> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.billbasket.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Barcode scanning (camera + hardware scanner)

> Scan barcodes into a BillBasket bill or product catalog using your phone camera, a USB scanner, or a Bluetooth handheld scanner on Android and Windows.

BillBasket supports scanning barcodes on every platform, but the setup
differs by device:

### On your phone (built-in camera)

On Android and iOS, the phone's own camera scans barcodes live — just tap
the scan icon while billing or adding a product. This works out of the box,
no setup needed.

### On Windows PC (USB scanner or barcode printer)

* **USB/Bluetooth barcode scanner** — plug in or pair a handheld barcode
  scanner and it works immediately, with zero configuration. It acts like a
  keyboard: scanning a code just "types" it into whatever field is focused,
  the same way it would on a phone with a connected scanner.
* **Webcam scanning** — Windows can also scan using a connected webcam, but
  this is an experimental, opt-in feature (off by default) since it's less
  reliable than a dedicated scanner. Turn it on from **Settings → Hardware &
  Connectivity → Camera** — see [Hardware & connectivity
  settings](/customer-guide/settings/hardware-and-connectivity).
* **USB barcode/label printer** — a USB label or receipt printer is
  installed like any normal Windows printer (via its own driver) and then
  selected from the print dialog — see [Hardware & connectivity
  settings](/customer-guide/settings/hardware-and-connectivity) and
  [Printing & sharing bills](/customer-guide/daily-billing/printing-and-sharing).

Scanning works both while billing and while adding new products.

## See it on your device

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Phone">
    <Frame>
      *Screenshot coming soon — Android phone view.*
    </Frame>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Tablet">
    <Frame>
      *Screenshot coming soon — Android tablet view.*
    </Frame>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Windows PC">
    <Frame>
      *Screenshot coming soon — Windows desktop view.*
    </Frame>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Try it: Sharma Kirana Store

<Steps>
  <Step title="Suresh scans a product while billing">
    Meena Devi brings a packet of Parle-G Biscuits to the counter. Suresh
    taps the scan icon on the billing screen and uses the phone's camera to
    scan the barcode.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The item adds itself to the bill">
    BillBasket recognizes the barcode and adds Parle-G Biscuits at ₹10
    straight to Meena's invoice, no manual search needed.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Rajesh uses a USB scanner at the counter PC">
    On the Windows counter PC, Rajesh Sharma has a USB barcode scanner
    plugged in. He scans Tata Salt 1kg and it behaves just like typing,
    adding the item instantly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan while adding a new product">
    When Rajesh receives a new product without it yet in BillBasket, he
    opens **New Product** and scans its barcode there so it's pre-filled
    for future scans.
  </Step>
</Steps>