Auto check digit
Enter the ISSN, the barcode check digit is calculated for you.
Free, no signup, no watermark
ISSN Barcode Generator
Create ISSN barcodes for magazines, journals, and other periodicals. Check digit calculated automatically, ready for cover printing. Export as PNG, PDF, or ZPL, single codes or in bulk from a CSV.
What is an ISSN barcode?
ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is the global identifier for serials: magazines, academic journals, newspapers, and other publications that come out in a series. An ISSN is an 8 character code in the form NNNN-NNNX, where the final character is a check digit (0 to 9, or X for the value 10).
On printed serials, an ISSN is encoded as an EAN-13 barcode prefixed with 977 followed by the ISSN's first 7 characters, two issue identifier digits, and a check digit. This tool generates that EAN-13 representation from your ISSN automatically.
How to generate an ISSN barcode
-
Enter your ISSN
Type or paste an 8 character ISSN in the format NNNN-NNNX. The barcode check digit is calculated automatically.
-
Set size and DPI
Pick a print size in millimeters or inches, and an export DPI (150, 203, 300, or 600). 300 DPI is right for most label printers.
-
Choose output format
Export as PNG for digital use, PDF for layout, or ZPL for Zebra label printers (with optional RFID EPC).
-
Generate and download
Click download. For many codes at once, switch to CSV mode and upload a spreadsheet, one image per row.
Built for printing, not screenshots
EAN-13 compatible
Prints as a standard EAN-13 prefixed 977, readable by every retail scanner.
True print sizes
Set dimensions in millimeters or inches. Export at 150, 203, 300, or 600 DPI.
PNG, PDF, ZPL
Three output formats covering digital use, page layout, and Zebra thermal printers.
CSV bulk export
Upload a spreadsheet to generate hundreds of codes at once, one file per row.
Free forever
No signup, no watermark, no usage limits, no paid tier hiding the good features.
ISSN questions, answered
What is an ISSN barcode?
ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is the global identifier for serials such as magazines, journals, and newspapers. The barcode form is an EAN-13 prefixed with 977 followed by the ISSN and issue identifier digits.
Where do I get an ISSN?
ISSNs are issued by national ISSN centers and by the ISSN International Centre in Paris. This generator does not issue ISSNs, it only converts an existing ISSN to a scannable barcode.
How is the ISSN check digit calculated?
An ISSN ends with a check character that can be 0 to 9 or X (representing the value 10), computed from the first 7 digits. The barcode generator validates this and produces a barcode with its own EAN-13 check digit.
Can I print ISSN barcodes to a Zebra label printer?
Yes. Export as ZPL and send the file to any Zebra or ZPL compatible printer. You can pick the printer DPI (203, 300, or 600) and optionally include an RFID EPC for R-series printers.