Is this barcode scanner free?

Yes, this barcode scanner is completely free with no usage limits, no account required, and no subscription. Open the page in any modern browser and start scanning immediately. There are no ads, no paywalls, and no restrictions on the number of scans you can perform.

Is my data private when I use this scanner?

Yes. All barcode decoding is performed entirely within your browser using the ZXing JavaScript library. No image is uploaded to any server, and no scan result is transmitted or stored anywhere outside your device. The image object URL created during processing is revoked immediately after decoding. Your data never leaves your browser.

What image formats can I upload?

You can upload image files in PNG, JPG (JPEG), GIF, BMP, and WebP formats. Drag the image directly onto the upload zone or use the Choose File button to browse. For best results, use a clear, well-lit image where the barcode is not blurred, skewed at an extreme angle, or partially obscured.

Why is my barcode not being detected?

The most common reasons for a failed scan are: the barcode is blurred or out of focus, the image has poor contrast or extreme glare, the barcode is severely skewed or only partially visible, or the barcode format is not among the supported types. Try uploading a higher-resolution image, improving lighting if using the camera, or moving closer to the barcode.

How does Camera mode work?

Clicking Start Camera requests permission to access your device camera via the browser's MediaDevices API. The scanner uses the rear-facing camera by default on mobile devices. Once active, it continuously reads video frames and attempts to decode any barcode detected in the frame. Each successfully decoded barcode is added to the results list, and the scanner continues polling for the next barcode automatically.

Does this work on mobile devices?

Yes. The scanner is fully responsive and works on iOS and Android devices in Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. Camera mode on mobile automatically requests the rear-facing camera for comfortable one-handed scanning. Upload mode also works on mobile — you can select an image from your photo library or capture a new photo and upload it directly.

Can I scan multiple barcodes in one session?

Yes. In Camera mode, the scanner continuously detects barcodes and maintains a rolling history of the last 10 decoded results with timestamps. In Upload mode, click Scan Again after each decode to scan a new image. The Clear button resets the results list when you want to start fresh.

What does the format badge mean in the results?

Each decoded result displays a color-coded format badge identifying the type of barcode that was detected — for example, QR CODE, EAN 13, CODE 128, or PDF 417. The color of the badge corresponds to the barcode family: purple for QR codes, blue for EAN, green for Code 128/39, amber for UPC, and so on. This helps you quickly identify what kind of barcode you scanned.

Can I scan a barcode from an image or screenshot?

Yes. Choose Upload Image and drag in a PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, or WebP file, or click to browse. The image is decoded locally in your browser, so screenshots and photos of private documents are not sent to a server.

What do the numbers in an EAN-13 or UPC barcode mean?

An EAN-13 has 13 digits and a UPC-A has 12. The last digit is a check digit used to catch misreads, and the leading digits are a GS1 prefix assigned by GS1 member organizations. That prefix does not necessarily show where a product was made. A UPC-A is the same as an EAN-13 with a leading 0.

Can this scanner read ISBN barcodes on books?

Yes. Book ISBN-13 numbers are printed as EAN-13 barcodes that begin with 978 or 979, so the scanner returns the 13-digit ISBN. Some books also carry a smaller add-on barcode for price or edition data.

Does it read GS1-128 shipping labels?

Yes, as Code 128. GS1-128 is a structured form of Code 128, so the scanner reports the format as Code 128 and returns the data as one plain string without parentheses around the Application Identifiers. Separators between variable-length fields are not shown, so a label encoding (10)ABC123(21)XYZ789 is returned as 10ABC12321XYZ789. To split the string into fields, parse it with a GS1 tool or check it against the data you encoded.

Free Online Barcode Scanner — Decode Any Barcode Instantly from Image or Camera

A free, browser-based barcode scanner that decodes QR codes, EAN-13, Code 128, UPC-A, PDF417, Data Matrix, Aztec, and 14+ barcode formats instantly. Upload an image or use your device camera — no app download, no account, no data uploaded. All processing happens locally in your browser for complete privacy.

Barcode Scanner

Web-based local decoding

Drag or click to scan

What Is This Barcode Scanner?

This free online barcode scanner is a client-side tool powered by the ZXing decoding library. It supports two scanning modes: upload an image file (PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, WebP) containing a barcode, or point your device camera at any barcode for real-time continuous decoding. Because all processing runs entirely in your browser, your images and scan results never leave your device — making it one of the most privacy-respecting barcode readers available.

100% Local Processing — Your Data Never Leaves Your Device
Unlike cloud-based barcode scanning services, this tool runs entirely in your browser using the ZXing JavaScript library. No image is uploaded to any server. No scan result is stored or transmitted. Whether you are scanning a shipping label, a product barcode, or a sensitive QR code, your data stays completely private on your own device.
Dual Scanning Modes: Image Upload and Live Camera
Choose between two flexible input modes. In Upload mode, drag and drop any image file or click to browse — supported formats include PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, and WebP. In Camera mode, the scanner activates your device camera and continuously polls for barcodes in real time, keeping a rolling history of the last 10 decoded results.
Supports 14+ Barcode and QR Code Formats
This scanner recognizes the full range of 1D and 2D barcode standards: QR Code, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 128 (including GS1-128), Code 39, UPC-A, UPC-E, PDF417, Data Matrix, Aztec, ITF, Codabar, Code 93, and GS1 DataBar. Each decoded result displays the barcode format alongside its decoded text value and a precise timestamp.
One-Click Copy for Every Scanned Result
Every decoded result includes a one-click Copy button. After scanning, copy the barcode content to your clipboard instantly — ideal for logging product SKUs, opening URLs from QR codes, recording tracking numbers, or transferring any scanned value into another application without manual retyping.
No App Download, No Account, No Cost
This barcode scanner works entirely in a modern browser — desktop or mobile. There is no app to install, no account to create, and no subscription to manage. Open the page, scan your barcode, and get your result in seconds. It works on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge across Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

Barcode Scanner Features & Capabilities

Explore what makes this free barcode scanner a reliable, privacy-first decoding tool. From real-time camera scanning to drag-and-drop image upload, here is every capability built into this browser-based barcode reader.

Real-Time Camera Barcode Scanning

Activate your device camera and the scanner continuously polls the video stream for any supported barcode or QR code. When a barcode is detected, the decoded text, format type, and timestamp are immediately added to the results list. Camera scanning keeps a rolling log of the last 10 successful reads — perfect for batch scanning product codes, inventory items, or event tickets.

Drag-and-Drop Image Upload

Drag any image file directly onto the upload zone — or click to open a file picker. The scanner accepts PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, and WebP formats. Once dropped, a visual scan animation plays while ZXing processes the image, then the decoded barcode result appears instantly. A thumbnail preview of the uploaded image is displayed alongside the result.

Format-Labeled Results with Color-Coded Badges

Each decoded result displays the barcode content alongside a color-coded format badge identifying the barcode type — purple for QR Code, blue for EAN, green for Code 128/39, amber for UPC, and more. A precise HH:MM:SS timestamp marks when the scan occurred, giving you a clear log of every decoded barcode.

Multi-Format 1D and 2D Barcode Support

This scanner handles all major barcode and QR code standards used in retail, logistics, healthcare, and publishing: QR Code, EAN-13, EAN-8, Code 128 (including GS1-128), Code 39, UPC-A, UPC-E, PDF417, Data Matrix, Aztec, ITF, Codabar, Code 93, and GS1 DataBar. One tool covers every format you are likely to encounter.

Responsive Design for Desktop and Mobile

The scanner interface adapts to any screen size. On mobile, Camera mode uses the rear-facing camera by default (environment facing mode) for comfortable handheld scanning. On desktop, Upload mode is ideal for decoding barcodes found in document scans, product photos, or screenshots. The same feature set is available across all devices and browsers.

Scan Again and Clear Controls

After a successful scan, a Scan Again button resets the upload zone so you can immediately scan a new image without refreshing the page. In the results panel, a Clear button wipes the entire results list. These controls keep the workflow fast and uncluttered for users who need to scan multiple items in sequence.

How to Scan a Barcode Online — Step-by-Step Guide

Decoding a barcode with this free online scanner takes seconds. Here is exactly how to use it in either image upload or camera mode:

Choose Your Scanning Mode

Select Upload Image to decode a barcode from an existing image file, or select Camera to use your device camera for live real-time scanning. Upload mode is ideal for product photos, document scans, and screenshots. Camera mode is best for scanning physical barcodes on packages, price tags, tickets, or displays.

Upload an Image or Activate Your Camera

In Upload mode: drag and drop your image onto the drop zone, or click Choose File to browse. Supported formats are PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, and WebP. In Camera mode: click Start Camera and grant browser permission to access your camera. Point your camera at the barcode and hold it steady — the scanner detects barcodes automatically.

Barcode Is Decoded Instantly

The ZXing library processes the image or video frame locally in your browser. A scanning animation plays during processing. When a barcode is detected, the decoded text appears immediately in the Results panel along with the barcode format (e.g., QR Code, EAN-13, Code 128) and the exact time of the scan.

Copy, Use, or Scan Again

Click Copy next to any result to copy the decoded text to your clipboard. Click Scan Again to upload another image, or leave the camera running to keep scanning additional barcodes — each new result is added to the top of the list. Click Clear to reset all results when you are done.

Who Should Use This Free Barcode Scanner?

This browser-based barcode scanner is built for anyone who needs to decode barcodes quickly without installing software or uploading data to a server. Here is who benefits most.

Shoppers and Consumers Checking Products

Decode product EAN or UPC barcodes from packaging photos to look up product details, compare prices, or verify item authenticity. Scan QR codes from menus, flyers, or ads to extract the embedded URL without an app.

Logistics and Warehouse Teams

Scan Code 128 (including GS1-128 labels) and ITF barcodes from shipping labels, carton labels, and packing slips directly in the browser. Copy decoded tracking numbers straight to your clipboard for entry into warehouse or logistics management systems.

Developers and QA Engineers

Verify that barcodes generated by your application decode correctly. Upload a rendered barcode image and confirm the decoded output matches the expected value — useful for testing label printing systems, QR code generators, and barcode APIs without needing a physical scanner.

Anyone Who Values Privacy

Because all decoding happens entirely in the browser, this tool is the right choice whenever the barcode contains sensitive information — such as IDs, medical codes, financial data, or internal business codes. Nothing is ever transmitted to a server.

Barcode Scanner Use Cases & Real-World Examples

Decoding a QR code from an uploaded screenshot using the online barcode scanner

Decode QR Codes from Screenshots and Photos

Upload any screenshot, photo, or image containing a QR code and get the decoded URL, text, or data in seconds. No QR code app needed — works directly in your browser. Need to make one? Try our QR code generator.

Scanning a product EAN-13 barcode using the live camera barcode scanner

Scan Product Barcodes for EAN and UPC Codes

Point your camera at any retail product barcode — EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, or UPC-E — and the scanner returns the numeric code instantly. Useful for price checking, inventory, and product research. Need to make one? Try our EAN-13 generator.

Decoding a Code 128 shipping label barcode from an uploaded image

Read Shipping and Logistics Labels (Code 128 / GS1-128)

Decode Code 128 and GS1-128 barcodes from shipping labels, packing slips, and logistics documents. Upload a photo of the label and extract the tracking number or package identifier without manual entry. GS1-128 labels are read as Code 128, so the data appears as one plain string without parentheses. Need to make one? Try our GS1-128 generator.

Decoding a PDF417 barcode from an ID or boarding pass using the browser scanner

Verify PDF417 Barcodes on IDs and Tickets

PDF417 barcodes appear on driver's licenses, boarding passes, and event tickets. Upload an image of the barcode to decode and verify the encoded data — all processing stays local so sensitive ID information is never transmitted. Need to make one? Try our PDF417 generator.

Using camera mode to scan multiple barcodes for inventory management

Batch Camera Scanning for Inventory

Use Camera mode to scan multiple items in sequence. The scanner maintains a rolling log of the last 10 scanned barcodes with timestamps, making it easy to record inventory counts or audit product SKUs without writing anything down.

Decoding a Data Matrix barcode from industrial equipment using image upload

Decode Data Matrix and Aztec Codes from Equipment

Industrial equipment, medical devices, and electronics often use Data Matrix or Aztec codes. Upload a close-up photo of the code to extract the encoded serial number, part ID, or configuration data instantly. Need to make one? Try our Data Matrix generator.

Scan a Barcode from an Image, Photo, or Phone Camera

Whether the barcode is on a screenshot, a photo in your gallery, or a package in front of you, here is how to read it and what to do with the result.

Scan a Barcode from an Image or Screenshot

Choose Upload Image and drop in a PNG, JPG, GIF, BMP, or WebP file. Screenshots, photos from your gallery, and exported label images all work. If the barcode sits in a large picture, crop it first so the code fills most of the frame.

Scan with Your Phone Camera or Laptop Webcam

Open this page on your iPhone, Android phone, or computer, choose Camera, and allow camera access. On phones the rear camera is used by default. Hold the code steady, keep it well lit, and fill the frame without cutting off the quiet margins around it.

Read the Number, Then Look It Up

The scanner returns the digits or text encoded in the barcode. For a product, search the EAN-13 or UPC-A number to identify it. A 13-digit code starting with 978 or 979 is a book ISBN-13. For a shipping label, copy the decoded tracking number into the carrier's tracking page.

Fix a Barcode That Will Not Scan

Blur, glare, low contrast, a torn or too-small code, and missing white margins are the usual causes. Try a sharper, higher-resolution image, move to even lighting, or scan from a slightly greater distance so the whole code is in focus.

Barcode Scanner — Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about using this free online barcode scanner — how it works, which formats it supports, whether it is private, and how to get the best scan results.

Scan Your Barcode Now — Free, Instant, and 100% Private

This free online barcode scanner is ready to use right now. Decode QR codes, EAN-13, Code 128, UPC, PDF417, Data Matrix, Aztec, and 14+ other barcode formats from any image file or your device camera — no app download, no account, no data uploaded. All processing happens locally in your browser. Upload an image or start your camera and get your result in seconds.