How to Scan a Barcode?
Overview
You don't need an expensive handheld scanner to read a barcode; depending on your source there are three practical ways: from a photo, from a PDF document, or live with a camera.
All three methods run in your browser on this site; images and documents never leave your device. Which one you choose depends on where the code you want to read lives.
Below you'll find when and how to use each method.
Reading from an image
If you have a photo or screenshot containing a barcode, upload it to the image barcode reader to get the value and type. If an image has multiple codes, they are each listed separately.
For the best result, use a sharply focused, straight-on, glare-free image. Keeping the blank margin (quiet zone) at the barcode's edge intact improves read success.
Common image formats like JPG, PNG and WebP are supported.
Reading from a PDF
To read barcodes in documents like invoices, delivery notes or labels, use the PDF barcode reader. The tool scans each page and lists found codes with their page number.
On multi-page documents you can set a page range to scan only the pages you need. If small or dense barcodes won't read, raising the render DPI helps.
Both digital and scanned (image) PDFs are supported, because pages are first converted to images and then scanned.
Reading with a camera
If you have a physical product or label in hand, use the camera barcode scanner for live reading with a phone camera or webcam. After granting camera access, just bring the code into the frame.
Continuous scan mode is ideal for reading many items quickly in a row; each value read is added to the history and can be exported as CSV at the end.
Camera access requires an HTTPS connection and user permission; if the camera won't open, check the permissions.
What to do if reading fails
If a code won't read, the most common causes are blur, low contrast, a cropped quiet zone and insufficient resolution. A sharper, straight-on, well-lit image usually fixes it.
For 1D barcodes, glare and wrinkles can block reading; for QR codes, excessive damage can. Place the code on a flat surface and try again.
To confirm the validity of a value you read, for GTIN types you can paste the value into the GTIN validator.