The Packing App simplifies packing station setup by communicating directly with your local printer and scale. Because all print requests are processed locally, it's more efficient than a standard Workstation setup. The latest version also includes faster printing speeds and automatic updates.
Getting Started with the Packing App
Follow these steps to download, install, and configure your Packing App.
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Download and Install: The Packing App is available for Windows and macOS. Go to My Account > Apps and select the option for your operating system: Windows, Mac-Intel, or Mac-Apple Silicon (M chips).
Windows Users: You may see a security warning during installation. This is a standard Microsoft caution for new apps. The application is digitally signed and safe — click through to proceed.
- Select Your Printers: After launching the app, select your hardware from the dropdown menus at the top of the page. This setting is saved locally and only needs to be updated if you replace your hardware.
- Test Your Setup: There is no dedicated test print button. To verify your configuration, try shipping an order, printing an invoice, or printing an item barcode from the packing screen.
Packing App vs. Workstation App: What's the Difference?
The Packing App is not a replacement for the Workstation App — they serve different printing needs and maintain independent configurations. See How to Set Up a Workstation for more information.
| Feature | ShipHero Packing App | ShipHero Workstation App (Print Listener) |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Streamline packing setup and local desktop printing from the Packing App interface. | Act as a bridge so the web and mobile apps can communicate with local hardware (printers/scales). |
| Recommended Use | Printing labels and invoices from a desktop using the Packing App interface. | Printing from the ShipHero Mobile App or other parts of the web application. |
| Printing Method | Communicates directly with the local printer and scale. | Mediates communication between ShipHero cloud/apps and local hardware. |
Hardware & System Troubleshooting
Use this guide to resolve common hardware and configuration issues in the Packing App.
| Issue | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Hardware not in list | Go to Utilities > Reload Hardware to refresh the list. If the device still doesn't appear, confirm it is correctly configured in your operating system and try again. |
| Different printer config than Workstation | The Packing App maintains its own settings and does not sync with the Workstation App. |
| Scale is unresponsive | Unplug the scale from its power or USB source, then plug it back in to reset the connection. |
| Accessing support logs | Go to Utilities > Open Log Directory. |