Read a QR code from an image file
Decode the text or link hidden in a QR code image.
This QR code reader decodes a code from an image. Upload a screenshot or photo that contains it and the decoded text or link appears on the page. Use this when you cannot point a phone camera at the code, for example a QR code in an email, a PDF page or a saved picture. The reader looks for one code per image and shows the raw content without opening it for you.
How to read a QR code from a picture
Upload a JPG, PNG, WEBP, GIF or BMP up to 20 MiB. The reader scans the whole picture, decodes the code it finds and prints the content as text. Copy the result into your browser or notes. The tool never opens the link, which lets you inspect it before you visit.
Check links before you open them
QR codes hide the destination, so a malicious one can lead to a fake login page. Read the decoded address first and look at the domain. Be careful with shortened links and with text that asks you to enter payment or account details. If the code held a Wi-Fi setup or contact card, you will see its raw text format.
Getting a better read
Use a sharp, straight-on image where the code fills a good part of the frame, with its white margin visible. Heavy glare, blur, strong rotation, low contrast or a very small code can cause a failed read. If there is a lot of surrounding content, crop the picture to the code first with an image editor.
What this reader does not do
It detects a single QR code per image and does not read barcodes, so multiple codes in one photo may return only one result or none. It cannot scan live from a camera. To make your own code, use the QR Code Generator; to turn a PDF page into an image first, use PDF to Images.
Frequently asked questions
How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Upload the screenshot to the QR code reader. It detects the code in the image and shows the text or link it contains, which you can copy. No camera is needed, since everything is decoded from the file.
Does the reader open the link for me?
No. It only displays the decoded content. That gives you time to check the domain and decide whether to visit it, which is a sensible habit with any QR code from an unknown source.
Why is my QR code not detected?
The code may be blurry, too small, low in contrast, strongly tilted or cut off at the margin. Try a sharper, larger image where the whole code is visible. Cropping to the code often helps.
Can it read several QR codes in one image?
It is built to read a single code per image. If a picture contains more than one, you may get only one result or none. Crop each code into its own image and read them one by one.
Can it read barcodes too?
No, it handles QR codes only. Product barcodes such as EAN or UPC and other symbol formats are not supported by this reader, so use a dedicated barcode scanner for those.
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