Free browser-based barcode reader

Online Barcode Scan

Upload an image or use your camera to scan and decode supported barcodes directly in your browser.

Local image processing Barcode images and decoded values stay in your browser during normal scanning.
On-demand decoder The decoding engine loads only when you start a scan.
No account or app Upload an image on any supported device or open the dedicated camera scanner.

Need help? Learn how to scan a barcode

Upload a barcode image

Drag and drop an image here, paste an image, or choose a file from your device.

JPG, JPEG, PNG, or WebP · maximum 10 MB

Images and decoded values are processed locally during normal scanning.

Test the scanner with a sample barcode

These barcode images are generated and served locally by Online Barcode Scan. Choose a sample to send it to the scanner above.

How to scan a barcode online

Four steps from selecting an image to copying the decoded value.

Choose an image

Select a photo, screenshot, or saved barcode image from your device.
Keep the full code visible

Include the bars or matrix pattern and the blank area around the code.
Decode in your browser

The local scanning engine checks the image for supported barcode formats.
Review and copy

See the decoded value and format, then copy one result or all detected results.

When to use this online barcode scanner

Choose the workflow that matches where the barcode is located and what you need to do with the result.

Saved images and screenshots

Read a barcode from a product photo, screenshot, document, or image attachment.

Scan a barcode from an image

Physical labels in front of you

Use a phone or computer camera when the barcode is printed on packaging, a label, or an asset tag.

Open the camera scanner

Inventory and spreadsheet workflows

Collect repeated scans locally, add quantities or notes, and export a CSV file for spreadsheet software.

Scan barcodes to CSV

Scan a barcode online without installing an app

This online barcode reader decodes supported 1D and 2D formats from photographs, screenshots, and saved image files. The tool runs in the browser, requires no account, and keeps the working scanner near the top of the page.

Image scan or camera scan?

Use the barcode scanner from image for files already saved on your device. Use the camera barcode scanner for a physical label in front of you. Camera permission is requested only after you choose to start the camera.

Tips for difficult barcodes

Use even lightingAvoid glare and reflections on glossy labels.
Keep quiet zones visibleInclude the blank area around the complete barcode.
Reduce motion blurUse a sharp image and hold the camera steady.
Try another orientationRotate the image 90 degrees and scan again.

What the decoded result means

A successful scan returns the encoded value and the detected barcode format. Retail formats such as UPC and EAN usually contain a numeric identifier rather than a product name, price, or proof of ownership.

Use the barcode number checker to test the length and check digit of supported numeric identifiers. A valid checksum confirms mathematical structure only; it does not prove that a product exists, is authentic, or is officially registered.

Multiple barcodes and safe links

An image can return several distinct results when multiple readable codes are present. When decoded content is a web address, the result panel shows it first and requires confirmation before opening an HTTP or HTTPS link.

Privacy and local processing

Uploaded images are decoded by the client-side scanning engine. The scanner does not send barcode images or decoded values to an application upload endpoint, and scan history is stored locally only when you use the related browser features.

Supported barcode formats

The browser decoder is configured for 16 barcode symbologies. Successful decoding still depends on image quality, code size, damage, and browser capabilities.

Code 128

High-density alphanumeric format commonly used for logistics and shipping labels.

EAN-13

Thirteen-digit retail identifier used internationally.

UPC-A

Twelve-digit retail barcode widely used in North America.

QR Code

Two-dimensional code for URLs, text, and other structured content.

Data Matrix

Compact 2D format often used on small components and product markings.

Code 39

Alphanumeric linear barcode used for inventory and industrial tracking.

ITF (Interleaved 2 of 5)

Numeric linear format used in warehousing, cartons, and distribution.

PDF417

Stacked 2D barcode used on identification and transport documents.

View all 16 configured formats

Frequently asked questions

Clear answers about browser-based barcode scanning, privacy, formats, and validation.

Can I scan a barcode online for free?

Yes. The core scanner is currently free to use and does not require an account. Select an image, wait for the local decoder, and copy the result.

Can I scan a barcode from a saved image?

Yes. The image scanner accepts common browser-readable files such as JPG, JPEG, PNG, and WebP, with a maximum file size of 10 MB. You can choose a file, drag and drop it, or paste an image when the browser supports clipboard images. Open the image scanner.

Can I scan a barcode with my phone camera?

Yes. The dedicated camera scanner uses the browser camera on supported phones, tablets, and computers. Camera access is requested only after you press the start button. Use the camera scanner.

What barcode formats can the scanner read?

The decoder is configured for 16 formats, including UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8, EAN-13, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, ITF, Codabar, QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec, MaxiCode, and GS1 DataBar variants. Results depend on browser support and image quality. Compare barcode formats.

Can the scanner read more than one barcode in an image?

Yes. The image workflow can return up to 10 detected symbols from one image. Duplicate values are consolidated in the result interface so repeated detections do not create unnecessary copies.

Why is my barcode not scanning?

Common causes include blur, glare, low contrast, a cropped quiet zone, physical damage, very small code size, or an unsupported image. Try a sharper image, more even lighting, a straight-on angle, or rotate the image and scan again. See the troubleshooting guide.

Does a barcode contain the product name or price?

Usually not. Retail UPC and EAN barcodes normally encode a numeric identifier. A separate product database is required to associate that identifier with a name, brand, description, or price.

Are uploaded barcode images stored?

No application upload endpoint is used for normal scanning. The browser reads the selected image locally and passes its pixels to the client-side decoder. The site does not send the image or decoded value to analytics.

Can I export barcode scans to Excel?

Yes. The batch scanning tool creates a local list and exports a UTF-8 CSV file that can be opened in Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice, and similar spreadsheet applications. Scan barcodes to CSV.

Can a barcode pass validation and still be unofficial or fake?

Yes. A valid length and check digit show that the number follows a mathematical format. They do not prove product existence, ownership, authenticity, GS1 registration, retailer acceptance, or legal compliance. Learn about check digits.

Related barcode tools

Move from scanning to decoding, validation, generation, or local CSV export.

Barcode scanning guides

How to scan a barcode Practical steps for image and camera scanning. Why is my barcode not scanning? Troubleshoot blur, glare, damage, cropping, and poor contrast. 1D vs 2D barcodes Understand linear and matrix barcode formats. How barcode check digits work Learn what checksum validation can and cannot prove.