# Barcode Printing

*** ## **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](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/data-center/items#how-to-add-items).

#### 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. {% 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.

{% 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`

{% 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`

ZEBRA driver

![](https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9afa2d795bd7f1c70f8eb0df95c6febff2e765c6%2Fzebra-dithering-callout.png?alt=media) Under `Graphic Options`, set *Dithering* to **Clipart**.

BarTender driver

![](https://687823928-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FlRf1QqJGoevCQqGbfI80%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-4d41e758159a53fd168218a2227d5f8489ead038%2Fbartender-dithering-callout.png?alt=media) Go to the `Graphics` tab and choose **None** for *Dithering*.


Before	print-quality-before.JPG.jpg
After	print-quality-after.JPG.jpg

*** ## 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 > **`Choose from Templates`**. {% embed url="" %} #### 1. Label Format Select the label paper that matches what you’ll actually print on.


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

#### 2. Choose Label Design Select the type of label you want to create: **Barcode**, **QR Code**, or **Text only**.

BoxHero - Label Design - Barcode, QR Code, or Text Only

{% 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 `{{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

{% 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 **`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 "..."

{% 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.

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 **`Show text below barcode`**. 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.

*** ## 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 **`Barcode Labels`** > **`Print Items`** and select the items you want to print. {% embed url="" %} \ You can also print the item list exactly as it appears after completing a **`Stock In`** 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 **`Print Barcode`** > **`Print Item Label`**. {% hint style="danger" %} For mobile printing, your printer and mobile device *must* be connected to the **same Wi-Fi network**. {% endhint %} {% embed url="" %} After completing a **`Stock In`** or **`Stock Out`** 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 %} *** ## Troubleshooting ### Labels are misaligned If your labels are not printing in the correct position (e.g., sideways or at a 90-degree angle), please go through the steps below in order. If the issue continues, move to the next step. 1. **Check the label paper loaded in your printer.** Make sure the label sheet or label roll is placed correctly and aligned inside the printer. 2. **Verify that your label design matches your label paper.** Confirm that the label size you selected in BoxHero matches the actual label sheet or label roll you’re using. 3. **Check for device-specific settings.**\ \&#xNAN;***a.** For standard printers (label sheets):* Make sure the label sheet is inserted in the correct orientation. If it’s upside down or reversed, the print position may shift.\ \ \&#xNAN;***b.*** *For direct thermal or thermal transfer printers: C*onfirm that the correct paper size is set in your computer’s printer settings. Thermal printers require the paper size to be configured in the system settings to print correctly.

Go to: **Control Panel** > **Bluetooth & Devices** > **Printers & Scanners** > **Printing Preferences**

### Barcodes print in red If the barcode area prints with a red outline, the item may not have a barcode assigned. Add a valid barcode to the item and try printing again. If a barcode is already assigned, check whether it includes any non-numeric or non-alphanumeric characters. Barcodes must contain only numbers or letters.

*** ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) ### Which printer should I buy? You can use any printer that connects to your computer or mobile device. Choose a model that fits your budget and the features you need. If possible, we recommend a **thermal transfer printer** for clean, durable labels. The [ZEBRA ZD421t](https://www.boxhero.io/en/blog/thermal-transfer-printers-zebra-zd421t) is one of our most reliable options.

For more **printer** **recommendations**, visit the page below: {% content-ref url="../device-setup/barcode-printer" %} [barcode-printer](https://www.boxhero.io/docs/device-setup/barcode-printer) {% endcontent-ref %} ### What barcode format does BoxHero use? When you auto-generate a barcode in BoxHero, the system creates a 13-digit number in the **EAN-13** format. When designing a label, you can choose the barcode format you want. If you don’t select one, **Code128** is used by default because it offers broad compatibility.

**Supported formats:** Code128, Code39, Code93, EAN-13, ITF, STF

### Can I save barcode labels as image files? Barcode labels can only be saved as a **PDF**.\ Click **`Print`** and select **`Save as PDF`** to download your label. ### Can I add an image or logo to a barcode label? Yes, you can do so by using the **`Create Custom Design`** option when printing your barcode labels.