Free Online Barcode Scanner
Decode QR codes, UPC, EAN, Code 128, Data Matrix and more — all from an image, right in your browser. Nothing is uploaded. Completely private and free.
Drag & drop image here
Supports PNG, JPG, WebP
Result
Upload an image to see the decoded result here.
Supported barcode formats
One scanner for almost every barcode you'll encounter — from grocery UPC labels to QR codes on asset tags.
2D barcodes
- QR Code (Model 1 & 2)
- Data Matrix
- Aztec
- PDF417
1D barcodes
- UPC-A, UPC-E
- EAN-8, EAN-13
- Code 39, Code 93, Code 128
- ITF, Codabar, RSS-14
How this scanner works
Client-side decoding
All processing runs entirely on your device using your browser's capabilities — no server round-trip.
Privacy first
Your images are never uploaded to our servers or stored anywhere. Safe for sensitive or regulated inventory.
Works offline
Once the page loads, you can decode images even without an internet connection.
Common uses for barcode scanning
- Verifying asset tag QR codes during audits
- Reading UPC/EAN codes from receipts and packaging
- Decoding Code 128 labels on warehouse shelving
- Validating product batch numbers via Data Matrix
- Checking custody trails on equipment
- Reconciling inventory faster than manual lookup
FAQ
What barcode formats does this scanner support?
It decodes both 2D barcodes (QR Code, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417) and 1D barcodes (UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, ITF, Codabar, RSS-14). One tool for almost every barcode you'll encounter.
Does this upload my image to a server?
No. All decoding happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your images effectively never leave your device — perfect for sensitive inventory or regulated environments.
Why can't it read my barcode?
Ensure the image is well-lit, in focus, and the barcode is not damaged or obstructed. High contrast between the bars (or QR modules) and the background helps. For 1D barcodes, the bars need to be clearly resolved — very low resolution images may not work.
What's the difference between a barcode and a QR code?
A QR code is a type of barcode. “Barcode” is the umbrella term covering both 1D barcodes (the parallel-line patterns on grocery items, like UPC and EAN) and 2D barcodes (square patterns that store data in two dimensions, like QR Code and Data Matrix). This tool reads all of them.
Can I use this for asset tracking?
Yes. This is the same scanning engine used inside Shelf, our asset management platform. For full asset tracking — inventory, custody, bookings, audit trails — sign up for a free Shelf account and use our mobile and web apps to scan codes and update records in real time.
Ready to organize your assets?
Join thousands of teams who trust Shelf to manage their physical assets. Free forever, or try the Team plan free for 7 days.