# Set up packages and import weights and dimensions
URL: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/206705413-set-up-packages-and-import-weights-and-dimensions
Canonical: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/206705413-set-up-packages-and-import-weights-and-dimensions
Markdown: https://support.starshipit.com/articles/206705413-set-up-packages-and-import-weights-and-dimensions.md
Updated: 2026-10-18

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

> Save the boxes and satchels you ship in, then choose how packaging options and rules assign packages to imported orders.

Packages in Starshipit represent the physical boxes, satchels or other packaging you put your items in. Save the sizes you use as predefined packages, then choose how Starshipit assigns package details when an order imports.

## Before you begin

- Use an account with permission to change packaging settings.
- Measure the packages you use and check the weight and size units under **Settings > Options**.

These settings control imported orders. Configure checkout packages separately under **Settings > Checkout Rates**, using [Set up rates at checkout](/articles/360000179036-set-up-rates-at-checkout).

:::caution
Couriers use parcel weight and dimensions to calculate charges. Check that the package details on an order match the parcel you will send, including its packaging material.
:::

## Save your predefined packages

Add each box or satchel you regularly use. A predefined package saves its name, dimensions and weight so you can reuse those details instead of entering them for every order.

<!-- tabs:start -->

<!-- tab:Classic UI -->

1. Go to **Settings > Package Setup**.
2. Click **Add a new box**.
3. Enter a name, dimensions and weight, using the fields below.
4. Select **Make this the default package** if this is your usual package.
5. Click **Save**.

<!-- tab:UI 2.0 -->

1. Go to **Settings > Packaging**.
2. Click **Add new** in the predefined packaging list.
3. Enter a name, dimensions and weight, using the fields below.
4. Select **Make this the default package** if this is your usual package.
5. Click **Save**.

<!-- tabs:end -->

Reopen the saved package and check its dimensions, weight and default selection. Repeat for your other package sizes.

Check values with decimal places carefully. If a saved dimension is reduced or becomes zero, check the units and ask [Support](https://support.starshipit.com/ticket) to confirm the correct setup before using that package.

### What to enter

| Property | Description |
| -------- | ----------- |
| **Name** | A name your team recognises when selecting the package. Use your existing box names if you have them. |
| **Length, Width, Height** | The dimensions of this package, using the units shown beside the fields. These describe the shipping package; item dimensions describe the individual products inside it. |
| **Weight** | The preset parcel weight to use when your packaging method uses a default weight. Methods that use imported item weights calculate the weight from the items instead. |
| **Make this the default package** | Your starting package for methods that use a default preset. Other packaging options, weight ranges or a matching rule can select different package details. |
| **Unit type** | The kind of packaging, such as a carton, satchel or bag. |
| **Add packaging weight** | An additional allowance for the packaging material, added to parcels that use this package. Keep this separate from the preset weight so you do not count the same weight twice. |
| **Add minimum and maximum weight** | Optional weight ranges for assigning saved packages by order weight. Recommended Packaging uses dimensions rather than these ranges. |

## Choose how packages are assigned

For a visual comparison before configuring your account, [compare packaging options with the visualiser](/articles/1792372698950-compare-packaging-options-with-the-visualiser).

Your packaging option sets the normal behaviour for imported orders. You can use it on its own, use a rule to select a saved package, or combine the two: the option handles your usual orders and a matching rule handles an exception.

Some options use your saved packages. Others calculate package dimensions from the items without choosing a saved box that fits. **Recommended Packaging** is the option that finds suitable saved packages using item dimensions.

If your option uses item dimensions, [set up item dimensions for packaging](/articles/1792372698951-set-up-item-dimensions-for-packaging) first. Starshipit needs the size of each item, plus its quantity, to calculate the package. Supply item weights too when the option uses them. The data can come from a supported integration or your Product Catalogue.

1. Go to **Settings > Package Setup** in Classic UI, or **Settings > Packaging** in UI 2.0.
2. Choose the method that matches how you pack your orders. The table below uses the UI 2.0 setting names; in Classic UI, choose the equivalent method.
3. If you select **Single package - Imported item weights and dimensions** in UI 2.0, choose an option under **Combine item dimensions**. See [Choose how imported item dimensions combine](/articles/1792080615036-choose-how-imported-item-dimensions-combine) for the four options and how they work.
4. Click **Save**.

| Packaging option | How it creates the package details |
| --- | --- |
| **Single package - Imported item weights** | Uses your default package's dimensions and adds the item weights together, including quantities. Useful when you use a standard box but the contents vary in weight. |
| **Single package - Imported item weights and dimensions** | Calculates one package's weight and dimensions from the items. **Combine item dimensions** controls whether their sizes are added, stacked or arranged side by side. It does not select a saved box. |
| **Use the default package preset** | Uses your default package's weight and dimensions. Useful when the complete parcel has a consistent size and weight. |
| **Single package - Default package weight + imported item dimensions** | Keeps the default package's weight and calculates one package's dimensions by adding the item lengths, widths and heights, including quantities. |
| **Pack each item separately** | Creates one package per unit, using that item's weight and dimensions. Use this for items that ship individually. Saved packages are not used unless a packaging rule overrides the result. |
| **Recommended Packaging - Automatically assign best-fit package** | Uses item dimensions to select suitable saved packages. It can assign more than one package, with each package's weight based on the items packed inside. See [Configure recommended packaging](/articles/8753012178447-configure-recommended-packaging-from-item-dimensions) for setup. |

The **Combine item dimensions** selector applies only to **Single package - Imported item weights and dimensions**. Classic UI does not offer the selector, but saving Classic package settings preserves an existing layout selection.

## Use rules for packaging exceptions

A matching packaging rule takes priority over the packaging option. For example, you can use your normal option for most orders and a rule to assign a particular saved package when an item SKU matches. Orders that do not match the rule continue to use the normal option.

1. Save the package you want the rule to assign.
2. Go to **Settings > Rules** and add a rule with the conditions for those orders.
3. Choose **Set Package Type** in Classic UI, or **Set packaging** in UI 2.0, and select the saved package.
4. Save the rule, then test both a matching order and a non-matching order.

The rule replaces the package selection and dimensions. The two **Single package - Imported item weights** options and **Recommended Packaging** keep their calculated item weight. With the other options, the rule uses the selected package's preset weight. Check the final package count, weight and dimensions on the order. See [Rules overview](/articles/115001575803-rules-overview) for conditions and rule management.

If Peoplevox is configured to create packages from its despatch package details, those packages follow the Peoplevox workflow instead. Follow [Configure Peoplevox labels, couriers and packages](/articles/90200000000501-configure-peoplevox-labels-couriers-and-packages) rather than relying on the import packaging option or packaging rule to replace them.

## Try a packaging example

[Compare packaging options with the visualiser](/articles/1792372698950-compare-packaging-options-with-the-visualiser) to see how each method works and try your own items and boxes.

## Verify the imported package

1. Reopen **Packaging** or **Package Setup** and confirm the method and default package were saved.
2. Import an order with known item data through your usual workflow.
3. Check the assigned package name, count, weight and dimensions. If you use a rule, confirm that it applied only where expected.
4. Compare the details with the packed parcel, including packaging material, before printing.

Saving a method or layout does not immediately recalculate existing orders. Reimports follow the existing import and overwrite rules. If the result is unexpected, check the item's data and units, Product Catalogue settings, saved package values and matching packaging rules. Correct the package before printing.

## Related articles

- [Set up item dimensions for packaging](/articles/1792372698951-set-up-item-dimensions-for-packaging)
- [Compare packaging options with the visualiser](/articles/1792372698950-compare-packaging-options-with-the-visualiser)
- [Set up rates at checkout](/articles/360000179036-set-up-rates-at-checkout)