Explains ShipStation's Scan to Print feature, how to use it, and additional need-to-know information.
The Scan to Print feature allows you to print labels by scanning a barcode. If you pick, pack, and assign shipping parameters to your orders, Scan to Print allows you to weigh packages and print labels in quick succession!
Scan to Verify & Print
ShipStation's new layout has enhanced the Scan to Print feature to include product verification! The Scan to Verify & Print feature allows you to scan your product barcodes and ensure each shipment includes all the correct products before you ship it.
Check out our Scan to Verify & Print article for details on how this works.
Before you begin, here is what you need:
Install ShipStation Connect and sign in (if not already installed and running).
Connected label printer.
A barcode scanner.
Packing slips with a Scan to View Barcode or an order number barcode.
Preconfigured shipment weights or a USB scale.
If using a balance-funded postage provider, auto-funding MUST be enabled.
Watch the tutorial video or skip ahead to the step-by-step instructions.
This video guides you through the steps to use ShipStation's Scan to Print feature for the first time.
ShipStation Legacy Layout
This content features ShipStation's legacy layout and may not exactly reflect your current ShipStation layout experience.
To use the Scan to Print feature:
-
Click Workflow, then choose Scan to Print.
-
Select a printer from the Printer drop-down in the top-right corner.
If you are are using a scale, also select it from the Select a scale drop-down.
ShipStation will save these selections for you going forward.
-
Scan a packing slip barcode for an order. This will open the order's shipment details.
If your packing slips do not include a barcode, follow the Add Scan to View Barcode instructions.
The weight from your attached USB scale will update automatically. To use your preconfigured weights instead, turn off the Use Scale toggle.
-
Click Print Label or use the P hotkey on your keyboard to purchase and print a label.
ShipStation will immediately be ready for you to scan your next packing slip barcode.
Repeat steps 4 and 5 to continue scanning through your printed packing slips and creating and printing labels for the associated shipments.
-
Before scanning and printing, orders must have the following information:
A Ship From Location
Shipping Service
Package Type
Apply Presets by Scanning a Barcode
You can apply these settings by scanning a barcode preset sheet while in the Scan to Print screen.
Currently, Scan To Print requires a rate to generate a label, thus carriers that don't return rates will not work with Scan to Print.
If you scan the packing slip for an order that has already had a label generated, you can print the existing label by pressing P or scanning the Purchase and Print Label barcode.
If the order weight is 0 but the service/package combination allows it (like flat rate services), the rate will be displayed in orange.
To use the Scan to Print feature in ShipStation Legacy:
-
Click Other Actions, then Scan to Print.
-
Select a printer from the Select a printer drop-down.
If you are are using a scale, also select it from the Select a scale drop-down.
ShipStation will save these selections for you going forward.
-
Scan a packing slip barcode for an order. This will open the order's shipment details.
The weight from your attached USB scale will update automatically. To use your preconfigured weights instead, turn off the Use Scale toggle.
-
Click Purchase and Print Label or use the P hotkey on your keyboard to purchase and print a label.
ShipStation will immediately be ready for you to scan your next packing slip barcode.
Trigger the print action with a barcode scan!
Use the Barcode Scan Action Report to scan the print action instead of using your mouse or a hotkey!
Repeat steps 4 and 5 to continue scanning through your printed packing slips and creating and printing labels for the associated shipments.
Once you are done scanning and printing, click the X icon to close the Scan to Print screen.
-
Before scanning and printing, orders must have the following information:
A Ship From Location
Shipping Service
Package Type
If any of these fields are missing or invalid, click View Order Details or Edit Order to edit them.
Apply Presets by Scanning a Barcode
You can apply these settings by scanning a barcode preset sheet while in the Scan to Print screen.
Currently, Scan To Print requires a rate to generate a label, thus carriers that don't return rates will not work with Scan to Print.
If you scan the packing slip for an order that has already had a label generated, you can print the existing label by pressing P or scanning the Purchase and Print Label barcode.
If the order weight is 0 but the service/package combination allows it (like flat rate services), the rate will be displayed in orange.
If the carrier returns an error (for example, "the shipment weight is too heavy for xyz service"), you'll need to edit the order details and re-enter Scan to Print mode.