What is a ISMN barcode?
The ISMN (International Standard Music Number) identifies printed music such as scores, parts and songbooks. It is managed by the International ISMN Agency and assigned to publishers through national agencies.
Since 2008 every ISMN has 13 digits and starts with 979-0, which makes it part of the EAN-13 number space. The barcode is an EAN-13 printed with the ISMN in text above it, so bookshop and music shop scanners read it like any retail barcode.
Use ISMN for notated music. Books about music, recordings and digital audio use other identifiers, such as ISBN for books.
What data can ISMN hold?
An ISMN starting with 979-0, with hyphens as on your ISMN record, for example 979-0-2605-3211-3. The encoder checks the format.
Recommended size
The barcode follows EAN-13 rules, so keep the full quiet zones on both sides and avoid shrinking it too much. Print a proof and scan it before the print run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
From the national ISMN agency in your country. This tool only creates the barcode.
The old 10-character M- form converts to 13 digits by replacing M with 979-0. Use the 13-digit form for the barcode.
ISMN is the dedicated identifier for notated music. Ask your national agency if you are unsure which applies to a publication.