barcodes are used for newspapers around the world. The most common type is the EAN-13 barcode, which is a 13-digit code that is used to encode a variety of product information, including newspapers. 

Other types of barcodes that may be used for newspapers include the ISSN barcode and the UPC-A barcode, the latter essentially being a North American variant of the EAN-13 barcode containing 12 digits.

ISSN barcode is an 8-digit code used to uniquely identify serial publications, such as journals and newspapers. This code is critical for cataloging and managing publications in libraries and databases worldwide. The ISSN itself can be encoded within barcode systems (like EAN-13) for retail and tracking purposes.

Components of a Newspaper Barcode

Here is an example of a newspaper EAN-13 barcode: 9771234567897. 

1. Start Code: A three-digit prefix fixed at 977, which is used specifically for serial publications like newspapers and indicates the use of the International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).

2. ISSN (Country Code and Publisher Code): The next seven digits, 1234567, represent the ISSN of the newspaper. The ISSN is a unique number that identifies the serial publication.

3. Product Code: The following two digits, 89, are used to identify the specific issue or edition of the newspaper. In this example, 89 could represent the March 11, 2024, issue.

4. Checksum Digit: The last digit, 7, is used to verify the accuracy of the barcode. 

How to Generate Newspaper Barcodes

Here are the specific steps to generate a newspaper barcode.

1. Determine the Newspaper Barcode Type

The first step is to determine the type of newspaper barcode you need. It’s an EAN-13, ISSN barcode or UPC-A barcode.

2. Choose a Barcode Generator

Once you know the type of barcode you need, you can choose a barcode generator. There are many online free barcode generator. They help you create various 1D and 2D barcodes, including EAN-13, UPC, code128, ISBN codes, GS1 codes, QR codes, and more. 

3. Create a Newspaper Barcode

Select your barcode type, input the required information, and click 'Create Barcode' to generate your newspaper barcode.

4. Newspaper Barcode Adjusting

The barcode maker on Online Tool Center allows you to custom the format of the barcode, such as the barcode color, background, length and height of the barcode. 

5. Download and Save the Barcode

Once you have adjusted the barcode format, you can save download the barcode image and print it on a barcode label printer or on a regular printer.

Applications of Newspaper Barcodes

Newspaper barcodes are used for a variety of purposes, including:

1. Inventory Management: Tracking newspaper stock in stores and warehouses becomes a breeze.

2. Streamlined Payments: Processing newspaper purchases is swift and efficient.

3. Subscription Management: Barcodes simplify the management of newspaper subscriptions.

Newspaper barcodes are a valuable tool for the newspaper industry. They help to improve efficiency and accuracy in a variety of tasks.