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This free ISBN barcode generator creates print-ready ISBN-13 barcodes that you can place directly on your book’s back cover.
You enter a valid ISBN-13 and (optionally) a price, and the tool generates barcode files you can download in PDF, PNG, or JPG format:
PDF – best for print designers and offset printers
PNG – transparent background, ideal for digital cover design
JPG – white background, simple and widely supported
This tool generates barcodes only. It does not issue ISBNs.
When You Do (and Don’t) Need an ISBN Barcode
Not every book needs a barcode.
You generally do not need an ISBN barcode if:
You are publishing ebooks only
Your book will be sold exclusively online (such as through Amazon)
You do need an ISBN barcode if:
You are publishing a print book
Your book will be sold through bookstores, distributors, or wholesalers
You are supplying your own ISBN instead of using a retailer-provided one
If you use your own ISBN, your cover designer will need a barcode image. That’s what this tool provides.
ISBN Barcode Pricing Options
ISBN barcodes can be generated with or without embedded pricing, depending on how and where you plan to sell your book.
Below are the most common options and when to use each.
Barcode Without Price
Choose this option if:
Most of your sales will be online
You sell books directly to readers (events, fairs, conferences)
Advantages
You can change your price at any time without updating your cover
The barcode takes up less space on the back cover
Disadvantages
Books without pricing cannot be sold easily in physical bookstores
Barcode With Price Placeholder (Bookland EAN)
If you plan to sell your book in physical bookstores, you’ll typically need a Bookland EAN, which includes a secondary price barcode next to the ISBN barcode.
Using a price placeholder allows retailers to scan the barcode while setting their own price in their system.
Choose this option if:
You want bookstore distribution
You don’t want to lock in a final price yet
How to use a placeholder
Enter 90000 in the price field of the generator
Advantages
No commitment to a fixed price
Disadvantages
The price is not visible to customers on the book itself
Note: Most retailers rely on their internal databases for pricing, so displaying a printed price is often optional.
Barcode With an Actual Price
This option embeds a fixed retail price directly into the barcode.
Choose this option if:
You already know your final price
You want the price visible on the book in physical stores
Advantages
Customers can see the price immediately
Disadvantages
Changing the price later may require updating your cover
Currency codes for price barcodes
If no country code is entered, prices default to US dollars.
Country
Code
Example Entry
Displayed Price
United States
5
50699 or 6.99
US$6.99
Canada
6
60699
CAD$6.99
United Kingdom
0
00699
£6.99
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this tool give me an ISBN?
No. This tool generates barcodes only. You must supply a valid ISBN-13 that you already own.
What’s the difference between an ISBN and an ISBN barcode?
An ISBN is a numeric identifier assigned to a specific edition of a book. An ISBN barcode is a scannable graphic that encodes that ISBN so it can be read by retail and inventory systems. You may need an ISBN for an ebook or print book depending on where you publish it, but ISBN barcodes are only used for print books, since barcodes appear on physical covers.
Do ebooks need ISBN barcodes?
No. ISBN barcodes are used for print books only. While some ebook distributors may require an ISBN for the ebook itself, ebooks do not use barcodes, since barcodes are printed on physical book covers.
Is this ISBN barcode generator free?
Yes. This ISBN barcode generator is completely free to use and does not require an account or login.
Does this tool support ISBN-10?
No. ISBN-10 has been deprecated for barcode use. This tool generates ISBN-13 (Bookland EAN) barcodes only.
Can this tool generate QR codes?
No. This tool creates ISBN barcodes only. Kindlepreneur offers a separate QR code generator for that purpose.
Additional Resources
If you want to learn more about ISBNs and publishing requirements, these guides may help:
— Disclaimer: This tool generates ISBN barcodes based on the information you provide. It does not issue ISBNs. Publishers are responsible for ensuring their ISBNs and pricing information are correct.
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If you're interested in really maximizing your book description, there's a specific formula that I use for fiction, and another for nonfiction, that break down EXACTLY what a bestselling book description needs.
