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Barcode Scanner

Read the number out of a 1D barcode. Point your camera at a product code, or upload a photo you have already taken — the value appears straight away. No sign-up or login required, and no payment.

Scan a barcode

Point your camera at a 1D barcode, or open a photo you have already taken. The camera only turns on when you press the button, and neither the picture nor the code ever leaves your device.

Upload a barcode image Choose a photo, or drag one here. PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF or BMP.

Everything is read in your browser and thrown away immediately. Nothing is recorded, uploaded or logged.

About this tool

This reads the striped 1D barcodes printed on products and packaging — the ones that carry a number rather than a web address. Where your browser provides its own barcode reader, that is used; otherwise the scanner built for this site takes over.

An uploaded picture gets a more thorough read than the live camera can manage. There is only one shot at it, so the image is examined at every quarter turn and each line across it is read from both ends — a barcode photographed sideways or upside down comes out the same either way.

Scanning a QR code? Most phone cameras read those natively — just open the camera app. To read one from a saved picture, use the QR Code Decoder. To make a barcode rather than read one, use the Barcode Generator.

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How to Use the Barcode Scanner

Allow the page to use your camera when your browser asks.
Hold the barcode steady inside the frame.
Read the decoded number once it is recognised.

What You Can Do

Scan with the camera already on your phone or laptop, with nothing to install.
Reads the common retail and inventory symbologies.
Shows the decoded value as text so you can copy it.
The camera feed is processed on your device and is not streamed anywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the camera not starting?

The browser needs permission, and it will only grant it on a secure connection. Check the address bar for a blocked-camera icon.

Why will a barcode not scan?

Poor light, glare from packaging, or holding the code too close all prevent a read. Move back slightly and keep the bars level.

Does this look up product information?

No. It reads the number printed on the label. Looking that number up in a product database is a separate step.

Can I scan from a photo instead of the camera?

This tool uses the live camera. To read a code from a saved image, use the QR code decoder for QR codes.