EAN-2 Barcode generator
Generate easy & customizable EAN-2 Barcodes in seconds.
Make sure to test out your configured barcode before using it in production.
Free EAN-2 Barcode Generator – Create Barcodes Online
Generate compact EAN-2 supplementary barcodes in seconds with TryQRCode.
Create a free EAN-2 add-on barcode for magazines, newspapers, and periodicals. Customize the colors, width, and height, preview it live, and download it as PNG, SVG, JPG, or WEBP for print-ready supplementary codes. No login or technical skills required.
Generate EAN-2 BarcodeWhat is an EAN-2 Barcode?
An EAN-2 barcode is a 2-digit supplementary (add-on) barcode printed next to an EAN-13 or UPC barcode on retail products. It encodes short numeric values such as period or edition numbers and is commonly found on magazines, newspapers, loose-leaf publications, and journals. EAN-2 cannot be used as a standalone barcode; it always accompanies a primary EAN/UPC code.
In short: EAN-2 is a tiny 2-digit add-on barcode printed beside EAN/UPC codes on magazines and newspapers to encode the period or edition number.
EAN-2 Quick Facts
| Encodes | 2 numeric digits (0–9) |
|---|---|
| Length | Fixed: 2 data digits + 2 bar patterns |
| Check digit | No independent check digit; relies on the main barcode |
| Encoding standard | GS1 / EAN-2 supplement specification |
| Typical use | Magazine period/edition numbers, newspaper issue codes |
| Who issues it | No separate prefix; always used with an EAN-13 or UPC barcode |
How to Create Your EAN-2 Barcode
Follow these four steps to generate a professional EAN-2 supplementary barcode in under a minute.
1
Enter Your Data
Type the 2-digit value you want to encode—typically a period or edition number.
2
Customize the Look
Adjust foreground and background colors, width scale, and height to match your publication.
3
Generate & Preview
Your barcode renders instantly with a live preview so you can verify it before download.
4
Download & Print
Export as PNG, SVG, JPG, or WEBP and print it alongside your EAN-13 or UPC barcode.
No registration required. Your barcode is generated in seconds and ready for print or digital use.
Benefits of EAN-2 Barcodes
Why teams and businesses choose EAN-2 barcodes for dependable, scannable identification.
Ultra-Compact
Only 2 digits wide, making it the smallest GS1-recognized supplementary barcode.
Publishing Standard
The accepted format for period and edition coding on magazines and newspapers worldwide.
Simple & Reliable
Only two digits to encode so there is virtually no room for data-entry errors.
Works with EAN/UPC
Seamlessly pairs with any EAN-13 or UPC barcode as a supplementary add-on.
Scans Everywhere
Read by standard POS and handheld scanners that support EAN/UPC supplements.
Print-Ready
Download as high-resolution PNG, scalable SVG, JPG, or WEBP for any print workflow.
Common Use Cases for EAN-2
See how EAN-2 barcodes are used across retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing.
Magazines & Periodicals
Encode the period or issue number next to the main EAN-13 code.
Newspapers
Display the edition or serial number for daily and weekly publications.
Loose-Leaf Publications
Identify individual sheets or updates in loose-leaf reference systems.
Journals & Academic Serials
Supplement the ISSN barcode with volume or issue information.
Retail Magazine Racks
Help retailers sort and track magazine issues at the point of sale.
Collectible & Special Editions
Distinguish special or limited editions from regular issues on the shelf.
EAN-2 Barcode – Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about how EAN-2 works and where to use it.
An EAN-2 is a 2-digit supplementary add-on barcode printed next to an EAN or UPC code; it encodes a period or edition number for magazines, newspapers, loose-leaf publications, and journals.
No. EAN-2 is an add-on only barcode and must always accompany a primary EAN-13 or UPC barcode.
EAN-2 encodes 2 digits (typically a period number), while EAN-5 encodes 5 digits (often a price or serial number). Both are supplementary add-ons and cannot stand alone.
They are most commonly found on magazines, newspapers, loose-leaf publications, and academic journals printed next to the main EAN-13 barcode.
No. EAN-2 does not include its own check digit; the reliability comes from the small data set and the check digit of the primary barcode.
No. Standard POS and handheld scanners that support EAN/UPC supplements can read EAN-2 add-ons automatically.
Create Your Free EAN-2 Barcode Now
Generate a scannable, print-ready EAN-2 supplementary barcode in seconds—download it in any format and pair it with your EAN/UPC code.
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