Barcode Printing

You can print custom barcode labels with BoxHero to speed up inventory tracking. Design labels your way and print using any standard printer—no special equipment needed.

Key Highlights

Create and use barcodes, even if your items don't have one.
Supports both 1D barcodes and 2D barcodes (QR codes).
Works with all printers and label types.
Design labels in the layout and style you prefer.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Register item barcodes
Check printer and label compatibility
Set up printer
Create labels
Print barcodes

Register Item Barcodes

To use barcodes in BoxHero, add a barcode when you create a new item.

A. If the item doesn't have a barcode

Select Generate to create a barcode for internal use.

B. If the item already has a barcode

If the item has a barcode on its packaging, enter that barcode during item setup.

Printer and Label Compatibility

You can use any printer that can connect to your computer.

A. Standard Printers

If you're using a regular home or office printer, purchase sticker-type label sheets. Brands like Formtec are commonly available, and you can choose the size you need from office supply stores or online retailers.

B. Thermal Printers

Direct thermal and thermal transfer printers produce more durable labels than standard printers. However, the label types they support vary by model, so check compatibility before you buy label rolls or ribbons.

Printer Setup

If you're using BoxHero in a web browser (Chrome, Safari), make sure to complete the printer setup steps below before printing.

Tip: The BoxHero desktop app lets you print labels without any manual printer configuration.

1. Set Paper Size

When using a label printer, you need to set the paper size in your operating system's printer settings. If you use multiple label sizes, check this setting each time before printing.

Windows Path: Settings > Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners > Printing Preferences > Page Setup > Media Settings

2. Turn Off Dithering

For clearer print quality, set the dithering option to OFF.

Windows Path: Settings> Bluetooth & Devices > Printers & Scanners > Select your printer > Printing Preferences > Graphic Options > Dithering

ZEBRA driver

Under Graphic Options, set Dithering to Clipart.

BarTender driver

Go to the Graphics tab and choose None for Dithering.

Before

After

Create Barcode Labels

You can create barcode labels in BoxHero in two ways:

A. Choose from templates
Use a pre-designed format to create labels quickly.

B. Create a custom design
Build your own label from scratch with full control over layout, placement, and styling.

A. Choose from Templates

Go to Barcode Labels > Print Items, and click the Add dropdown > Select from Templates.

1. Media Type

Select the label paper that matches what you'll actually print on.


Preset Sheet	For standard printers (e.g., Formtec, Avery, Printeec), choose the label sheet size you plan to use.
Thermal Roll	For direct thermal or thermal transfer printers, select the matching roll size. Make sure the roll type is compatible with your printer model.
Custom Sheet	If you're using a standard printer and don't see your label size in the list, you can enter the dimensions manually.

2. Code Type

Select the type of code you want to create: Barcode, QR Code, or Text only.

3. Label Content

Click an item field button (shown in blue) to copy variables like {{Name}} or {{Brand}}.
Paste them into any text area on the label.

Values inside {{ }} pull data from each item
Text you type directly appears the same on every label

Examples:

Manufacturer:{{Brand}} → Shows each item's brand attribute
Manufacturer: Brand → Shows the word "Brand" on every label

B. Create Custom Design

Go to Barcode Labels > Print Items, and click the Add dropdown > Create Custom Design.

1. Select Label Format

The label format determines your design area, so choose the size that matches your actual label.


Label Sheet	For standard printers (e.g., Avery, Formtec, or similar brands)
Thermal Label	For direct thermal or thermal transfer printers
Custom Size	For standard printers when your label size isn't listed

2. Design Your Label

Place text, barcodes, QR codes, and other elements anywhere on the label canvas. You have full control over layout and positioning.

2-1. Add Text

After adding a text element, use + Add variable on the right to insert item information.

Text you type directly appears the same on all labels
Variables pull information from each item

Tips for Label Text:

Leave enough space for long item names or values
Set Max Lines if needed. Text that exceeds the limit will be truncated with "..."

2-2. Add Barcode

Custom label designs support 1D barcodes, QR codes, and Data Matrix codes.

You can display the barcode number under the barcode when printing labels.

Select the barcode in your label design.
In the right panel, set Text to Below barcode (1D barcodes only).
Adjust the text size if needed.

When you print the label, the barcode number registered for each item will appear automatically below the barcode.

Print Barcode Labels

On Your Computer

Go to Barcode Labels > Print Items and select the items you want to print.

You can also print the item list exactly as it appears after completing a Stock In transaction.

On Your Mobile Device

From the home screen, go to Barcode Labels > Print Item Label.

After completing a Stock In or Stock Out transaction, you can print labels directly from that list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with barcodes? Visit our FAQ:

Designing labels

Printing & hardware

Troubleshooting