Use barcodes to give each product a unique scannable ID and generate printable label PDFs from the same listing workflow.

Before you start

Open Settings > Barcodes.
Confirm which printer and label size you will use.
If you print price on the label, confirm your currency in Set up Localization Settings in Dropstitch.

How it works

When barcode generation is enabled, Dropstitch assigns a unique barcode value to each product. That value can appear in the grid, in exports, and on printed barcode labels.

Barcode settings control:

Setting	What it affects	Use when
Generate Barcode	Creates a barcode value for each product	You want Dropstitch-managed product IDs
Barcode Format	Matches the PDF layout to your printer labels	You use a supported Zebra, Dymo, or compatible label size
Printed fields	Decides whether title, size, price, or SKU appear on the label	You want more than the scannable barcode alone
Automatic Download	Downloads the label PDF after listing	You print labels immediately after publish

How to use it

Go to Settings > Barcodes.
Turn on Generate Barcode.
Choose the Barcode Format that matches your label size.
Select the fields you want to print on the label:

Product Title
Size
Price
SKU

If you want the label PDF right after listing, turn on Automatic Download.
Save the settings.
List products as usual.
Open the generated PDF and print the labels.

Success check

Each new product gets a barcode value in Dropstitch.
The label PDF matches the selected label size.
Printed labels scan correctly and show the fields you chose.

Tips

Recommended approach: choose one label format and keep it consistent across the team.
Print labels right after listing so products do not pile up without physical IDs.
Before a pop-up, market, or large shipping day, scan-test one printed sheet before you run the full batch.

Advanced settings

Optional customization path: keep labels minimal by printing only the barcode plus the 1 or 2 fields your team actually uses.
If you run multiple workstations, standardize the printer and label-format pairing per station so operators do not pick the wrong layout.
This reduces reprints because the same product ID structure is matched to the same physical label output every time.

Troubleshooting

Barcode is not printing: confirm Generate Barcode is enabled and the products were listed after that setting was turned on.
Barcode does not scan: increase print quality and recalibrate the printer media.
Wrong currency appears on label: update Set up Localization Settings in Dropstitch.
Need label compatibility details: see Which label printers and labels are compatible with Dropstitch?.

Value reflection

Without barcodes, one-of-one inventory creates the same manual lookup and handling errors over and over. Dropstitch gives each product a reusable scannable ID, so labeling, packing, and stockroom handling become faster and more reliable. That reduces physical ops mistakes without adding another disconnected system.