# Items & attributes

***

#### **How do I set units of measurement for my items?**

Go to <mark style="color:$primary;">`Data Center`</mark> > <mark style="color:$primary;">`Attributes`</mark> and create a new attribute called "Unit." You can then enter the unit (e.g., box, lb, kg, ml) for each item.

<figure><img src="/files/lgZm0GdJxMPkxCoDM6Bh" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Can I use decimal values for inventory quantities?**

Yes. BoxHero supports decimal values like *1.9* or *0.28*, which is useful when working with weight, volume, or partial units. For more details, see [Partial Tracking with Decimals](https://www.boxhero.io/en/blog/fractional-inventory-tracking-decimals).

#### **How many attributes can I add?**

There's no limit — you can add as many attributes as you need.

#### **Can I upload multiple photos for a single item?**

Yes. Create separate **File-type attributes** for each photo (e.g., "Front View" and "Side View"), each with its own uploaded file. Add them under <mark style="color:$primary;">`Data Center`</mark> > <mark style="color:$primary;">`Attributes`</mark>.

<figure><img src="/files/sEBu9kMpHLcvguSuDNl1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **Can I add an attribute for locations?**

You can, but we recommend using the dedicated **Locations** feature instead. <mark style="color:$primary;">`Locations`</mark> are designed for tracking physical sites like warehouses or stores and update easily as items move. <mark style="color:$primary;">`Attributes`</mark> are better suited for details that rarely change.

{% content-ref url="/spaces/lRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80/pages/6Mfffp78NU33Mp9K615g" %}
[Locations](/docs/concepts/locations.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

#### **Can I change an attribute’s type after creating it?**

Attribute types can't be changed directly. Instead, create a new attribute with the desired type, use [**Edit via Excel**](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/concepts/items#id-3.-edit-items-via-excel) to copy data from the old attribute to the new one, then delete the original.

#### **What happens to past transactions if I edit or delete attributes?**

Updates to an item's name, attributes, or pricing automatically apply to all past transactions, so your <mark style="color:$primary;">`Transactions`</mark> history always reflects the most current information. To audit when a specific change was made, open the item and go to <mark style="color:$primary;">`More (...)`</mark> > <mark style="color:$primary;">`Attribute Change Log`</mark>.

<figure><img src="/files/wAxKqaejxqMw64NqOQG7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **I accidentally deleted an item attribute. Can I get it back?**

Yes — contact [Support](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/resources/contact) and we'll help you restore it.

#### **Can I track inventory by serial number or lot number?**

BoxHero is built around fixed items, where each item has a unique barcode and SKU plus custom attributes (size, color, manufacturer, etc.). To track by serial or lot number today, register each variation as a *separate item*.

Since [BoxHero's pricing](/docs/faq/billing/plans-and-pricing.md) is based on total item count, we recommend deleting outdated serial or lot entries that are no longer in use.

{% hint style="warning" icon="rectangle-beta" %}
A dedicated feature for assigning **lot** **numbers**, **serial** **numbers**, and **expiration** **dates** directly to items is in development, with public release planned for 2026.

For early access to a sample team, email <support@boxhero.io> with the subject **"Stock Details Beta."**
{% endhint %}

#### **Can I track expiration dates?**

Not with a dedicated feature yet — but you can add expiration dates as a [**custom attribute**](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/concepts/attributes). Alternatively, check out our sister app [**BEEP**](https://www.beepscan.com/), which is built specifically for expiration date tracking.

#### **Why am I getting an error on item names when importing from Excel?**

Check your item identifier under <mark style="color:$primary;">`Settings`</mark> > <mark style="color:$primary;">`Team`</mark> > <mark style="color:$primary;">`Excel Import Settings`</mark>. If you're not using barcodes, switch the identifier to **SKU**.

<figure><img src="/files/7yTaF7nSjtROw7vkCaOb" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If the issue continues, contact [Support](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/resources/contact) with a screenshot of the error.


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://www.boxhero.io/docs/faq/inventory-and-transactions/items-and-attributes.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.