Tool Overview

This QR code scanner reads QR codes from your device camera or from an image you upload. It decodes the content and shows you the result. You can then copy the text, open links, or run an optional security check before you act on the content.

QR codes often hold links, WiFi details, contact cards, or plain text. Scanning them with a random app can be risky. You may get a malicious link or leak data. This tool lets you see exactly what is inside the code before you open it. You can use it on a computer or phone with a camera or with a saved image.

The tool is for anyone who needs to read QR codes: users checking a poster or receipt, support staff decoding a code from a screenshot, or developers testing their own QR codes. No special skills are required. You choose camera or upload, point or select an image, and read the decoded content.

Background & Concept Explanation

A QR code is a square pattern of black and white modules that stores data. The pattern is read by a scanner or camera and turned back into text or other data. QR codes can hold URLs, WiFi login strings, contact details in vCard format, email or SMS drafts, or any plain text. A related operation involves scanning barcodes as part of a similar workflow.

QR codes are used everywhere: on posters, tickets, receipts, packaging, and in apps. They are handy because you do not have to type a long URL or WiFi password. The downside is that you cannot see what is inside until you scan. A code that looks harmless might open a bad site or trigger an action you did not expect.

Scanning with a phone camera often opens the link or action right away. That is risky if you do not trust the source. Decoding first in a tool lets you see the raw content. You can then decide whether to open the link, copy the WiFi string, or ignore it. The tool also detects the type of content, such as URL, WiFi, contact, email, or SMS, so you know what you are looking at.

Manual decoding is not practical. You need a library or service that turns the image into data. This tool uses a standard decoding library, runs in your browser, and shows the decoded text and type. For extra safety you can run an optional security analysis that gives a risk level and simple advice. For adjacent tasks, decoding JSON Web Tokens addresses a complementary step.

Key Features

• Camera scan. You can turn on your device camera and point it at a QR code. The tool scans the video in real time and stops when it finds and decodes a code. This is useful when the code is on a poster, screen, or object in front of you.
• Image upload. You can upload an image file that contains a QR code. The tool accepts common image types and decodes the code in the image. This is useful when you have a screenshot or a photo of a code. File size and dimensions are limited to keep processing fast and safe.
• Content type detection. After decoding, the tool detects whether the content is a URL, a WiFi string, a contact card, an email, an SMS, or plain text. You see the type next to the result so you know what kind of data you are handling.
• Decoded content display. The full decoded text is shown in a clear box. For URLs you see the link. For WiFi you see the full encoded string, which may include network name and password. For contacts you see the vCard text. You can read everything before you act.
• Copy to clipboard. You can copy the decoded content with one click. This helps when you want to paste the link or text somewhere else, or save the WiFi details without connecting immediately.
• Open link for URLs. When the content is a URL, a button lets you open the link in a new tab. You still see the address first so you can decide if it is safe to open.
• Optional security analysis. You can run a security analysis on the decoded content. The tool sends the text to a backend that returns a risk level and short advice. This helps you spot suspicious links or content before you use it. The step is optional and requires network access.
• Raw data view. You can expand a section to see the full result as JSON, including the decoded data, type, and timestamp. This is useful if you need to inspect or share the exact structure.
• New scan. After viewing a result you can start over. A button clears the result and takes you back to the choice between camera and upload so you can scan another code.

Common Use Cases

Checking a link before opening. Someone hands you a flyer or card with a QR code. You scan it with this tool, see that it is a URL, and read the full address. If it looks safe you open it; if not you leave it.

Reading WiFi from a code. A cafe or office has a QR code for WiFi. You scan it and get the encoded string with network name and password. You copy the text or type the details into your device. You see exactly what the code contains.

Decoding a code from a screenshot. A user sends you a screenshot of a QR code. You upload the image here and get the decoded content. Useful for support or when the code is not in front of you. When working with related formats, checking your IP address can be a useful part of the process.

Testing your own QR codes. You generate QR codes for your site or product. You scan them with this tool to confirm the link or text is correct and that the type is detected as expected.

Security check before using content. You scan a code and get a URL or other data. You run the optional security analysis to get a risk level and recommendations. You then decide whether to open the link or use the data.

How to Use This Tool (Step-by-Step)

1. Open the tool. You will see two options: use the camera or upload an image.
2. Choose how to scan. Click Camera to use your device camera, or click Upload to pick an image file from your device.
3. If you use the camera, allow camera access when the browser asks. Point the camera at the QR code. Keep the code in view until the tool finds and decodes it. The scan stops automatically when a code is detected. To cancel, close the camera with the button.
4. If you upload, select an image that contains a QR code. The file must be an image type and within the size limit. The tool processes the image and decodes the code. If no code is found you get a message; try another image or a clearer photo.
5. View the result. You will see the content type (URL, WiFi, contact, email, SMS, or text) and the full decoded content in a box.
6. Copy the content if needed. Click the copy button to put the decoded text on your clipboard.
7. For URLs, open the link if you want. Click the Open button to open the address in a new tab. Only do this if you trust the source.
8. Run security analysis if you want. Click the Security Analysis button. Wait for the risk level and recommendations. Use this to decide whether the content is safe to use.
9. Optionally open Raw Data to see the full result as JSON.
10. To scan another code, click New Scan. You will return to the camera or upload choice.

Tips, Limitations & Best Practices

Use good lighting and hold the camera steady. Blurry or dark images are harder to decode. For uploads, use a clear image where the QR code is fully visible and not cropped or rotated too much. In some workflows, looking up IP addresses is a relevant follow-up operation.

Camera access is required for live scan. If the browser blocks the camera, check site permissions and allow access for this page. If no camera is available, use upload instead.

Uploaded images have a maximum file size and maximum width and height. Very large images are resized before scanning to avoid memory issues. If decoding fails, try a smaller or clearer image.

Only one QR code is read per image or camera frame. If the image has several codes, the tool typically returns the first one detected. For multiple codes, crop or use separate images. For related processing needs, generating color palettes handles a complementary task.

Security analysis is optional and runs on a server. It needs network access and may use credits or be subject to usage limits depending on the site. If analysis fails, you still have the decoded text to review yourself.

Do not assume a low risk level means the link is safe. Use the analysis as one input. Check the URL yourself and avoid entering passwords or sensitive data on sites you do not trust.

The tool shows the raw decoded content. For WiFi codes you see the full string; it may contain the network name and password. Copy and use it only in trusted environments. For contact cards you see the vCard text; you can copy it into your contacts app if your app supports that format.