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. 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.
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.
If you need printer recommendations, visit the page below:
Barcode PrinterPrinter Setup
Note: Direct thermal and thermal transfer printers may not print correctly if their basic settings are not configured. Make sure your printer settings match the label size and options you plan to use.
1. Set Paper Size
When using a label printer, you also need to set the paper size in your Windows Control Panel or macOS System Settings. If you use different label sizes, check this setting before printing.
Set the paper size from the following path:
Windows:
Control Panel>Bluetooth & Devices>Printers & Scanners>Printing PreferencesmacOS:
System Settings>Printers & Scanners>Default Paper Size
The “Printing Preferences” window may look different depending on your printer driver.
2. Turn Off Dithering
For clearer print quality, set the dithering option to OFF.
Windows
Select your printer and right-click >
Printing Preferences(orPrinter Settings).
macOS
Select your printer >
Options & Supplies>Driver(orGeneral).Look for a Dithering or Halftone option and set it to None.
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. Paper Settings
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. Paper Settings
The paper size 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
Text Area Tips:
Leave enough space for long item names or values
Set
Max # of Linesif 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.
Note on 1D Barcodes:
Make sure to add a text element below the barcode and insert the barcode variable
The barcode value should be readable on the printed label so people can verify the code
Note: The "Type" and "Rendering" options for barcodes and QR codes are advanced settings. Unless you have specific requirements, we recommend leaving these at their default values.
Print Barcode Labels
Note: If you’re using a direct thermal or thermal transfer printer, be sure to configure the 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.
For details, please refer to the following:
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.
Check the label paper loaded in your printer. Make sure the label sheet or label roll is placed correctly and aligned inside the printer.
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.
Check for device-specific settings.
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.
For direct thermal or thermal transfer printers: Confirm 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.
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 is one of our most reliable options.
For more suggestions, you can browse recommended printers on the page below.
Barcode PrinterWhat 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, EAN13, 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.
Last updated