If you publish a magazine, having a barcode on the cover is essential for efficient management and sales purposes. A barcode is a unique combination of numbers and lines that can be scanned by a barcode reader, providing information about the product to which it is attached. In the case of magazines, barcodes help with inventory management, sales tracking, and overall organization. In this article, we will discuss the importance of getting a barcode for your magazine and the steps needed to obtain one.

What Is a Magazine Barcode and Do You Need One?

A magazine barcode is an EAN-13 (or EAN-13+2) barcode. It is typically a 13-digit barcode based on the magazine's 8-digit ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). Sometimes an additional 2-digit code is added at the end to represent the issue number (e.g., 01 = issue 1).

What Is an ISSN?

An ISSN is an 8-digit code used to uniquely identify a serial publication, such as a magazine. It helps with the efficient cataloging, management, and distribution of periodicals.

You can obtain an ISSN for your magazine through your local ISSN agency (visit the International ISSN Centre's website for contact details).

The ISSN is usually formatted as two groups of four digits, separated by a hyphen (e.g., ISSN 1234-5678).

The ISSN is converted into a 13-digit EAN-13 barcode, commonly used in retail environments. This barcode typically begins with the prefix "977," which designates it as a periodical.

Components of a Magazine Barcode:

Prefix: "977" is always the starting sequence for periodicals.

ISSN Digits: The first 7 digits of the ISSN (without the hyphen) follow the prefix.

Price Code: A 2-digit code that represents the issue number or a specific variant of the magazine. It is usually 00. The 2-digit price code should be changed if the magazine's price increases, e.g., from 00 to 01, and a new barcode should be created.

Check Digit ('X'): The final digit is a check digit calculated to ensure that the barcode is correctly composed.

Optional - a 2-digit supplemental code to represent the issue number.

Example: for a magazine with ISSN 1234-5678, the EAN-13 barcode number would be: 977123456700X (where 'X' represents the check digit). If the price changes, the barcode number would become 977123456701X.

Optionally, the barcode can be created in the EAN-13+2 format, including a 2-digit supplemental number to represent the issue numbers. For example, supplements 01-12 would represent 12 issues per year. For instance, issue 1 would have the barcode 977123456700X-01.

What Are the Benefits of a Magazine Barcode?

Retail: Enables efficient scanning and sales tracking at points of sale.

Distribution: Helps with inventory management and distribution of different magazine issues.

Cataloging: Assists libraries, bookstores, and distributors in accurately cataloging and managing their periodical collections.

Steps to Get a Barcode for Your Magazine

The first step to getting a barcode for your magazine is to obtain an ISSN for your magazine through your local ISSN agency (visit the International ISSN Centre's website for contact details). After receiving your ISSN number, you can order the ISSN barcode images here. You can enter your ISSN number in the 'order notes' section on the checkout page (also include any other details: e.g., price code or supplemental digits representing the issue number). The barcode images will be created and emailed to you.

Once you have your barcode image ready, you can incorporate it into your magazine's cover design. Make sure the barcode is clear, easy to scan, and prominently displayed on the cover. This will not only help with sales and tracking but will also give your magazine a professional and polished look. Remember to test the barcode before printing to ensure it scans correctly and meets industry standards.

Getting a barcode for your magazine is a necessary step for efficient tracking, sales, and visibility. By following the steps outlined in this article and working with the guidelines, you can easily obtain a barcode for your magazine and reap the benefits it offers. Whether you are a small independent publisher or a larger magazine distributor, having a barcode on your magazine can simplify operations and enhance the overall reader experience.