How to switch from Shelf.nu to ItemTally
Export your assets from Shelf as a standard CSV, add a Type column, upload, and fix three column matches. Your own barcodes come across; plan to print ItemTally labels for anything that only has a Shelf QR code.
What you need
- A Shelf.nu login that can export assets
- An ItemTally workspace, free for one editor and ten borrowers
- A spreadsheet app, to add one column
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Export assets from Shelf
In Shelf, open the assets index, tick Select all, choose Export selection, pick the Standard format with all columns, and Download CSV. Shelf's knowledge base also describes a full backup under Workspace Settings.
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Add a Type column
Add a Type column:
uniquefor individually tracked assets andquantityfor quantity-tracked ones. Individually tracked assets usually have no quantity, and without a type they'd arrive as counted stock with a quantity of zero. -
Upload and fix three column matches
Upload on the Imports screen. Then in Match columns: set Total value to Don't import (it would overwrite Value), keep only one of Category and Tags as Tags (make the other a custom field), and map Asset ID to Barcode or code if your printed labels show it.
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Bring your own barcodes
Shelf exports barcodes you added in their own columns (Code128, Code39, DataMatrix, External QR, EAN-13). EAN-13 is matched on its own; map the others you use to Barcode or code too, and those labels keep scanning.
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Check and import
The Check step shows every asset that will be created and why any row would be skipped. Fix and re-upload until it's clean.
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Re-create custody, kits and bookings
The Custody column shows who holds each asset. Hand those items over again in ItemTally. Rebuild kits under Kits, and re-create upcoming bookings under Schedule.
How Shelf’s columns map
| Shelf column (Standard export) | ItemTally field |
|---|---|
| Name | Name |
| Description | Notes |
| Value | Value |
| Total value | Don’t import (change it) |
| Category | Tags, or a custom field |
| Tags | Tags |
| Location | Location |
| Quantity | Quantity |
| Min quantity | Low-stock alert at |
| Asset ID | Barcode or code, if it’s on your labels |
| EAN-13 | Barcode or code |
| Code128, Code39, DataMatrix, External QR | Barcode or code (map them) |
| Custody | Custom field, for reference |
| Kit, Asset model, your custom fields | Custom fields |
| ID, QR ID, Status, dates, bookings, reminders | Don’t import |
Column names checked against Shelf’s knowledge base and source code on 16 October 2026.
Try it on your own stuff. Free for one editor and ten borrowers, with unlimited items. No card.
Start freeQuestions people ask
Do photos come across from Shelf?
No. Shelf's CSV exports don't include images, so add the photos you need to items afterwards.
Will my Shelf QR labels still scan?
Plan to print ItemTally labels for anything that only has a Shelf QR code. Barcodes you added yourself carry over once mapped to Barcode or code.
Why move from Shelf?
Shelf is a good tool with a free plan, EU hosting and open source code. Teams move to ItemTally for counted stock with minimums per location, stock counts by scanning a shelf, returns through a My things link without an account, and a public API with an MCP server.
Is history imported?
No. ItemTally's logbook starts from the import. Keep your Shelf export as the record of the past.