# Code generator settings

> This article outlines best practices for setting up and using the Code Generator in Vestis Labs to support consistent, automated generation of SKU codes, Style codes, and Library item codes…

Source: https://docs.vestislabs.com/settings/code-generator-settings/

## Code generator – admin setup

This article outlines best practices for setting up and using the Code Generator in Vestis Labs to support consistent, automated generation of SKU codes and Style codes across your product.

## Introduction & best practice

The Code Generator in Vestis Labs allows you to define structured formulas for creating product codes using predefined elements such as season, category, style, material, size, colour and supplier. By configuring code formulas, you ensure every generated code follows a clear, standardised format that is easy to read, track, and manage.

Using the Formula Builder, you can arrange formula elements in the desired order, define separators, and control how codes are constructed. This structured approach improves data consistency, reduces manual errors, and enhances traceability across styles and SKUs.

**Where to find it:** Settings → Code Generator

From the left sidebar, click **Settings**, then **Code Generator**. The page opens on the **Formula Builder** tab.

![Select the Code Generator section to begin configuration.](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/settings/assets/code-generator-settings/01-select-the-code-generator-section-to.webp)

The Code Generator page has four tabs: **Formula Builder**, **Settings**, **Data Manager** and **Code Generator**.

![Code Generator](https://docs.vestislabs.com/assets/settings/assets/code-generator-settings/02-code-generator.webp)

## Formula Builder tab

Contains two cards, **SKU Formula** and **Style Code Formula**. In each card you can:

- Type a **Separator** (for example `-` or `_`, or leave it empty) that is placed between the elements of the code.
- Add elements with the buttons under **Add Element**. A button disappears once its element is in the formula, and the card shows "All available elements have been added to the formula." when none are left.
- Drag elements in the **Formula Elements** box to reorder them, or click the **X** on an element to remove it.
- Click **Create Custom** to add your own element (see below).
- Check the **Live Preview** to see the formula with the separator applied.

The **SKU Formula** can use Category, Color, Material, Size, Style, Season and Supplier. The **Style Code Formula** can use Category, Material, Style, Season and Supplier. Custom elements can be used in both.

Changes in this tab are saved automatically about one second after you stop editing.

## Settings tab

Contains one card per data type: **Categories**, **Colors**, **Materials**, **Sizes**, **Style Numbers**, **Seasons** and **Suppliers**, followed by the **Custom codes** list and an **Add custom** card. Each card has:

- **Generation Method**: **Letters (First no. of letters)**, **Letters (Sequential)** or **Numbers (Sequential)**.
- **Digit Count**: from 1 to 10. Hidden for **Letters (Sequential)**.
- **Starting Number**: only for **Numbers (Sequential)**.
- **Auto-generate** switch: "Automatically assign codes on create".
- A **Preview** of the result, for example `DRESS → DRE` with 3 letters.

For **Style Numbers** (always numeric) the card also shows **Current Sequence Status** with the **Current Sequence** and the **Next Style Number**. Once styles have been created the **Starting Number** is locked: "Cannot be changed after styles have been created".

Changes in this tab are saved automatically about one second after you stop editing.

## Data Manager tab

Shows the lists of **Categories**, **Colors**, **Materials**, **Sizes**, **Seasons**, **Suppliers** and **Customs** with their codes. Edit them on the [Data Manager](https://docs.vestislabs.com/settings/data-manager-code-settings/) page.

## Code Generator tab

Use it to try your formulas. Under **Product Selection**, select a **Category**, **Color**, **Material**, **Size**, **Season** and **Supplier**, enter a **Style Number** (the refresh icon suggests the next one) and click **Generate Codes**. The **SKU Code**, **Style Code** and **Library Item Code** cards show the results, each with a copy button (**Copy SKU**, **Copy Style**, **Copy Library**).

## Create custom data

In the **Create custom data** window choose a **Custom type**:

- **Text**: enter a **Custom value** (up to 20 characters). It appears exactly as typed.
- **Number sequential**: enter a **Custom label** and a **Starting sequence** (a number, for example 12000).
- **Letter sequential**: enter a **Custom label** and a **Starting sequence** in capital letters (for example AAAA).

Click **Create** to save it. The new element then appears under **Add Element**.

## Sequence of style numbers

SKU numbers are generated sequentially based on the order in which styles are created. The sequence runs across all styles within your brand, not by category.

## Related

- [Code generator overview](https://docs.vestislabs.com/settings/code-generator-overview/)
- [Data manager code settings](https://docs.vestislabs.com/settings/data-manager-code-settings/)
- [SKU generator: automated product code management](https://docs.vestislabs.com/settings/sku-generator-automated-product-code-management/)