Barcodes for Magazines & Newspapers

Magazine, journal and newspapers use ISSN number barcodes. If you already have your ISSN number please go ahead and order below,

If you don’t yet have an ISSN number for your Canadian publication please go to this page on the Library and Archives Canada website. It can take up to 10 days to receive the ISSN  Then come back to this page and order your ISSN barcode.

Library and Archives Canada logo

ISSN Canada
Library and Archives Canada
395 Wellington St
Ottawa ON K1A 0N4

Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 819-994-6895
Toll free in Canada and the U.S.: 1-866-578-7777 (select 1, 7, 4)
Fax: 819-997-6209

ISSN barcodes are made from on the 8 digit ISSN number. The 8 digits numbers are turned into 13 digit numbers (no edition/issue number) . They can also have a 2-digit supplement showing the edition number if you wish . See examples below. If you want a 2-digit supplement to show edition number, let us know at the time of order or by email after the order has been placed.

Note – these barcode images are for worldwide use

  • ISSN Barcode Images

    Select either a standard ISSN (for all issues) or an ISSN with a two-digit issue number (01 to 99) from the drop-down options below. Please enter your ISSN number into the box on the checkout page. Your ISSN barcode images will be emailed to you after we receive your order.

    No Issue Number (all editions use same barcode)

    ISSN no issue number with caption 9771234567003

    Enter your 8-digit ISSN number(s) here in the format xxxx-xxxx OR as 977xxxxxxxxxx if you know the full number you want.

    Examples: 1234-5670 or 9771234567003

     

     

     

    With Issue Number (each edition has a different two-digit supplement from 01 to 99)

    ISSN sample in EAN132 formatEnter your ISSN number(s) in the format xxxx-xxxx-yy where xxxx-xxxx is the ISSN and yy is the 2-digit supplement (01-52 for weekly, 01-12 for monthly).

    Example: 1234-5678-01

     

     

     

    All prices are in CAD

    Quantity Price per image
    1 $ 20.00 CAD
    2 $ 17.00 CAD
    3 $ 14.00 CAD
    4 + $ 10.00 CAD
    10 + $ 5.00   CAD
    20 + $ 3.00   CAD
    50 + $ 2.00   CAD

     

    Buy product This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page

NOTE: When ordering, please type your ISSN into the “additional information” part on the payment form (alternatively, email it to us). If you require supplement digits at the end of your barcode (to represent the issue number), please let us know as well.

We will use your number to create your high-resolution barcode images. You will receive an email containing your barcode images in 3 formats (pdf, png and pdf). You can then put your barcode onto your magazine (or periodical publication) and begin using it immediately.

What is an ISSN number?

ISSN numbers are used to identify periodical publications (e.g. magazines, journals, & newspapers). ISSNs are allocated to periodical publications by a network of ISSN National Centres (these are usually located at the National Libraries of each country). The International ISSN Centre (based in Paris) coordinates with all the local ISSN Centres worldwide and maintains a comprehensive database of every ISSN assigned worldwide. ISSN stands for “International Standard Serial Number”.

How is an ISSN number turned into a barcode?

An ISSN barcode image is a visual representation of the ISSN number – each part of your ISSN number is translated into a vertical black bar image. When the barcode image is scanned, your ISSN number will appear on a retailer’s checkout screen. After you give your magazine (or other periodical publication) to your retailer, they will scan your barcode & then enter the product details into their system. This will connect your barcode to your publication. After that, when your barcode is scanned, the product name & price will appear on the checkout screen.

Your ISSN number will be about 8 digits long – e.g. 0123-4560. When it is encoded into a barcode, the barcode number will be 13 digits long – e.g. 9770123456008 (the ISSN number is preceded by the digits 977; the checksum digit is recalculated; a two-digit sequence variant – normally “00” – is added. Finally the checksum is recalculated and added). Sometimes some supplement digits are added at the end of the barcode to represent the issue number.

See the two examples below:

Sample ISSN Barcode Buy UPC Canada

 

issn barcode buy upc canada

If you need your barcode to have supplements at the end (like in the image above), just let us know after making your order – the supplement number (either two-digits or five-digits long) can be changed to represent different issues of the magazine.

“As a novice in this area it is great to see you providing this service as it was a bit daunting looking at having to join up an organisation with ongoing fees when all I required was one barcode from my ISSN number. Your website explains the process clearly as well as the options ”  Richard K

“Wonderful. You have been so helpful. Thank you!” Eleanor

“David, Thanks for a quick and excellent service. Greatly appreciated”  John F