Check the spec
Charset, lengths and check-digit rules for this symbology are listed above — the form enforces them instantly.
Free tools · Barcodes
Generate ISSN / serial codes that scan.
Serial-publication ISSN converted to a 977 GTIN-13; EAN-2/EAN-5 can carry issue information. Type the payload for ISSN / serial below — validation, check digits and a local scan-test run in your browser before anything exports.
Barcode generator
Type text, get a symbol.
Runs locally in your browser. Nothing is uploaded; the field clears after ten idle minutes.
Advanced (GS1, checks, profiles, retail add-ons, supply-chain carrier)
Style (readable text, bar height, export size)
Bar height stretches bars vertically, which scanners ignore (only horizontal timing matters). The SVG download keeps the engine's exact geometry.
Specification
| Standards | ISO 3297, GS1 General Specifications |
|---|---|
| Character set | ISSN: 7 digits (check computed) or 8 characters including check digit; hyphen optional. |
| Lengths | 0311-175X |
| Check digits | ISSN Mod-11 verified, then mapped to a 977 GTIN-13 with its own Mod-10 check. |
| Quiet zone | Same as EAN-13 host symbol. |
| Capacity | 8-character ISSN plus 2-digit sequence variant. |
Usage
ISSN / serial marks retail products for checkout scanners: print it on packaging or labels where GS1 checkout rules apply.
- ISSN / serial on packaged goods for point-of-sale scanning
- ISSN / serial on printed shelf labels with calm quiet zones
- ISSN / serial proofs exported as SVG for packaging artwork
Shape
Pros
- ISSN / serial scans on every retail checkout imager worldwide.
- Check digits are computed or verified before anything prints.
- SVG export stays sharp on packaging artwork at any size.
- Quiet-zone guidance is built into the preview and print SVG.
Cons
- ISSN / serial needs precise widths — shrinking below ~80% magnification hurts scans.
- Curved cans and shrink-wrap glare distort the outer bars.
- Cropping the quiet zones is the most common print failure.
- Styling beyond black-on-white is not safe for checkout.
Form requirements
- Enter 0311-175X.
- ISSN: 7 digits (check computed) or 8 characters including check digit; hyphen optional.
- The symbol is decoded again locally before preview and downloads unlock.
Sources
- GS1 General Specifications (GS1)
- ISO 3297 (ISO)
Related formats
Keep exploring.
How it works
Three steps, all on your device.
The same engine that reads barcodes writes them — every symbol is decoded again before you see it.
Type the payload
Every symbol is validated and decoded again on your device before it is shown.
Download and print
Take a resolution-independent SVG for print or a PNG for sharing. Nothing is uploaded.
Questions
ISSN / serial Generator & Specs, answered.
If you manage servers by hand, see the engineering services behind this tools series.
What can I type for ISSN / serial?
ISSN: 7 digits (check computed) or 8 characters including check digit; hyphen optional. Example: 0311-175X.
How does ISSN / serial handle check digits and printing?
ISSN Mod-11 verified, then mapped to a 977 GTIN-13 with its own Mod-10 check. Same as EAN-13 host symbol. Export SVG for print and PNG for sharing; both render on your device.
Is my data uploaded anywhere?
No. Encoding and verification run entirely in your browser — the page makes no network requests with your data, stores nothing, and wipes the field after ten idle minutes.
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