2D Barcode Reader
Have a barcode as an image and just need to know what it says? Upload it, drag it onto the page, or paste it straight from your clipboard with Ctrl+V — this reader automatically detects the format and decodes PDF417, Data Matrix, Aztec Code, and standard QR codes, plus common 1D barcodes like Code 128, EAN, and UPC. Making your own codes instead? See the full 2D Barcodes collection, or use this reader afterward to double-check any code from the Batch Barcode Generator before printing a large run.
Drop a barcode image here or click to browse
Or press Ctrl+V to paste an image copied from anywhere
How to Use the 2D Barcode Reader
- Click the upload area to browse for an image file, or drag an image directly onto it.
- Already have the image copied to your clipboard? Just press Ctrl+V anywhere on this page.
- The barcode's format is detected automatically and the decoded content appears instantly.
- Recognized structured content (WiFi networks, contact cards, calendar events, links) is broken down into readable fields automatically. Everything else is shown as plain text.
- Click Scan another image to start over.
What This Tool Can Recognize
Barcode formats
PDF417, Data Matrix, Aztec Code, and QR codes, plus common 1D formats like Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, and UPC-E.
Websites & links
Shown with a one-click Open Link button, plus a copy button.
WiFi networks
Network name, password, and encryption type are broken out with a dedicated Copy Password button.
Contact cards (vCard)
Name, organization, phone numbers, and email are listed individually, with a Download .vcf button to save it straight to your contacts app.
Calendar events
Event title, location, and start/end time are shown clearly, with a Download .ics button to add it to your calendar.
Everything else
Any other content is shown as plain text with a copy button. For your safety, a clickable action button only ever appears for recognized, safe link types (web, email, text, phone).
Your Image Stays Private
This reader decodes the barcode entirely inside your browser using your device's own processing power. The image is never uploaded, transmitted, or stored anywhere — closing this tab clears everything.
Troubleshooting a Failed Scan
- Crop tighter. A screenshot with a lot of empty space around the code can confuse the decoder — crop the image so the barcode fills most of the frame.
- Improve lighting and focus. Blurry or glare-heavy photos are the most common cause of a failed scan.
- Straighten the angle. A code photographed at a steep angle is harder to decode than one shot head-on.
- Aztec Code specifically can be printed edge-to-edge with no blank border, but a photo of one still benefits from a small margin in the frame around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my image uploaded anywhere?
No. The image is decoded locally in your browser — it never leaves your device.
Can I scan live with my webcam?
Not currently — this tool works from a still image. Take a photo of the code with your phone or computer's camera app, or take a screenshot, then upload or paste it here.
Which formats does this NOT support?
This tool covers the common 2D formats (PDF417, Data Matrix, Aztec, QR) and a handful of standard 1D formats. Less common symbologies like MaxiCode are not currently supported.
Why does it say no barcode was detected?
Usually the code is too small, blurry, cropped awkwardly, or the image contains more than one code. See the troubleshooting tips above.
Can this read an ID card or driver's license barcode?
It will decode the raw text or data stored in the barcode itself, but many government ID barcodes use a specialized data format (such as AAMVA for U.S. driver's licenses) that this tool displays as plain text rather than parsing into individual fields.
