# Barcode Printing

<figure><img src="/files/2KyDj1Ft14TQiUGfKOxe" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## **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.

<figure><img src="/files/cz42cvpyPfNzNacdJvGL" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### **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](/docs/concepts/items.md#how-to-add-items).

<figure><img src="/files/FgKS0taZJNFJ6cEvX3L6" alt="BoxHero - New Item - Generate Barcode"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### A. If the item doesn’t have a barcode

Select <mark style="color:blue;">**`Generate`**</mark> 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.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Ways to enter a barcode**

* Scan the barcode with your phone’s camera in the mobile app
* Scan it using a barcode scanner connected to your computer
* Type the barcode by hand
  {% endhint %}

***

## 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. Direct Thermal & Thermal Transfer Printers

These printers (DT & TT) 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.

<figure><img src="/files/JxihMK2qoznttUVadiTO" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Mobile Printing:**\
To print from the mobile app, your printer must support **Bluetooth**, **Wi-Fi**, or **LAN** connections.\
\
Some printers, including certain ZEBRA models, only support mobile printing on *Android*. Be sure to confirm compatibility with your mobile device before purchasing.
{% endhint %}

***

## Printer Setup

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

{% hint style="warning" %}
Direct thermal and thermal transfer printers may not print correctly if their default settings (such as paper size) aren't configured properly. Labels can print misaligned or fail to print entirely.
{% endhint %}

> **Tip:** The BoxHero [desktop app](https://www.boxhero.io/download) 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`

<figure><img src="/files/jDMfg7fjv9bBxR5oQmxi" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<figure><img src="/files/8AHvpb2nwtNnE7klvBIa" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="success" %}
Always update the paper size through this path. Changing it elsewhere may not apply correctly.
{% endhint %}

#### 2. Turn Off Dithering

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

**Windows Path**: `Control Panel` > `Bluetooth & Devices` > `Printers & Scanners` > Select your printer > `Printing Preferences` > `Graphic Options` >  `Dithering`

<details>

<summary><strong>ZEBRA driver</strong></summary>

![](/files/t30rZexQqGoJ1KqTSHLf)

Under `Graphic Options`, set *Dithering* to **Clipart**.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>BarTender driver</strong></summary>

![](/files/7ds8IH4sk0LiE5fKXzcu)

Go to the `Graphics` tab and choose **None** for *Dithering*.

</details>

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-cover data-type="files"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Before</td><td><a href="/files/CRGRR7283PU6w4RlcTYJ">/files/CRGRR7283PU6w4RlcTYJ</a></td></tr><tr><td>After</td><td><a href="/files/6ZAliriyzSIKliXSDSnw">/files/6ZAliriyzSIKliXSDSnw</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## 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 <mark style="color:blue;">**`Barcode Labels`**</mark> > <mark style="color:blue;">**`Print Items`**</mark>, and click the <mark style="color:blue;">**`Add`**</mark> dropdown > <mark style="color:blue;">**`Choose from Templates`**</mark>.

{% embed url="<https://customer-0jrbilsa8yt3k758.cloudflarestream.com/5e166098eefb4701a8c2d906c6ec787a/iframe?autoplay=true&controls=false&letterboxColor=transparent&loop=true&muted=true&poster=https://customer-0jrbilsa8yt3k758.cloudflarestream.com/5e166098eefb4701a8c2d906c6ec787a/thumbnails/thumbnail.jpg?height=1080&preload=true>" %}

#### 1. Label Format

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

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="182.90625"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Label Sheet</strong></td><td>For standard printers (e.g., Formtec, Avery, Printeec), choose the label sheet size you plan to use.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Thermal Label</strong></td><td>For direct thermal or thermal transfer printers, select the matching roll size. Make sure the roll type is compatible with your printer model.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Custom Size</strong></td><td>If you're using a standard printer and don’t see your label size in the list, you can enter the dimensions manually.</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="/files/ieJ9599ooQm4PKMqGlnN" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 2. Choose Label Design

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

<figure><img src="/files/tih28oAtqh4DnVn6C9vL" alt="BoxHero - Label Design - Barcode, QR Code, or Text Only"><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
The preview shows information from the first item in your current sort order. If you haven't added any items yet, the preview may not display properly.
{% endhint %}

#### 3. Edit Label Details

Click an item field button (shown in blue) to copy variables like <mark style="color:blue;">`{{Name}}`</mark> or <mark style="color:blue;">`{{Brand}}`</mark>.\
Paste them into any text area on the label.

* Values inside <mark style="color:blue;">`{{ }}`</mark> pull data from each item
* Text you type directly appears the same on every label

**Examples**:

* `Manufacturer:`<mark style="color:blue;">`{{Brand}}`</mark> → Shows each item's brand attribute
* `Manufacturer: Brand` → Shows the word "Brand" on every label

<figure><img src="/files/pF7XlH8cbPpkcXULKejZ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** If you want to print labels using the item SKU, replace {{barcode}} with {{sku}} in the barcode field.
{% endhint %}

### B. Create Custom Design

Go to <mark style="color:blue;">**`Barcode Labels`**</mark> > <mark style="color:blue;">**`Print Items`**</mark>, and click the <mark style="color:blue;">**`Add`**</mark> dropdown > <mark style="color:blue;">**`Create Custom Design`**</mark>.

<figure><img src="/files/M0hl8PqUMMlbCsxZSy4H" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### 1. Select Label Format

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

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="182.90625"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Label Sheet</strong></td><td>For standard printers (e.g., Avery, Formtec, or similar brands)</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Thermal Label</strong></td><td>For direct thermal or thermal transfer printers</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Custom Size</strong></td><td>For standard printers when your label size isn’t listed</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### 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 <mark style="color:blue;">**`+ Add variable`**</mark> on the right to insert item information.

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

<figure><img src="/files/Ny45bnoHZlBy2xo3sRxH" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

<details>

<summary><strong>Tips for Label Text:</strong></summary>

* Leave enough space for long item names or values
* Set <mark style="color:blue;">**`Max # Lines`**</mark> if needed. Text that exceeds the limit will be truncated with "..."

</details>

{% hint style="warning" %}
The variable preview is displayed based on the **information of the first item** in the sorting order. If no items are registered, it may be difficult to view the preview properly.
{% endhint %}

**2-2. Add Barcode**

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

<figure><img src="/files/H9XXCzGUyywif49T69Ag" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

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

1. Select the **barcode** in your label design.
2. In the right panel, enable <mark style="color:blue;">**`Show text below barcode`**</mark>.
3. Adjust the **text size** if needed.

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

<figure><img src="/files/xHKb4KDCdtwgjP9UFsw1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Print Barcode Labels

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you’re using a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer, be sure to **configure the label (paper) size** in your computer’s printer settings.
{% endhint %}

### On Your Computer

Go to <mark style="color:blue;">**`Barcode Labels`**</mark> > <mark style="color:blue;">**`Print Items`**</mark> and select the items you want to print.

{% embed url="<https://customer-0jrbilsa8yt3k758.cloudflarestream.com/4ada30a1d3f343c3b5713b1504a57dca/iframe?autoplay=true&controls=false&letterboxColor=transparent&loop=true&muted=true&poster=https://customer-0jrbilsa8yt3k758.cloudflarestream.com/4ada30a1d3f343c3b5713b1504a57dca/thumbnails/thumbnail.jpg?height=1080&preload=true>" %}

\
You can also print the item list exactly as it appears after completing a <mark style="color:blue;">**`Stock In`**</mark> transaction.

{% hint style="info" %}
To print stock that have already been received:\
Go to **`Transactions`**, select the entry, and open the **`More`** menu.
{% endhint %}

### On Your Mobile Device

From the home screen, go to <mark style="color:blue;">**`Print Barcode`**</mark> > <mark style="color:blue;">**`Print Item Label`**</mark>.

{% hint style="danger" %}
For mobile printing, your printer and mobile device *must* be connected to the **same Wi-Fi network**.
{% endhint %}

{% embed url="<https://customer-0jrbilsa8yt3k758.cloudflarestream.com/b0bf9c2a45f04c0e9bc959e3ca26f680/iframe?autoplay=true&controls=false&letterboxColor=transparent&loop=true&muted=true&poster=https://customer-0jrbilsa8yt3k758.cloudflarestream.com/b0bf9c2a45f04c0e9bc959e3ca26f680/thumbnails/thumbnail.jpg?height=1080&preload=true>" %}

After completing a <mark style="color:blue;">**`Stock In`**</mark> or <mark style="color:blue;">**`Stock Out`**</mark> transaction, you can print labels directly from that list.

{% hint style="info" %}
To print a specific record:\
Go to **`Transactions`**, select the entry, tap the **`...`** menu, and choose **`Print Label`**.
{% endhint %}

***

**Need help with barcodes?** Visit our FAQ:

{% content-ref url="/spaces/mkYNU2xLl20GSI6NQQ6q/pages/bENtA8q8TiLEpirMbLyf" %}
[Designing labels](/docs/faq/barcode-labels/designing-labels.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/spaces/mkYNU2xLl20GSI6NQQ6q/pages/SyXepBKS6iyrFKIJqGHF" %}
[Printing & hardware](/docs/faq/barcode-labels/printing-and-hardware.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% content-ref url="/spaces/mkYNU2xLl20GSI6NQQ6q/pages/AZQoOvatJN6QKp6svamk" %}
[Troubleshooting](/docs/faq/barcode-labels/troubleshooting.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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