Devices & scanning
Barcodes and scanning tips
Which barcodes the phone camera reads, how Rack Scanner matches barcodes, UPCs and SKUs to your products, and tips for fast, accurate scanning.
Rack Scanner uses the phone’s camera, so there’s no scanner hardware to buy. This article covers what it can read, how a code is matched to a product, and how to scan quickly.
Supported barcodes
The scan screens read these formats:
| Type | Formats |
|---|---|
| Retail product codes | EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E |
| Warehouse and shipping codes | Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, ITF-14 |
| 2D codes | QR code, Data Matrix |
Camera images are processed on the phone and aren’t uploaded or stored.
How a code is matched to a product
When you scan, Rack Scanner looks for a product variant in this order:
- Barcode — the code equals the variant’s barcode in Shopify.
- UPC / EAN equivalents — the same item written another way. An EAN-13 and a UPC-A for the same product match, a barcode stored without its check digit still matches, and a UPC-E code matches its UPC-A form.
- SKU — the code equals the variant’s SKU. SKUs aren’t case-sensitive.
Products added in Shopify since the last sync are looked up in Shopify directly, so new products can be scanned right away. CSV imports use the same matching order; see CSV stock import and export.
If nothing matches, the app shows No product matches this barcode, UPC or SKU.
Products without barcodes
- Use SKUs. If your SKU is printed on a label, scan or type it.
- Search by name. On the scan screen, tap the keyboard icon (Type or search), type at least two characters of a product name, SKU or barcode and tap Search.
- Add barcodes in Shopify. Rack Scanner picks them up automatically. Settings in the Shopify app shows what share of your variants have a barcode (With barcode).
Scanning tips
- Fill the frame. Hold the barcode inside the frame on the camera view and keep the phone steady.
- Use the flashlight in dark aisles: tap the flash icon at the top of the scan screen.
- Count by scanning again. Each scan adds one unit. To count a full case, scan once and tap the number to type the quantity.
- Don’t worry about double reads. Repeat reads of the same barcode within the cooldown are ignored. Managers can change it under Settings → Repeat-scan cooldown (200–3,000 ms; 700 ms suits most teams).
- Listen and feel. A successful scan clicks and vibrates. Turn Scan sound or Vibrate on scan off in the mobile app’s Settings.
What counts as a scan
Your plan includes a number of barcode scans per billing period, used by counting:
- Each product scanned during a count is one scan. Products added by typing a code or choosing a search result count too.
- + and − taps, typed quantities and Stock check don’t count.
- Scans while picking and packing orders aren’t counted as barcode scans; pick & pack uses your monthly packed-order allowance instead.
You’ll see a warning at 80% of your scans. When they’re used up, counting pauses until the next billing period or until you upgrade. See Plans, free trial and billing.
Scans while offline
Scans are queued on the phone and uploaded in batches. The mobile app’s Settings shows Pending scan uploads; tap it to upload now. Looking up a product needs an internet connection.