QR Code Scanner
Read a QR code from an image, a pasted screenshot or your camera — and copy or open whatever it contains.
Scan with camera
Decoded content
TextAbout this tool
A QR code in an email attachment, a screenshot a friend sent, a poster on the wall — and no scanner app to hand. This free online QR code scanner reads codes two ways: drop, upload or paste an image and it decodes the code inside, or tap Scan with camera and point your phone or webcam at it for live, automatic reading. The decoded content appears as plain text you can copy, and if it's a web address you get an Open link button alongside the full URL so you can inspect it first.
Decoding happens in your browser with a JavaScript QR reader: image pixels and camera frames are analyzed on your device and never uploaded, and the camera is switched off as soon as a code is found. If a small or soft image fails on the first pass, the scanner retries at double resolution and with inverted colors, which rescues many codes from chat screenshots and low-quality photos. It reads any standard QR code — links, Wi-Fi credentials, contact cards, plain text — no account or app install needed.
How to scan a QR code
- Drop or paste an image containing the code, or press Scan with camera and allow camera access.
- The code is decoded automatically — the content appears in the box below.
- Press Copy, or check the address and use Open link for URLs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the image or camera feed sent to a server?
No. The decoder runs as JavaScript inside your browser: image pixels and camera frames are analyzed on your device and never transmitted. Camera access stops the moment a code is read, when you press Stop, or when you leave the tab.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Yes. Take a screenshot of the code, then either drop the file onto the box or simply press Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac) on this page. This is the easiest way to read a QR code that is shown on the same screen you are using.
Why won't my QR code scan?
Most failures come from tiny, blurry or low-contrast images. The tool automatically retries at double size, but if the code is still unreadable try a sharper photo, more light, a straight-on angle and some quiet margin around the code. Heavily stylized or damaged codes may be beyond repair.
Is it safe to open a link from a scanned QR code?
Treat it like any link from a stranger. The scanner shows the full decoded URL before you open anything, so check the domain — fraudsters put stickers with malicious codes over real ones on parking meters and posters. If the address looks off, don't open it.
Does the camera scanner work on my phone?
Yes, on any modern mobile browser. Tap Scan with camera, allow camera access when prompted, and point the rear camera at the code — it decodes automatically with no button to press. The page must be served over HTTPS for the camera to be available, which tooldesk.cc is.