What is EAN-2 Barcode?
EAN-2 is a 2-digit supplement barcode used with EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes, primarily for periodicals (magazines, newspapers). It encodes issue numbers, edition numbers, or other supplementary information. EAN-2 appears as a smaller barcode to the right of the main EAN-13/UPC-A barcode, providing additional product information without changing the main product identifier.
Why Use EAN-2 Barcodes?
Periodical Standard
Standard supplement code for magazines and newspapers, encoding issue or edition numbers.
Additional Information
Provides supplementary data (issue number, edition) without modifying the main product barcode.
Compact Design
Small 2-digit barcode that doesn't take up much space, perfect for supplementing main product barcodes.
Industry Standard
GS1 standard for periodical supplements, ensuring compatibility with publishing and retail systems.
How to Use EAN-2 Barcodes
- Enter 2 Digits: Type a 2-digit number (00-99) representing the supplement information (issue number, edition, etc.).
- Use with Main Barcode: EAN-2 is typically used alongside an EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode as a supplement.
- Customize Design: Adjust width scale, height, and colors. EAN-2 is usually printed smaller than the main barcode.
- Print Together: Print EAN-2 to the right of the main product barcode following GS1 positioning guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
EAN-2 is used as a supplement code for periodicals (magazines, newspapers) to encode issue numbers or edition information. It appears alongside the main EAN-13 barcode.
EAN-2 is designed as a supplement code and is typically used with a main EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode. While it can be generated alone, it's meant to supplement the main product barcode.
EAN-2 encodes 2 digits (00-99), EAN-5 encodes 5 digits (00000-99999). EAN-2 is for periodicals, EAN-5 is for books and periodicals requiring more detailed supplement information (like price).
EAN-2 should be positioned to the right of the main EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode with appropriate spacing. Follow GS1 guidelines for exact positioning and spacing requirements.
EAN-2 is specifically designed for periodicals. For other products, use EAN-5 (books) or other supplement codes as appropriate. Check GS1 guidelines for your product type.
EAN-2 barcodes are typically printed smaller than the main barcode. They should be proportional to the main EAN-13/UPC-A barcode and positioned according to GS1 specifications.
EAN-2 is used as a supplement to EAN-13/UPC-A barcodes, which require GS1 prefixes. The EAN-2 supplement itself doesn't require separate registration, but the main barcode does.
Yes! EAN-2 is specifically designed for encoding issue numbers (00-99) for periodicals. Each issue of a magazine can have a different EAN-2 supplement code while maintaining the same main EAN-13.
Modern barcode scanners can read both the main barcode and the EAN-2 supplement in a single scan. The scanner recognizes the supplement code and processes it along with the main product identifier.
Yes! If you're logged in, you can edit saved EAN-2 barcodes and update the encoded data, colors, size, or other settings. The barcode will be regenerated with the new information.
