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Free Online EAN-5 Add-On Barcode Generator

EAN5 Mode

EAN-5 encodes a short five-digit supplemental value, often printed beside a primary EAN-13 on magazines, books, and promotional labels. Enter the 5-digit string, validate, and download a supplemental barcode image for layout proofs.

1. Enter barcode data

0 entries · Blank lines ignored · Duplicate values detected

2. Choose barcode settings

Barcode preview

Download settings

What is an EAN-5 barcode?

EAN-5 is a supplemental barcode symbology that encodes exactly five digits. It typically appears alongside a primary EAN-13 on periodicals, books, and retail items where the extra digits carry issue numbers, suggested retail prices, or other secondary data defined by the publisher or retailer. Scanners read it as an add-on to the main product barcode rather than as a standalone product identifier.

Recommended generator settings

These defaults work well for preview and download. Adjust to match your label template or scanner tests.

Bar width Start at 2; increase only if scans fail at your print size
Height 100 px preview minimum; follow your label template for print
Quiet zone Keep the default margin unless your spec defines a different quiet zone
Readable text Leave enabled when operators verify values manually
Output format PNG for design files; JPEG for documents and quick sharing

Practical examples

  • 12345
  • 52490
  • 90000

When should you use EAN-5?

  • Magazine and journal covers that pair a supplemental code with EAN-13
  • Book club or serialized editions requiring issue-specific add-on digits
  • Label proofs showing both primary and supplemental barcodes
  • Internal testing of scanner behavior with two-symbol layouts

Limitations and common mistakes

EAN-5 is never a standalone product barcode. Use EAN-13 or UPC-A for primary product identification. Two-digit supplements may use EAN-2 instead.

  • Including letters or symbols when this format accepts digits only.
  • Using the wrong digit count for this fixed-length symbology.
  • Trimming quiet zones when cropping the image for a label layout.
  • Scaling the barcode unevenly so bar width ratios no longer match the generated image.

Related formats

EAN-5 vs EAN-2

Format Best for Supported data Key difference
EAN-13 Product packaging for retail sale in markets that expect EAN-13 symbols Exactly 13 digits A fixed-length numeric identifier with embedded check digit.
EAN-2 Magazine covers requiring a two-digit issue supplement next to EAN-13 Exactly 2 digits Two-digit compact supplement for limited secondary information.
EAN-8 Small retail packages that cannot accommodate a full EAN-13 symbol Exactly 8 digits Fixed-length numeric identifier with check digit.

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Printing and scanning notes

Printing

  • Position EAN-5 adjacent to the primary EAN-13 per your publisher layout guide.
  • Do not overlap quiet zones between the primary and supplemental symbols.
  • Print both symbols at similar bar height for reliable dual scans.

Scanning

  • Configure scanners for supplemental EAN decoding when testing dual-symbol labels.
  • Verify the scanner returns primary and add-on data in the expected order.
  • Test on finished cover stock; glossy magazine coatings affect supplemental reads.

This tool creates a barcode image from the value you provide. It does not issue, register or guarantee an official product identification number.

Frequently asked questions

No. It is a supplemental symbol meant to accompany a primary EAN-13 or compatible barcode.

That depends on your publisher or retailer specification—common uses include issue numbers and price add-ons.

No. You provide the digits; the tool generates the image only.

Retail workflows expect a primary product barcode. EAN-5 alone is not a substitute.

The symbology encodes a fixed five-digit field; shorter or longer values are invalid.

Follow the supplemental format required by your publication or retail partner.

Yes. Enter one 5-digit value per line.