Alternative Barcodes (Barcode, Datamatrix, QR Code)

Shelf's alternative barcode feature extends beyond the standard QR codes automatically generated for assets and kits. This paid add-on enables organizations to integrate multiple barcode formats into their asset tracking systems.

Supported Barcode Types

The feature supports four barcode types:

• Code 128: 4-40 characters including letters, numbers, and symbols
• Code39: 4-43 alphanumeric characters
• Data Matrix: 4-100 characters, printable at extremely small sizes
• EAN-13: 13-digit numeric codes matching retail product standards

How to Generate Code 128 Barcodes

To generate a Code 128 barcode for an asset:

1. Open any asset in your workspace
2. In the right sidebar, find the code selector dropdown and the + button next to it
3. Click the + button to open the "Add barcode to asset" dialog
4. Barcode Type defaults to Code 128 — change it if you need a different format
5. Enter your barcode value (4-40 characters — letters, numbers, and symbols like ABC-123)
6. Click Add Barcode

The barcode is generated and saved immediately. It appears in the Barcodes section of the asset page and can be scanned with any barcode scanner.

You can also add barcodes by scanning existing physical barcodes using a device camera. The system automatically detects the barcode type and value during scanning.

Barcodes on Your Assets

Once added, barcodes appear in the Barcodes section at the bottom of each asset page. You can attach multiple barcodes of different types to a single asset — there is no limit.

Migrating Barcodes from Another System

If you are migrating from another asset manager and want to keep your existing barcodes:

1. Export your barcodes from your current system as a CSV
2. Import via CSV — Shelf's CSV import supports adding barcodes in bulk, enabling you to bring hundreds of barcodes simultaneously
3. Each barcode must be unique across your workspace — duplicates will be flagged during import

This makes it straightforward to switch from tools that use Code 128 or other barcode formats without losing your existing identifiers.

Primary Use Cases

Organizations implement alternative barcodes to:

• Maintain existing barcode systems while adopting Shelf
• Facilitate departmental preferences for different code formats
• Preserve manufacturer identification codes
• Support space-constrained labeling scenarios (Data Matrix is ideal for small labels)

Operational Features

• Multiple barcodes can attach to single assets with no quantity limits
• All barcode types function identically within Shelf's scanning, booking, and check-in systems
• CSV bulk import enables adding hundreds of barcodes simultaneously
• Each barcode must maintain uniqueness across the workspace

Enabling the Barcodes Add-on

The Barcodes add-on is self-service — workspace owners can activate it directly without contacting sales.

Free trial

Workspace owners can start a 7-day free trial of the Barcodes add-on at no cost. To start your trial:

1. Open any asset in your workspace
2. In the Barcodes section of the asset form, click Start free trial
3. Review the features and confirm — barcodes will be enabled immediately for your entire workspace

Each workspace can use the free trial once. After the trial period ends, a paid subscription is required to continue using barcodes.

Subscribe directly

If your workspace has already used the free trial, or you are ready to subscribe:

1. Open any asset in your workspace
2. In the Barcodes section, click to open the unlock dialog
3. Choose a monthly or yearly subscription and complete checkout via Stripe

Note: Only workspace Owners can start a trial or subscribe. Administrators and other team members will see a prompt to ask their workspace owner to enable the add-on.