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.
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
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.
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.
Printer Setup
If you're using BoxHero in a web browser (Chrome, Safari), make sure to complete the printer setup steps below before printing.
Thermal 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.
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
Always update the paper size through this path. Changing it elsewhere may not apply correctly.
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
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 > Choose from Templates.
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.
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.
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 itemText you type directly appears the same on every label
Examples:
Manufacturer:{{Brand}}→ Shows each item's brand attributeManufacturer: Brand→ Shows the word "Brand" on every label
Note: If you want to print labels using the item SKU, replace {{barcode}} with {{sku}} in the barcode field.
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 # Linesif needed. Text that exceeds the limit will be truncated with "..."
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.
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, enable
Show text below barcode.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
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.
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.
To print stock that have already been received:
Go to Transactions, select the entry, and open the More menu.
On Your Mobile Device
From the home screen, go to Print Barcode > Print Item Label.
For mobile printing, your printer and mobile device must be connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
After completing a Stock In or Stock Out transaction, you can print labels directly from that list.
To print a specific record:
Go to Transactions, select the entry, tap the ... menu, and choose Print Label.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help with barcodes? Visit our FAQ:
Designing labelsPrinting & hardwareTroubleshootingLast updated