# Barcodes, extra barcodes and printing labels

> Use manufacturer barcodes as SKUs, link extra barcodes to a product, handle No product found at the till, and print barcode labels on sheets or rolls.

Source: https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/barcodes-and-labels/  
Last updated: 2026-10-30  
Product: SmartPOS Hub (https://smartposhub.com)

Fast, accurate scanning is the heart of a busy counter. This page explains how barcodes work in SmartPOS Hub: the SKU of each product, extra barcodes for the same item, what to do when a scan finds nothing, and how to print barcode labels for shelves and products.

## SKU and barcode type

Every product (and every variant) has a **SKU**. It is the code your scanner reads.

- If the item has a manufacturer barcode, scan it into **SKU** on the product form, and set **Barcode Type** to match (EAN-13 for 13 digits, UPC-A for 12).
- If not, leave **SKU** empty. SmartPOS Hub creates one, and you print your own labels with **Code 128 (C128)**.
- Products from the [Product Library](https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/product-library/) come with their manufacturer barcode, or a library-made in-store barcode when none is known.

## Add extra barcodes to a product

One product often carries several real barcodes: the unit and the multipack, an old and a new label, or a supplier's code. Add them as **Additional barcodes**:

1. Open **Products › List Products** and choose **Actions › View** on the product.
2. Scroll to **Additional barcodes**.
3. Scan or type the code in **Scan or type a barcode** and click **Add**. For a variable product, choose the variant.
4. To remove one, click **Remove** next to it.

![Product view window for 10000mAh Power Bank showing Additional barcodes with No additional barcodes yet, a Scan or type a barcode box with Add button, prices and Product Stock Details per location](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/product-view-modal.xQZhIxR9.png) (web app page: `/products`)
*Additional barcodes in the product view, with prices and stock per location below.*

A barcode can belong to only one product. If it is already used, you see which product has it.

## "No product found" at the till

When a cashier scans a code that no product uses, the POS opens **No product found** (if their role allows adding products or linking barcodes):

1. Choose **Add new product with this barcode** to open the quick add form with the code as the SKU. After saving, the product is added to the sale.
2. Or choose **Link to an existing product**. Search by name or SKU, or scan the product's own barcode, and pick it. The window says "From now on, barcode … will open …". Click **Link barcode**. The product is added to the sale.

The same works with the camera scanner and in the SmartPOS Business app. More in [POS overview](https://docs.smartposhub.com/selling/pos-overview/) and [Product barcodes module](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/product-barcodes/).

## Print labels

1. Open **Products › Print Labels**. (Or choose **Labels** in a product's **Actions** menu, or print from a purchase.)
2. In **Add products to generate Labels**, type a product name and pick it. Set **No. of labels** per row, and optionally **Lot Number**, **EXP Date**, **Packing Date** and a **Selling Price Group** for the price shown.
3. In **Information to show in Labels**, tick what to print and set each **Size**: **Product Name**, **Product Variation (recommended)**, **Product Price**, **Business name**, **Print packing date**, **Print lot number**, **Print expiry date**. Choose **Show Price**: **Inc. tax** or **Exc. tax**.
4. In **Label sheet & preview**, choose the **Barcode setting** that matches your paper (labels per sheet and label size).
5. Click **Preview** (or **Preview PDF**) and print from the new tab.

![Print Labels page with Chakki Atta 10kg added, No. of labels 1, Lot Number, EXP Date, Packing Date and Selling Price Group None, and the Information to show in Labels options with sizes](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/print-labels-with-product.Dal81s7-.png) (web app page: `/labels/show`)
*Add products, choose what each label shows, then pick your label sheet.*

**Tip:** 
The label sheet must match your paper exactly. Add your own sheet or roll size in **Settings › Barcode Settings**, or use **Import prebuilt** there for common rolls and Avery sheets. The settings page draws a live preview and turns red when the labels don't fit. See [Receipt printers and barcode printers](https://docs.smartposhub.com/settings/receipt-printers-and-barcode-printers/).

## Tips and mistakes to avoid

- Print a test sheet on plain paper and hold it over the label paper before using real labels.
- For weighed items (fruit, meat), use a unit with **Allow decimal** and type the weight at the till.
- If a scan adds the wrong product, check **Additional barcodes** of both products; a code may be linked to the wrong one.

![Print Labels page before adding products, showing the empty state No products added yet and the label information options](https://docs.smartposhub.com/_astro/print-labels.Dw_F19Ay.png) (web app page: `/labels/show`)
*Print Labels before any product is added.*

## Related pages

  - [Add a product](https://docs.smartposhub.com/catalog/add-products/) — SKU and barcode type on the product.
  - [Camera scan](https://docs.smartposhub.com/modules/camera-scan/) — Scan with a phone or laptop camera.
  - [Expiry and batches](https://docs.smartposhub.com/inventory/expiry-and-batches/) — Lots and expiry dates on stock.
  - [Devices and printers](https://docs.smartposhub.com/start/devices-and-printers/) — Scanners and label printers.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can one product have more than one barcode?

Yes. Besides its SKU, a product can have additional barcodes, such as the manufacturer's EAN, an old label or a supplier code. Every scan and search finds them.

### What happens when I scan a barcode that isn't in my store?

The POS shows No product found with two choices - Add new product with this barcode, or Link to an existing product. Linking means that barcode opens that product from now on.

### Who can link barcodes?

Users whose role has Link barcodes to products. Adding a new product needs the product add permission. Admins can do both.

### Which label sizes are supported?

Choose a barcode setting for your label sheet or roll in Settings › Barcode Settings. Import prebuilt there adds presets for common rolls and A4 and Letter sheets, with a drawing of the layout.

### Can labels show price, expiry date and lot number?

Yes. In Information to show in Labels tick Product Name, Product Variation, Product Price, Business name, Print packing date, Print lot number and Print expiry date, and set the font size of each.

### Should the price on labels include tax?

Choose Inc. tax or Exc. tax in Show Price. Use the same as your shelf prices.