Barcodes for Books
Published books use barcodes based on the ISBN of the book. They typically start with 978 or 979. To get an ISBN barcode, you obviously need the ISBN number first. In New Zealand, the National Library of New Zealand (Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa) issues ISBN numbers (if you don’t already have one).
ISBN barcodes can be used worldwide.
When you have your ISBN, please order the barcode images for your number below.
You will be asked to enter your ISBN into the order form at the checkout page.
Need help?
Here are some common questions:
If you have produced both physical and digital versions of your publication, please send both.
However, if your publication is published in both print-on-demand and digital formats, then you are only required to deposit the digital version.
If you are producing your title in a physical format (e.g. print, CD) please send us two copies to Legal Deposit Office, PO Box 12-340, Wellington 6144. If you have produced fewer than 100
copies you need only send one copy.
If you are supplying a digital publication, please send it to our Dropbox at dropbox.com/request/zJWpWFEBXxuP0CVtYqj5 or email it to [email protected]
Please include a completed Legal Deposit form with your deposit. The form can be downloaded from natlib.govt.nz/files/legaldeposit/Publication-for-legal-deposit-form.pdf
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Please take a look at our answers to common questions.
Sample ISBN Barcode:
Download Sample ISBN Barcode Images (zip file)
You will receive your ISBN barcode images straight away by email (in 5 different formats). You can choose which barcode format you prefer and insert the barcode picture into the design for the cover of your book before printing.
We work with lots of amazing authors and publishers, including:
“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
ISBN Barcode with Price Code:
If you want your barcode to include a price code, like in the example above, please let us know when making your order (you can request this in the “additional information” section when checking out, or else send us an email).
“Thanks David, that’s probably the quickest and easiest part of the whole book to organise!!” Robyn
“Thank you for making this so easy! I wish the other steps in publishing were as trouble free!” Jacquelyn
“Thanks very much for the prompt reply. Fantastic service and exactly how I wanted my barcode presented.” Trevor
“Well I did read the many words on your web site and didn’t understand what it is I really need.. So this is what I do.. I am a new New Zealand author and in so being I write books..lucky me huh.. I write children’s picture books and I have an artist who works with me who creates the very best illustrations ever seen.. well according to me that is.. We have our first book out there already.. by out there I mean we have our first book published and by published I mean self published.. Well we weren’t clever enough to get the big publishers to take our book on so we did it ourselves..clever eh… Well actually we weren’t that clever because we over looked the “BAR CODE”.. Holy mackerel and snapper I hear you say how could this be??… So here’s the situation which I am sure you may have wished I had got to a way sooner than now.. What do you recommend I do in this instance to get bar codes onto my books? What type of bar code is the best for money to get??… See I don’t know this stuff… Hmmm and that why I have come to the experts in such things..you guys.” Gavin