A self-checkout system and techniques for illuminating one or more items placed within a predefined zone of the self-checkout system are provided. In one aspect, a self-checkout system includes one or more cameras, a light source, and a computing device. The computing device is configured to implement an operation, including: receiving one or more images of one or more items placed within the predefined zone, the images being captured by the cameras; determining an identity of the one or more items placed within the predefined zone, based at least in part on the captured images; and causing the light source to project an illuminated indicator onto at least one item of the one or more items placed within the predefined zone, based on the identity of the at least one item.