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Free Ean2 Barcode Generator

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To show custom text below the barcode: press the Tab key after each value and type your caption. Or copy 2 columns from Excel (barcode value | display text) and paste directly.

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How to use the EAN-2 add-on barcode generator

Use EAN-2 for short issue supplements beside a main magazine, periodical, EAN, UPC, ISBN, or ISSN barcode.

Steps

  1. Enter the 2 digit issue supplement.
  2. Preview the add-on barcode.
  3. Place it beside the main barcode in the final layout.

Example inputs

Magazine issue add-on

53

EAN-2 is commonly used as compact issue information.

Issue batch

01
02
03

Each two digit row becomes one supplemental barcode.

Download and print tips

  • Use SVG for packaging artwork or print layouts that may be scaled.
  • Use PNG for quick previews, documentation, and simple label drafts.
  • Use ZIP export when generating many labels from CSV so the batch can be reviewed together.

Common use cases

  • Magazine issue supplements
  • Periodical layout drafts
  • Publishing workflow labels

Troubleshooting

  • Do not enter the main ISSN, ISBN, EAN, or UPC value into the EAN-2 field.
  • Keep the add-on visually aligned with the main barcode in final artwork.
  • Keep the encoded value clean: no product names, extra punctuation, or pasted spreadsheet formatting unless the barcode type supports it.
  • Preserve quiet space around the barcode and avoid stretching the image horizontally.
  • Print a small sample and test it with the scanners used in the real workflow before producing labels at scale.

Important note

EAN-2 is supplemental. It does not replace the main publication or product barcode.

EAN-2 Barcode Generator FAQ

How do I generate an EAN-2 add-on barcode online?

Enter a 2 digit EAN-2 supplemental value, preview the add-on barcode, then download it as PNG or SVG. If you need many issue supplements, paste one EAN-2 value per line or import CSV rows and export the batch as a ZIP file. This EAN-2 barcode generator is for creating the supplemental add-on image that appears beside a main EAN or UPC barcode.

What is an EAN-2 barcode?

EAN-2 is a 2 digit supplemental barcode, also called a 2 digit add-on symbol. It is commonly used with a main EAN/UPC barcode on magazines and periodicals to communicate issue information. The EAN-2 add-on gives extra publication data; it is not the main barcode that identifies the product or title.

Is EAN-2 a standalone product barcode?

No. EAN-2 is not a standalone product barcode and should not be used by itself for retail product identification. It is a supplemental add-on printed with a main barcode such as EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E, ISBN, or ISSN. If you need the primary product or publication identifier, generate the main barcode first and use EAN-2 only for the 2 digit issue supplement.

What data should I enter for an EAN-2 add-on?

Enter 2 digits only. EAN-2 is designed for a 2 digit supplemental value, so do not enter magazine titles, issue names, spaces, hyphens, or the main ISSN/EAN value in this field. For batch work, paste one EAN-2 value per line or import CSV rows so each row creates one issue supplement barcode preview.

When is EAN-2 used for magazines and periodicals?

EAN-2 is often used on magazines and periodicals when the publisher or distributor needs a short issue supplement beside the main barcode. The 2 digit add-on can help distinguish issue cycles or editions in workflows where the main barcode identifies the publication. EAN-5 is more often used for 5 digit publishing or price supplements, while EAN-2 is focused on compact issue information.

Can I generate EAN-2 barcodes in bulk from CSV?

Yes. Paste one 2 digit EAN-2 value per line or import CSV data to create multiple EAN-2 supplemental barcodes in one batch. This is useful when preparing issue add-ons for a magazine list, periodical run, or publishing layout. Keep the EAN-2 value separate from the main EAN-13, UPC, ISBN, or ISSN value so the output remains a clean add-on barcode.

Which download format should I use for EAN-2 supplements?

Use SVG when the EAN-2 add-on will be placed into a magazine cover, periodical layout, or packaging artwork because SVG stays sharp in print workflows. Use PNG for quick previews and internal documentation. If you generate multiple EAN-2 supplemental barcodes from CSV, export a ZIP file so all issue add-on images can be handed off together.

How should I place an EAN-2 barcode next to the main barcode?

Place the EAN-2 supplement on the right side of the main EAN/UPC barcode and keep its size and spacing consistent with the main symbol. Avoid stretching the EAN-2 add-on independently or placing it too close to surrounding artwork. For final magazines, periodicals, or retail distribution, print a sample and test the main barcode plus the EAN-2 add-on with the scanners used in your workflow.