Scanning workflow
How to Scan a Barcode From an Image or Camera
Choose the appropriate scanner, prepare a readable image or camera view, and understand how results and browser-local history behave.
Read guideBarcode Guides
Use these guides to prepare better images, operate the camera scanner, troubleshoot failed decodes, compare barcode formats, and validate number check digits.
Choose a guide
Each article documents the current browser tools and their limitations. The guides do not replace the requirements of the organization, standard, or system that issues or consumes a barcode.
Troubleshooting
Why Is My Barcode Not Scanning?
Work through focus, glare, contrast, damage, quiet-zone, format-support, file, and camera-permission problems without guessing at a result.
Read guideFormat selection
1D vs 2D Barcodes: What Is the Difference?
Compare linear, matrix, and stacked symbols by data structure, scanning method, error control, size, and downstream requirements.
Read guideNumber validation
How Barcode Check Digits Work
Follow a verified EAN-13 Mod 10 calculation and learn what a valid check digit can—and cannot—tell you about a number.
Read guideOn your phone
Barcode Scan on iPhone
Scan QR codes with the iPhone Camera and Control Center, and read UPC or EAN product barcodes in Safari on iOS and iPad.
Read guideOn your phone
Barcode Scan on Android
Read QR codes from the Android camera, use Google Lens for product barcodes, or scan any format in Chrome with no app.
Read guideStart with the task you have
The scanner, validator, and generator solve different problems. Decoding reads a visible symbol, validation checks number structure, and generation renders a new symbol from supplied data.
Scan an image
Upload one supported image and decode declared barcode formats in the browser.
Use a camera
Grant permission and scan with the live camera interface on a compatible device.
Check a number
Verify supported GTIN, UPC, EAN, ITF-14, and ISBN check-digit mathematics.
Generate a symbol
Validate input and create browser-local PNG or SVG output for supported formats.
A decoded value is not an authenticity check
Successful decoding or a valid check digit does not prove registration, ownership, product existence, destination safety, price, origin, or authenticity. Confirm important information through the appropriate issuing organization or trusted data source.