How do I assign a dotcode to an item on the kiosk?

📋 Overview

A dotcode is the physical label placed on a product that Mashgin's camera system uses to visually identify items at checkout. Assigning a dotcode directly from the kiosk links that label to the correct item in your menu without needing to log in to Creator.

You'll need to do this when:

A new dotcode label has been placed on a product and needs to be tied to an item

An item's dotcode has changed and you want to reassign it quickly on-site

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Before assigning a dotcode, make sure the item already exists in your menu. If it doesn't, add it first in Creator before proceeding. New to dotcodes? Start with What is a dotcode?.

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You can also assign a dotcode in Creator — see How do I assign a dotcode to an item on Creator?.

🔵 How to Assign a Dotcode

Step 1. Enter Manage Mode

Tap the Mashgin logo in the top corner of the kiosk screen to open the PIN prompt

Enter your manager PIN

You are now in Manage Mode — for the full set of entry options, see How do I access kiosk manage mode?

Step 2. Tap Items

From the Manage Mode menu, tap Items

Step 3. Place the item on the scanning area

Place the product with the dotcode label onto the kiosk scanning area

Mashgin will automatically detect the dotcode and display a prompt on screen

Step 4. Select the item from the list

Select Attach to a new item

Find the item you are looking for, scroll, or use the search bar

Mashgin will now associate that dotcode with that item

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Important: Each dotcode should be unique — you cannot assign the same dotcode to more than one item. If a dotcode is already assigned elsewhere, you will need to unassign it first in Creator before reassigning it.

💡 Tips

Make sure the dotcode label is clean, flat, and undamaged — creased or smudged labels may not be detected

If Mashgin doesn't detect the label right away, try repositioning the item so the dotcode faces the camera directly

After assigning, verify the item is recognized correctly by placing the labeled product in front of the kiosk in normal checkout mode

Dotcodes are location-specific — assignments made on one kiosk apply to that location only

🛠️ Troubleshooting

Kiosk is not detecting the dotcode label

Issue: The item is placed on the scanning area but no prompt appears.

Fix:

Make sure the dotcode label is clean, undamaged, and facing the camera

Try repositioning the item so the dotcode is more visible to the cameras

Check that the scanning area is well-lit — low light can interfere with detection

If the label still isn't detected, try printing a new dotcode label and assigning that one instead

Kiosk still not recognizing the item after assignment

Issue: The dotcode was successfully assigned, but the kiosk isn't identifying the labeled product at checkout.

Fix:

Confirm the assignment was saved — re-enter Manage Mode and check the item's dotcode assignment

Make sure the label is placed correctly on the product and is clearly visible to the cameras

If the kiosk still won't recognize the item, see What can I do to troubleshoot dotcode labels (ArUco codes)?

🔗 Related Articles

What is a dotcode?

How do I assign a dotcode to an item on Creator?

How to Print Your Own ArUco (DotCode) Labels

What can I do to troubleshoot dotcode labels (ArUco codes)?

How do I access kiosk manage mode?

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Need help? Contact support at 📧 help@mashgin.com or call (855) 475-0889