How to Add Your Barcode to the Back Cover

Getting Started
Planning
Writing & Editing
Book Design & Illustrations
Publishing Preparation
Publishing & Distribution
Marketing & Promotion
Author Business
Author Community

How to Add Your ISBN Barcode to the Back Cover in Made Live

Overview: Adding an ISBN barcode to the back cover of your book is an important step in preparing your book for distribution and sales. In Made Live, once you’ve obtained an ISBN and entered it into Registrations, the platform will generate a unique barcode for you. From the Storyboard workspace, you can easily drag and drop this barcode onto the back cover of your illustrated book. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of adding your barcode in Made Live.


Steps to Add Your ISBN Barcode to the Back Cover

Follow these steps to add your ISBN barcode to the back cover in the Made Live platform:

1. Navigate to the Storyboard Workspace

Start by opening the Storyboard workspace for your project. This is where you can design your book’s layout, including adding elements like text, images, and barcodes to the pages.

2. Click on Media in the Right-Hand Panel

On the right-hand side of the Storyboard workspace, click on the Media tab to open the media options. This is where you’ll find any assets that have been uploaded or generated for your book.

3. Click on the “More” Tab

In the Media panel, click on the More tab. This section contains additional elements, including the barcode generated from your ISBN. If you’ve already entered your ISBN in the Registrations section, your unique barcode will be available here.

4. Drag and Drop the ISBN Barcode onto the Back Cover

Locate your ISBN barcode in the More section and drag it onto the back cover of your book. Position the barcode in the bottom left or right corner, ensuring it’s clearly visible and scannable. You can adjust its size and placement to fit the layout of your back cover.


How to Ensure Your ISBN Barcode Is Generated

To generate your ISBN barcode in Made Live, follow these simple steps:

  • Obtain an ISBN – First, obtain an ISBN from your national ISBN agency. Once you have your ISBN, you’ll need to enter it into the Made Live platform.
  • Enter the ISBN into Registrations – Navigate to the Registrations section in Made Live and enter your 13-digit ISBN in the space provided. Once the ISBN is entered, Made Live will automatically generate a corresponding barcode.
  • Access the Barcode in the Storyboard – After entering the ISBN, go back to the Storyboard workspace and access the barcode under the Media > More tab.

Design Tips for Placing the Barcode on the Back Cover

  • Positioning the Barcode – The barcode is usually placed in the bottom left or right corner of the back cover. Make sure the barcode is not obstructed by any illustrations or text and that it remains easy to scan.
  • Adjusting the Size – Resize the barcode to ensure it fits within the layout of the back cover. The barcode should be large enough to be scannable but small enough not to detract from other design elements.
  • Leaving Space for Other Elements – If your back cover includes a book blurb, illustrations, or reviews, make sure to leave enough space around the barcode to keep the design clean and professional.
March 14, 2025