# Choose how imported item dimensions combine
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/1792080615036-choose-how-imported-item-dimensions-combine
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/1792080615036-choose-how-imported-item-dimensions-combine
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/1792080615036-choose-how-imported-item-dimensions-combine.md
Updated: 2026-10-18

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://support.starshipit.com/llms.txt).

> Choose a single-package dimension layout for imported orders, check the calculated size, and understand its limits.

When several items ship in one package, choose how Starshipit combines their dimensions. You can stack the items or place them side by side, depending on how you pack them.

## Before you begin

- Use **UI 2.0** with permission to change **Settings > Packaging**. Classic UI does not provide the layout selector.
- [Set up item dimensions for packaging](/articles/1792372698951-set-up-item-dimensions-for-packaging), with accurate item weights and quantities, through your integration or Product Catalogue.
- Choose **Single package - Imported item weights and dimensions** as your packaging method. The layout does not apply to the default-package-weight method, separate packages per item, Recommended Packaging or checkout rates.

The calculation keeps items in their recorded orientation. It does not rotate items, find a best-fit carton, split the order into several packages or add space for packaging material.

## Choose and save a layout

1. Go to **Settings > Packaging** in the account that imports the orders.
2. Select **Single package - Imported item weights and dimensions**.
3. Select an option from **Combine item dimensions**, using the table below.
4. Click **Save**.
5. Reopen **Packaging** and check that the method and layout are still selected.

| Combine item dimensions | How Starshipit calculates the package size |
| --- | --- |
| **Sum of all item dimensions** | Adds all item lengths together, all widths together and all heights together, including quantities. This is the default. |
| **Stack items vertically** | Adds the item heights together, including quantities. Uses the longest item for the package length and the widest item for its width. |
| **Arrange items along length** | Adds the item lengths together, including quantities. Uses the widest item for the package width and the tallest item for its height. |
| **Arrange items along width** | Adds the item widths together, including quantities. Uses the longest item for the package length and the tallest item for its height. |

Existing accounts keep **Sum of all item dimensions** unless you choose another option. For the three other options, Starshipit counts each unit when adding dimensions together. It ignores items with a zero or negative quantity.

In the [packaging visualiser](/articles/1792372698950-compare-packaging-options-with-the-visualiser#visualise-options-with-your-own-items-and-packaging-set-up), select **Single package - Imported item weights and dimensions**, then change **Combine item dimensions** to compare layouts.

## Check an imported order

Saving the layout does not recalculate orders already in Starshipit. Later imports and reimports use it only where the normal import process recalculates dimensions; existing overwrite rules still apply.

1. Import an order with known item dimensions and quantities through your normal import workflow.
2. Open the unshipped order and compare its package length, width and height with the selected layout.
3. Check the package weight separately. Changing the layout does not change the weight calculation.
4. Compare the calculated size with the parcel you will actually send, including packaging material, before printing its label.

Missing or zero item dimensions contribute zero on that axis. If an entire calculated axis is zero, the package keeps its existing value for that axis. Partial item data can therefore underestimate the parcel size even when a package has dimensions.

## Troubleshooting

### The layout selector is missing

Check that you are using UI 2.0 and have selected **Single package - Imported item weights and dimensions**. Other packaging methods hide the selector. If you cannot edit Packaging, ask an account administrator to check your access.

### The package size does not match the expected layout

Check the dimensions, units and quantities on the imported items first, including any Product Catalogue values applied during import. Confirm that the saved packaging method uses imported item weights and dimensions.

For an existing order, saving a different layout alone will not update the package. Check the package on an order imported after saving, and review any package assignment or shipping rules that also affect it. Correct inaccurate package details before printing.

## FAQs

<!-- faq:start -->

<!-- faq:question -->What happens if I switch to another packaging method?<!-- /faq:question -->

The saved layout is retained but is inactive while another method is selected. Selecting **Single package - Imported item weights and dimensions** again restores it. Check the selection and save any changes.

<!-- faq:question -->Does this change my checkout packaging?<!-- /faq:question -->

No. Checkout packaging is configured separately in **Settings > Checkout Rates**. Follow [Set up rates at checkout](/articles/360000179036-set-up-rates-at-checkout) for that workflow.

<!-- faq:end -->

## Related articles

- [Set up packages and import weights and dimensions](/articles/206705413-set-up-packages-and-import-weights-and-dimensions)
- [Configure recommended packaging from item dimensions](/articles/8753012178447-configure-recommended-packaging-from-item-dimensions)