> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://support.robaws.com/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Working with barcodes

With a **barcode** you find and select an item in a single scan. Robaws works with two types: **barcode 128** (the classic bar code) or a **QR code**. You choose the type once for your entire environment.

Scanning is useful for:

* stock management via the Robaws App
* [registering used material](https://support.robaws.com/en/article/wappy-registering-the-material-used-22ph6z/) on a work order in Wappy

## Assigning a barcode

You assign a barcode via the field **barcode** on the item file. That field can be filled in freely and imposes no restrictions: you can use the EAN number (European article number) or a number of your own.

Do you want Robaws to determine the barcode? Then click the **orange arrow** to the right of the input field. Robaws then generates a barcode out of letters and figures.

![](https://storage.crisp.chat/users/helpdesk/website/eadf6dec760ec000/schermafbeelding-2024-11-06-om_mja9pp.png)

|| Your [equipment](https://support.robaws.com/en/article/equipment-rq3nls/) and your [installations](https://support.robaws.com/en/article/installations-1o8lgdd/) can carry a code as well: on their file you fill it in under **serialnumber**. What Wappy does with a code you scan is explained under [registering used material](https://support.robaws.com/en/article/wappy-registering-the-material-used-22ph6z/) and [registering material hours](https://support.robaws.com/en/article/wappy-registering-material-hours-waaz7v/).

## Printing a barcode

Via the **barcode** action button on the item file, Robaws creates a pdf with the barcode on it, ready to print.

That happens per item. In Robaws itself you cannot print barcodes in bulk, but with an external program you can. How to go about that is explained in [printing barcodes in bulk](https://support.robaws.com/en/article/printing-barcodes-in-bulk-vvomw9/).

## Settings

Via **settings > general > settings > barcode** you choose the type: **barcode 128** or **QR code**. By default this is set to QR code.

That type applies to your entire environment. So you cannot set a different type per item.