9 Best Shopify Barcode Scanner Apps 2026
Last modified: January 6, 2025
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Retail Barcode Labels
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Multi- Label Barcodes
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Quick Scan
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SKULabs
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Free Online Barcode Generator
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StockSavvy
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Zenstores - UK Shipping App
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Retail/Wholesale Catalog Maker
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SKU Print
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Retail Barcode Labels
Retail Barcode Labels is a great, low cost, Shopify app that allows you to create, assign and print barcodes for all your products. Creating barcodes and assigning them to specific products is really easy and can be done inside your Shopify store management screen. With each barcode, you can design unique labels that can include the barcode, SKU code, price and product name. There are numerous designs that you can take advantage of.
Once you’ve created the design for your barcode labels, you can print them from any printer. Even using secure air-printing from mobile devices. However, it is best if you use Avery or Dymo as these are specialist label printing products.
While this is a free app, it does offer you exactly what you need if you want to include barcodes as part of your Shopify store’s products.
Retail barcode Labels Highlights:
- Create unique labels that include a range of information about your products.
- Print labels from a wide range of printers.
- Improve your stock management and inventory control.
- A free Shopify app.
Multi- Label Barcodes
Using any printer, this app allows you to print labels for your products and shipping on any ink jet or laser printer. The app is super powerful and very well respected on Shopify, with a user rating (at the time of writing) of 4.9.
To help you manage your products, you can create a wide range of tracking tools, including QR codes that can be assigned to a product page. This can be used on labels or leaflets to showcase top-selling products and discounts. At the same time, labels can be an important part to automating your workflow.
When you have new products, you can automatically assign barcodes and SKU’s to your products. This won’t overwrite any information you might already have on your product information. When you scan barcodes, you can add stock to your database or, when sold, deduct it. This is also one of the best Shopify Barcode apps should you have multiple locations, as it can integrate numerous locations into one database.
Multi-Label Barcodes Highlights:
- Automatically assign barcodes and SKU’s to your products with just a few clicks.
- Use any printer to print out labels.
- Highly rated app that many Shopify brands trust.
- Automate stock management to ensure you don’t lose track of what you have and don’t have in your warehouse.
Quick Scan
Quick scan simplifies the way you manage inventory into your store. It doesn’t matter which barcode scanner you have, even some of the cheapest on the market can work with this software, if it just needs to be able to connect to a laptop/computer. This app speeds up the processing by scanning the product barcode, and then adding or deducting the stock levels automatically.
If you prefer to use a SKU code, this can also be implemented. The flexibility is one of the best features of this app. Quick Scan can also be used in multiple locations, with the user deciding at what location the products are being added/deducted from stock levels.
Therefore, it makes stock management much easier, warning you when you have too much stock or when levels are too low. In addition to managing the stock levels, this app helps you keep track of when stock has come in and gone out. All this information can be downloaded and stored in an offline file, so you can keep records exactly how you need them.
Quick Scan Highlights:
- Add and deduct products from stock with a simple scan of the barcode/SKU code.
- Use any barcode scanner with the app.
- Can manage multiple locations.
- Can choose between barcodes and SKU codes.
SKULabs
One of the most powerful Shopify barcode apps available on the market, this is a great solution if you sell over multiple channels. You can manage all your orders, shipments and stock levels from one, simple, cloud-based system.
The inventory system for this Shopify app is one of the best. You can search for a product using the product’s details or scan the barcode/SKU code. From here you can see how much of the product you have at any location. You can also see how much of that product you’ve sold in the past. In addition, you can set at what level should be considered low-stock.
In addition, you can sync inventory changes to all your sales channels. This app can connect to all the major sellers in the US including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and ShipStation. When there are stock changes, the stock levels are automatically updated across all channels, meaning you’re never at risk of overselling products.
When you have low stock of certain products, this app allows you to create and send purchase orders. This bulk purchasing can really help you to save time and ensure you’re never out of stock for long.
Finally, you can use the app to scan product barcodes to eliminate picking errors that can frustrate customers and limit return custom. Another way that this app can help you save money is that you can pick multiple orders that contain the same product at once.
SKULabs Highlights:
- Quickly manage product stock levels across multiple selling channels.
- Reduce picking errors by checking products against barcodes.
- Save picking time by collecting the right number of products needed to cover several orders in one trip.
- Order products from suppliers when stocks get low.
Free Online Barcode Generator
If you’re looking for a way to generate a free barcode, then this is the simple tool that you need. It isn’t technically one of the Shopify barcode apps, as it is a tool, but it is designed by Shopify to help you create barcodes. All you need to do is to enter your email address and the text/data you want to appear along with your barcode. Submit the information, and you will get a new barcode that can be downloaded and printed.
This free tool is very useful, but you would need to have an app in order to manage these barcodes on your store.
Free Online Barcode Generator Highlights:
- A free online tool for you to create barcodes for your products.
- Download and print them off.
- Include lots of data with your barcode.
- Created by Shopify.
StockSavvy
Another great app for managing your stock, this app has lots of great features that can help you keep your track of your stock and manage it better. One of the best elements of this app is that you can scan barcodes in bulk and when you’ve finished all quantities on your Shopify store are updated.
If you manage multiple locations, you can use this app to manage stock across all those locations. Stock can be counted over all the locations, plus you can manage stocks at individual locations. This makes it easier for you to manage stock levels across locations. In addition, you can transfer products from one location to another and the stock levels can be changed.
This app doesn’t just help with stock control. You can also check profit levels. When you scan items, it identifies the cost of the items. If you put in the sale price, you can see how much profit you’ve made on sales.
StockSavvy Highlights:
- Track inconsistencies across your stock levels through the software.
- Update stock levels across multiple channels and locations.
- Works with all barcode scanners.
- Keep accurate records of all your stock more easily.
Zenstores - UK Shipping App
This isn’t a typical Shopify barcode app as it is more geared towards shipping, and limited to the UK market. However, if you are someone who is in this country, this app does allow for some barcode functionality.
The app allows you to send parcels through several different couriers, including national and international couriers. The app imports all orders from your Shopify store into your Zenstores account so you can manage all orders, picking, label printing and dispatching from one dashboard.
While this app is for UK stores, it does support multiple marketplaces across the world, including several Amazon marketplaces across the world and international eBay.
Zenstores Highlights:
- Send professional invoices to your customers with and without VAT.
- Print shipping labels, including barcodes for Royal Mail parcels, with ease.
- A trial allows you to ship 100 orders.
- Lots of different couriers to utilize to get the best service and delivery times.
Retail/Wholesale Catalog Maker
This is one of the easiest Shopify barcode apps to use for your store. It allows you to create catalogs that can be used to produce online documents or printable marketing materials such as line sheets, inventory tags and barcode labels.
To start using this app you need to import all of your Shopify products into a user-friendly drag and drop builder that can help you build a catalog. The builder can help you create different layouts and customize the final look of your catalog so it can match your branding and push top-selling or high profit products in prime locations.
The catalogs that are created online are SEO optimized, helping your store to be found by Google and Bing users looking for your product. This can be really good as you can attract new customers with ease and this can increase revenues. In addition, the PDF versions are great for printing. Send the copies to your printing partner, and they can create your catalogs for you to use in-store or at a trade show.
The app recently had a barcode maker added to the software. This allows you to design and print product barcodes that are compatible with label printers. Some of the recommended printers include Dymo, Borther, and Zebra.
Retail/Wholesale Catalog Maker Highlights:
- Design and create catalogs that can be embedded into your website or downloaded and printed for your physical store.
- Create barcodes with lots of information for reference.
- Catalogs are SEO optimized, so searchers can find your store easily and be directed to your products.
- Easy-to-use app that can be really useful.
SKU Print
Create custom barcode labels and price tasks with ease. The labels can contain lots of information including title, vendor name, price and the barcode. You can also include variations if it is applicable. All barcodes can be stored directly into your Shopify Point-of-Sale or admin area. Images can be added to any custom labels that you’ve created to make your labels specific to your brand.
Barcodes are generated automatically and if you’ve not put in any numbers in the barcode numbers box, then numbers are automatically coded. If you’ve made a mistake and need to change a barcode number, this can be easily done. The barcodes created are made to UPC and EAN industry standard. You can also add your logo to labels to brand them.
To print labels, you can use the Dymo LabelWriter series of printers. This printer series is already supported by Shopify. The app works with most web browsers, including all the major browsers.
SKU Print Highlights:
- Automatically assigns barcode numbers to products when you haven’t assigned them previously.
- Can be used with online stores and point-of-sale locations.
- Add logos and images to brand your barcode labels.
- Print customized product labels within the store.
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Can barcode apps support multiple barcode formats and custom labels?
Barcode apps support QR codes, EAN, and UPC formats, catering to diverse business needs. They offer customizable label options for branding and information requirements, ensuring consistency and professionalism in product presentation.
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How do barcode apps integrate with my existing Shopify store?
They sync with your product catalog for real-time tracking and updates, offering user-friendly features like bulk barcode generation, customizable labels, and quick scanning capabilities to streamline store operations and improve the customer experience.
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How user-friendly are Shopify Barcode Apps for beginners?
Shopify Barcode Apps are designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering intuitive interfaces and easy navigation for beginners. Comprehensive guides and customer support are often available to assist new users in mastering the apps’ functionalities quickly.
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What barcode scanners work with Shopify?
Shopify works great with several barcode scanners like the Socket Mobile S700, Socket Mobile S740, and Zebra DS2208. Just make sure your scanner has Bluetooth so it can easily connect with Shopify’s POS system.
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How to add barcode to Shopify product?
To add a barcode to a Shopify product, go to the product’s details page in the Shopify admin, find the “Inventory” section, and enter the barcode number in the “Barcode (ISBN, UPC, GTIN, etc.)” field. Save the product.
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How to use barcode scanner in Shopify?
To use a barcode scanner in Shopify, connect the scanner to your device, open the Shopify POS app, and scan the barcode of the product. The product details will automatically appear on the screen, streamlining checkout.
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How to print barcode labels in Shopify?
To print barcode labels in Shopify, use the “Retail Barcode Labels” app available in the Shopify App Store. Generate the barcode labels for your products and print them using a compatible printer.
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How to connect Shopify barcode scanner?
To connect a Shopify barcode scanner, turn on the scanner, enable Bluetooth on your device, and pair the scanner with your device. Once connected, open the Shopify POS app and start scanning barcodes.
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How to create barcode Shopify?
To create a barcode in Shopify, you can use an app that creates barcodes. The app allows you to generate unique barcodes for your products, which can then be printed and attached to your items for easy scanning.
How Do Barcodes Actually Work?
Barcodes are those little black-and-white stripes you see on almost every product you buy. They might look like just a bunch of lines, but they’re actually a super handy way to store information that can be read quickly by a scanner. Here’s how they work in a way that’s easy to understand:
1. What’s a Barcode?
- Visual Code: A barcode is basically a visual code made up of lines (bars) and spaces. Each combination of bars and spaces stands for a specific number or letter. The most common types of barcodes you’ll see in stores are UPC (Universal Product Code) and EAN (European Article Number).
- Information Encoded: Think of each barcode as a secret message that holds information like the product’s ID, which a computer can understand when it’s scanned.
2. How Does a Barcode Store Information?
- Patterns of Lines: The width of the bars and the spaces between them represent different numbers. For example, a group of lines might stand for the number “7” while another group stands for “3.”
- Check Digit: Some barcodes also have a special digit called a “check digit.” This is used to make sure the barcode was read correctly by the scanner.
3. How Does a Scanner Read a Barcode?
- Light and Reflection: A barcode scanner shines a light on the barcode. The black bars absorb the light, while the white spaces reflect it back.
- Decoding the Pattern: The scanner picks up the pattern of reflected light and dark bars and translates it into the numbers or letters the barcode represents.
- Instant Data: Once the barcode is read, the scanner sends the information to a computer system. For example, at a checkout, it tells the system what product you’re buying and its price.
4. Why Are Barcodes Useful?
- Fast and Accurate: Scanning a barcode is much faster and more accurate than typing in numbers by hand. This is why cashiers can quickly ring up your purchases.
- Inventory Management: Barcodes also help businesses keep track of their stock. Every time an item is scanned, the system updates how many are left in the inventory.
5. Different Types of Barcodes
- 1D Barcodes: These are the traditional barcodes with just lines and spaces. They’re great for storing things like product IDs.
- 2D Barcodes: You might know these as QR codes. They can store a lot more information, including web links, and are read in both directions-horizontally and vertically.
6. Why Barcodes Are Everywhere
- Convenience: Barcodes make shopping quicker and inventory management easier. They’re cheap to produce and incredibly efficient.
- Versatile: From tracking packages to checking out groceries, barcodes are used in so many ways that help businesses run smoothly.
In a nutshell, barcodes are a simple but genius way of storing and reading information quickly. The next time you see a cashier scan a barcode, you’ll know that those little stripes are doing some pretty important work!
How Were Barcodes Invented?
The story of how barcodes were invented is pretty cool, and it all started with a simple need: speeding up the checkout line. Back in the late 1940s, grocery stores were getting busier, and cashiers had to manually punch in prices for every single item. This process was slow and often led to mistakes. Store owners were desperate for a faster way to handle all those customers and keep track of inventory.
Enter Norman Joseph Woodland, a bright grad student at Drexel University. Woodland was inspired by Morse code-you know, the dots and dashes used in telegraphs. He figured if dots and dashes could communicate information, maybe lines could do the same thing. So, he teamed up with his buddy Bernard Silver to create the first barcode design. But instead of the rectangular barcodes we see today, their initial design was a circular one that looked like a bullseye. The idea was that a circular code could be scanned from any direction, which was pretty forward-thinking for the time.
In 1952, they got a patent for their idea, but there was a catch: the technology needed to actually scan these codes didn’t exist yet. So, their invention sat on the shelf for about 20 years until technology caught up. Fast forward to the early 1970s, and the retail industry was looking for a way to automate checkout processes. That’s when the Universal Product Code (UPC) was born-a more practical, rectangular barcode that could easily be printed on products and scanned at the register.
The big moment came on June 26, 1974, when the very first barcode was scanned at a supermarket in Troy, Ohio. The item? A pack of Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit gum. This simple act marked the beginning of a new era in retail, and barcodes quickly became the go-to method for tracking products, managing inventory, and speeding up checkout lines.
Today, barcodes are everywhere, from groceries to packages and beyond. They might seem simple, but they’ve completely changed how businesses operate-all thanks to a grad student who thought, “What if we could use lines like Morse code?”
What Kinds of Barcodes Are There?
1. 1D Barcodes (One-Dimensional)
- UPC (Universal Product Code): Probably the most familiar, UPC barcodes are used mainly in retail to identify products. They’re made up of 12 digits and are great for tracking inventory.
- EAN (European Article Number): Similar to UPC, EAN barcodes are used worldwide and typically have 13 digits. They’re common on products sold internationally.
- Code 39: This barcode can encode both numbers and letters, making it versatile for things like name tags, inventory labels, and more. It’s often used in military and automotive industries.
- Code 128: Known for its high data density, Code 128 is used in logistics and transportation for tracking shipments and pallets. It can encode all 128 ASCII characters.
- ITF-14: This barcode is used for packaging, especially in shipping. It’s often printed on cartons and boxes that contain multiple units of a product.
2. 2D Barcodes (Two-Dimensional)
- QR Code (Quick Response Code): QR codes are square barcodes that can store a lot of information, including URLs, text, and contact details. They’re popular in marketing, ticketing, and mobile payments because they can be easily scanned with a smartphone.
- Data Matrix: This small, square barcode is often used in manufacturing and healthcare to mark small items, like electronic components or medical devices. It’s highly reliable for tracking items even in tough environments.
- PDF417: A stacked linear barcode that can encode large amounts of data, including photos and fingerprints. It’s commonly used on identification cards and in shipping labels.
- Aztec Code: Often found on train tickets and airline boarding passes, the Aztec Code is compact and can be scanned even if it’s partially damaged.
3. Specialty Barcodes
- MaxiCode: Developed by UPS, this barcode is used for tracking packages during shipment. It looks like a bullseye with dots around it and is designed to be read quickly by scanners.
- Codabar: This barcode is often used in libraries, blood banks, and photo labs. It’s easy to print and scan, making it suitable for applications where simplicity is key.
4. GS1 DataBar
- DataBar: This barcode can hold more information in a smaller space than a traditional UPC, making it useful for identifying small items like fresh produce. It’s also capable of encoding additional data like expiration dates.
5. Postnet/Intelligent Mail Barcode
- Postnet/Intelligent Mail: Used by the U.S. Postal Service, these barcodes encode postal routing information to automate mail sorting and delivery.
Key Differences Between 1D and 2D Barcodes:
- 1D Barcodes: Are linear and only hold a limited amount of data, usually numeric or alphanumeric. They require more space to encode more data.
- 2D Barcodes: Are two-dimensional and can hold much more data in a smaller space. They can store not only numbers and letters but also URLs, images, and more complex data. They’re also more resistant to damage.
Enhancing Inventory Management with Barcode Apps
Efficient Barcode Scanning and Generation
Barcode scanning is a key factor in smooth inventory management. We’ve seen all sorts of cool tools and tech, including barcode apps that make tracking products super easy.
Barcode apps don’t just help you create and print barcodes-they also boost your inventory accuracy. With features that let you scan items using your phone’s camera, you get real-time updates on stock levels.
Customizable Barcode Labels
In our mission to help businesses optimize their e-commerce platforms, we have reviewed many apps that offer customizable barcode labels. These apps provide a variety of templates and editing tools, supporting different paper sizes, styles, and barcode types.
The flexibility to design labels tailored to specific branding and usage needs is a significant advantage, enhancing brand awareness and streamlining business operations. This customization capability not only contributes to a professional appearance but also ensures efficient inventory management and operational consistency.
Inventory Updates and Transfers
We’ve always highlighted the importance of real-time inventory management for e-commerce success. Barcode apps are incredibly valuable in this area, offering features for quick inventory updates and transfers.
The use of bin placements makes it easy and fast to adjust stock levels, ensuring businesses are always aware of their inventory status and can make informed, data-driven decisions.
Optimizing the Checkout Process
Speed and Accuracy
The impact barcode apps have on the checkout process is truly remarkable. By generating unique barcodes for each item, these apps dramatically reduce the risk of errors and speed up the checkout process. We’ve seen these apps in various settings and are impressed by how they enhance the customer experience with quick and accurate service.
Multi-Label Barcodes
We’re quite impressed with the benefits of apps like Multi-Label Barcodes. Being in the e-commerce world we can understand how useful these apps are, especially with their bulk label printing features and lots of customization options.
You can design and print loads of labels at the same time, which is really helpful for large-scale operations and makes inventory management much easier.
Making the Most of Shopify Barcode Apps
Strategic Integration for Business Efficiency
In our e-commerce journey, we’ve always highlighted the power of barcode apps for boosting business efficiency.
These apps are more than just tools-they’re essential assets that can totally transform inventory management and customer service.
When you integrate barcode apps with other Shopify features and third-party apps, you really unlock their full potential. This combo gives you a holistic approach to managing and scaling your online store. It’s a smart move that can skyrocket productivity in your business.
Customization and Flexibility
Shopify barcode apps are designed with exciting features that let businesses tailor their functions to meet specific operational needs.
A variety of these apps can personalize barcode labels, integrate with multiple barcode formats, and adapt scanning features to different operational environments. This amazing adaptability ensures that businesses of all sizes and niches can leverage barcode apps to boost their operations. The ability to customize these tools significantly enhances business efficiency and effectiveness, making operations smoother and more dynamic.
Data-Driven Decision-Making
In the fast-paced world of e-commerce, data is everything! Shopify barcode apps are revolutionizing how we harness the power of data to make smart, informed decisions.
These apps provide real-time insights into inventory levels, sales, and customer behavior. By analyzing this data, businesses can identify trends, make accurate forecasts, and implement strategies that align perfectly with market demands.
The ability to make data-driven decisions positions businesses for incredible growth, profitability, and long-term success. It’s the ultimate advantage in the competitive e-commerce landscape!
Conclusion: 9 Best Shopify Barcode Apps
So, there you have it-barcode apps are the unsung heroes of inventory management! They’re not just about creating and printing barcodes; they’re about transforming your entire e-commerce game. From scanning items with your phone to real-time inventory updates, these apps make everything smoother and faster.
Imagine having customizable barcode labels that match your brand perfectly. It’s like having a personal designer for your inventory! Plus, with real-time updates and easy inventory transfers, you’ll always be in the know and ready to make those data-driven decisions.
And let’s not forget the checkout process-speedy, accurate, and oh-so-efficient thanks to unique barcodes for each item. No more fumbling around or making mistakes. Just quick, seamless transactions that keep your customers happy and coming back for more.
In short, integrating Shopify barcode apps into your e-commerce platform is a no-brainer. They bring customization, flexibility, and invaluable data insights that help you grow and succeed. So, why wait? Go off into the world of barcode apps and watch your business soar!
