> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/faq/inventory-and-transactions/items-and-attributes.md).

# Items & attributes

***

#### **Can I limit which items each member can see?**

No. Every item in a team is visible to all members — there's no way to restrict individual items to specific people. You can, however, hide certain attributes or pricing details on a per-member basis using [custom roles & permissions](/docs/faq/team-management/roles-and-permissions.md).

#### **Why do I still see items from other locations after selecting one?**

BoxHero doesn't add items separately for each location. Each item is registered once and tracked across locations by quantity, so every item stays visible even when a specific location is selected. 

To see only the items that actually hold stock at the selected location, pick the location and then apply the <mark style="color:$primary;">`In Stock`</mark> filter.

#### **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 do I register items that come in options like color or size?**

Manage options as <mark style="color:$primary;">`Attributes`</mark>: give every variation the same item name, then add attributes like "Color" and "Size" and set the values on each item.&#x20;

* Use [Group by](/docs/concepts/attributes.md#group-by) in your <mark style="color:$primary;">`Item List`</mark> to view them all as one item, or
* Use the desktop app's <mark style="color:$primary;">`Add Item Variants`</mark> and <mark style="color:$primary;">`Add via Excel`</mark> functions.

#### **Can I scan a barcode to fill in all of an item's details at once?**

No. A [barcode](/docs/key-features/scan-barcode.md) only stores its number — not the item name, price, color, or other details. When you scan during item registration, BoxHero captures the barcode number; you then enter the name, price, quantity, and other details yourself.

#### **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;">`Change History`</mark>.

<figure><img src="/files/cM7RN9asy46D8sZr9QaQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **If I delete an item, is it removed from my transaction history too?**

No. Deleting an item keeps its transaction records (Stock In, Stock Out, Adjust Stock, Move Stock) intact. They stay in your <mark style="color:$primary;">`Transactions`</mark> history, shown with a strikethrough.&#x20;

#### **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**](/docs/concepts/attributes.md). 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.


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