A two-dimensional matrix barcode that encodes URLs, plain text, contact information, Wi-Fi credentials, and more. The pattern is read by a camera or image processor that decodes the matrix into the original payload.

Which barcode symbologies are supported?

The generator covers Code 128 for printable ASCII text, EAN-13 for international retail products, and UPC-A for US retail products. These three handle the vast majority of practical barcode needs.

How does the QR scanner use my camera?

The camera only turns on after you tap the start button. Frames are read in your browser by the jsQR library, decoded into text, and discarded. They are not recorded, and they are not sent to our servers.

Can I scan QR codes from images instead of the camera?

Yes. The scanner accepts uploaded images. The picture is decoded inside the tab using the same library and the result text appears immediately.

Is there a size or content limit on QR codes?

QR codes have version sizes from 21x21 (version 1) up to 177x177 (version 40). At error correction level L the largest holds about 4,296 characters of the QR alphanumeric set (digits, capital letters and a few symbols) or about 2,950 bytes of ordinary text and URLs; at the default level M, about 2,330 bytes. The generator picks the smallest version that fits your payload.

What error correction level should I choose?

L recovers from 7 percent damage, M from 15 percent, Q from 25 percent, H from 30 percent. Higher levels make the QR more resilient at the cost of a larger matrix. Use M for screens, H for printed codes that might get scuffed.

Why use SVG output for barcodes?

SVG scales without losing fidelity, prints crisply at any size, and stays small in file size. PNG output is also offered for systems that only accept raster images.

Can I generate a Wi-Fi QR code?

Yes. Enter the network SSID, password, and security type. The generator emits the standard WIFI:T:WPA;S:Name;P:Pass;; format that most phone cameras can join with a single tap.

Complete guide to QR and barcode tools

By the inyourbrowser.com editorial team · Reviewed and tested September 30, 2026

What are QR and barcode tools?

QR and barcode tools generate, scan, and decode machine-readable visual codes. The category here covers QR code generation for URLs, text, and Wi-Fi credentials; QR scanning from camera or uploaded images; and 1D barcode generation for Code 128, EAN-13, and UPC-A.

How to choose a QR or barcode tool

Start from what the code has to do. Each job points to a different tool.

A link people will scan from print: make a QR code for a landing page URL and put it on the flyer.
Guests who need the network: a Wi-Fi QR code lets them join with one tap instead of typing the password.
A code on a poster you did not make: decode it with your camera and read the link before you tap it.
A photo or screenshot that contains a code: read the QR code from the image to see where it leads before opening it.
An internal asset label or SKU with letters in it: a Code 128 barcode takes printable ASCII text.
A retail product number: generate EAN-13 codes from 12 digits for an international catalog, or UPC-A from 11 digits for a US listing. The check digit is added for you.

For a side-by-side comparison with hosted QR services and your phone's built-in scanner, see the QR and barcode tools overview.

Tool comparison

Tool	Primary use	Output / options
QR code generator	Create QR codes	URL, text, Wi-Fi. PNG download, SVG copy
QR code scanner	Decode QR codes	Camera or uploaded image
Barcode generator	Create 1D barcodes	Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A

How to create and read codes in the browser

Decide what you need. Generate a QR for a URL, generate a barcode for a retail product, or scan an existing QR code from camera or image.
Enter the payload or pick a file. Type the URL, paste the text, fill in the Wi-Fi network name and password, or upload the picture containing the code.
Adjust options. Switch the QR error correction level, pick the barcode symbology, or aim the camera at the code in good lighting.
Download or copy the result. Download the QR as PNG or copy it as SVG, save the barcode as SVG or PNG, or copy the decoded text. Camera frames are decoded in the tab and not kept.

Common workflows

Print event materials. Generate a QR for the event landing page at high error correction, paste the copied SVG into the print template, then test it by scanning the printed sheet.

Label inventory. Generate a Code 128 barcode for each SKU string, embed each output in your label template, and verify against the source spreadsheet exported through CSV to JSON.

Set up guest Wi-Fi. Create a Wi-Fi QR code, print it as a small countertop card, and scan it once to check before guests arrive. To hand a password to someone in the room, generate it and show it as a QR code.

Format primer

QR codes are governed by ISO 18004. They use square modules in a fixed pattern with finder squares at three corners, a version-dependent timing pattern, and Reed-Solomon error correction.

Code 128 is a high-density linear barcode that encodes ASCII text (the generator here accepts the printable characters). It is the default choice for warehouse, shipping, and internal asset labels.

EAN-13 and UPC-A are fixed-length numeric symbologies used in retail. EAN-13 covers international products; UPC-A is the legacy US standard. Both encode a product identifier plus a manufacturer prefix and append a check digit so scanning errors get caught at the register.

Choosing an error correction level for a QR code involves a small trade-off. Level L (low) keeps the matrix smaller and packs more data into the same space. Level H (high) recovers from roughly 30 percent damage and is the right call for codes printed in environments where scuffing, partial overlap, or dirty surfaces are likely. The matrix size grows with both data length and correction level, so plan extra space when payload length and resilience both matter.

QR codes have specific module layouts: three finder squares at the corners (helping scanners locate and orient the code), alignment patterns that grow with the version, and timing strips that establish the module pitch. The QR specification asks for a quiet zone, a light border four modules wide. The generator here adds a two-module border, so leave at least two more modules of white space around the code in your layout. Cropping close to the matrix often breaks decoding.

Frequently asked questions

What is a QR code?: A two-dimensional matrix barcode that encodes URLs, plain text, contact information, Wi-Fi credentials, and more. The pattern is read by a camera or image processor that decodes the matrix into the original payload.
Which barcode symbologies are supported?: The generator covers Code 128 for printable ASCII text, EAN-13 for international retail products, and UPC-A for US retail products. These three handle the vast majority of practical barcode needs.
How does the QR scanner use my camera?: The camera only turns on after you tap the start button. Frames are read in your browser by the jsQR library, decoded into text, and discarded. They are not recorded, and they are not sent to our servers.
Can I scan QR codes from images instead of the camera?: Yes. The scanner accepts uploaded images. The picture is decoded inside the tab using the same library and the result text appears immediately.
Is there a size or content limit on QR codes?: QR codes have version sizes from 21x21 (version 1) up to 177x177 (version 40). At error correction level L the largest holds about 4,296 characters of the QR alphanumeric set (digits, capital letters and a few symbols) or about 2,950 bytes of ordinary text and URLs; at the default level M, about 2,330 bytes. The generator picks the smallest version that fits your payload.
What error correction level should I choose?: L recovers from 7 percent damage, M from 15 percent, Q from 25 percent, H from 30 percent. Higher levels make the QR more resilient at the cost of a larger matrix. Use M for screens, H for printed codes that might get scuffed.
Why use SVG output for barcodes?: SVG scales without losing fidelity, prints crisply at any size, and stays small in file size. PNG output is also offered for systems that only accept raster images.
Can I generate a Wi-Fi QR code?: Yes. Enter the network SSID, password, and security type. The generator emits the standard WIFI:T:WPA;S:Name;P:Pass;; format that most phone cameras can join with a single tap.

Related concepts

QR code error correction explains how the L, M, Q and H levels let a code recover from damage.
vCard format is the contact-card text a vCard QR code carries.
Raster vs vector explains why SVG output prints crisply at any size.
Image tools guide handles pre-processing scanner images.
Data tools guide covers encoding tasks that complement QR payloads.

Reviewed and tested September 30, 2026.