QR code scanner

How to scan a QR code

1. Choose "Upload image" to scan a QR code from a saved image file, or "Webcam" for live scanning.
2. If uploading: drop your image onto the area or click to browse.
3. If using the camera: click "Start camera" and hold your QR code up to the webcam.
4. The decoded text or URL appears instantly, click any link to open it.

Common uses

• Decoding a QR code from a screenshot or saved image without a phone
• Quickly reading a QR code on screen using your laptop webcam, or generating a new QR code
• Extracting the URL or text from a QR code in a document or presentation, then decode any percent-encoded characters to see the plain URL

Technical specification

• Algorithm or formula: QR Code 2005 decoding (ISO/IEC 18004) via the jsQR library. The tool extracts an ImageData buffer from an uploaded image or video frame and passes the pixel array to jsQR's finder-pattern and Reed-Solomon decoder.
• Browser API or library: jsQR for decoding; Canvas 2D API for pixel extraction; navigator.mediaDevices.getUserMedia for the live camera feed.
• Input limits: Image input up to 50 MB and 50 megapixels. Camera feed processed frame-by-frame at the browser's native capture resolution.
• Output: Decoded payload as plain text. http and https URLs get an Open URL link that opens in a new tab after you click it.
• Known limitations: Heavily damaged, low-resolution, or low-contrast codes may fail to decode. Camera access requires explicit user permission.

Frequently asked questions

How does the QR scanner work, image upload or live camera?

Both. Upload an image file (JPEG, PNG, WebP) and the tool decodes any QR code visible inside, or click Start camera to scan continuously from your webcam. Decoded content is shown immediately with a clickable link if it is a URL. All decoding runs in your browser using jsQR.

Is my image or camera feed uploaded to a server?

All decoding happens in your browser using jsQR, and camera frames are processed locally. Our servers are not involved at any point.

Why can the webcam not scan my QR code?

Ensure the QR code is well-lit, fills most of the frame, and is held still. The camera scans frames continuously, a result appears as soon as a valid code is detected.

Why does the camera require permission?

Browsers require explicit permission before any site accesses the camera. Permission is only requested when you click "Start camera". It is never requested automatically.