If you publish a magazine, having a barcode on the cover is crucial for efficient tracking 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 it is attached to. In the case of magazines, barcodes help in inventory management, sales tracking, and overall organization. In this article, we will discuss the importance of obtaining a barcode for your magazine and the steps involved in getting one. 

What is a magazine barcode and do you need one?

A magazine barcode is an EAN-13 (or EAN-13+2) format barcode. It is usually a 13 digit barcode that is based on the magazine's 8-digit ISSN (International Standard Serial Number). Sometimes an extra 2-digit barcode is added to 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 in efficient cataloging, management, and distribution of periodicals.

You can obtain an ISSN for your magazine from your local ISSN Agency (visit the International ISSN Centre 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 starts 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. This is usually 00. The 2-digit price code should be changed if the price of the magazine is increased, e.g. from 00 to 01, and a new barcode created.

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

Optional - 2-digit supplement barcode 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 changed the barcode number would become 977123456701X. 

Optionally, the barcode could be created in EAN-13+2 format, including a 2-digit supplement number to represent the issue numbers. E.g. supplements 01-12 would represent 12 issues a year.  For example, 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: Assists in managing inventory and distribution of different magazine issues.

Cataloging: Helps libraries, bookstores, and distributors accurately catalog and manage their serial collections.

Steps to obtaining a barcode for your magazine

The first step in obtaining a barcode for your magazine is to obtain an ISSN for your magazine from your local ISSN Agency (visit the International ISSN Centre website for contact details). After you receive your ISSN number you can order the ISSN barcode images here.  You can put your ISSN number in the 'order notes' section on the checkout page (include any other other details too: e.g. price code, or supplement 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 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 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. 

Obtaining 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 streamline operations and enhance the overall reader experience.