Very quickly, small barcodes, commonly called QR codes, became part of our lives. But they really can make our lives much easier, because with the help of some you can go to various Internet sites or get contact information, and for this you do not need to remember the web page address! This article will cover the ins and outs of choosing the best barcode reader app for Android, as well as the pros and cons of some of them, with recommendations provided for choosing a good app.

Key Features of Barcode Reader Apps

Barcodes can provide you with absolutely various information. For example, in stores you can learn a lot about a product, and if you take updated QR codes, they can give you phone numbers that you can save, links to Internet sites and the like.

This is convenient because for recognition the user needs only one application, which takes up very little storage space, as well as a camera on a tablet or smartphone. Using some programs, you can view reviews of a particular product, its original price, and much more. Other programs themselves can provide their users with personal QR codes, which can then be used as a business card. Many of these applications are free, so users can easily take advantage of all the barcode features. Now let's look at the free ones, good apps for reading codes on Android.

Best apps

An excellent program for reading codes, both regular, linear, and more advanced options, for example, Data-Matrix and QR. It is worth noting that this application skillfully copes with the task of creating QR codes, thanks to which you can use such small codes like your own business card. A clear interface, takes up less than a megabyte on your drive - everything you need is in this program. This reading program is free, so anyone can download it. It is worth noting that the application is installed in Russian, which is also convenient. There isn't much text there, but it's still there.

An excellent application whose main purpose is to recognize QR codes. This barcode scanner only helps to read QR codes, and, for example, linear codes that are located on the back of most products cannot be recognized by this application. Another advantage of the program is small size occupied on the hard disk. The security of this QuickMark QR Code Reader is also at a high level, so the user does not have to worry about the scanned data being saved and transferred to third parties. The QuickMark website provides information that confirms the high level of security. Among the available languages, unfortunately, only English is available, however, there is not much text in the entire program, so you don’t have to worry about this.

Scan

An excellent program for those who only need the basic function of a scanner. It has a simple, clear design in the style of iOS, simple controls, and high level security. Scan is capable of scanning Various types barcodes, both the latest QR codes and regular, linear codes. Not long ago in Google Play a version of Scan for Android has appeared. It has the same functions and properties, however, it is slightly different in design. In addition, Scan is very small compared to competing programs. Convenient, simple, small - this is how you can describe Scan.

Perhaps one of best apps for recognizing barcodes, QR codes and more. In addition to its usual functions, Google Goggles has the ability to translate text that enters the camera lens into any language.

  • The program has the ability to scan texts using optical character recognition technology. With this technology you can essentially convert text from PDF format, djvu and the like into editable, say, TXT or DOC. This is also a useful feature that can be useful to the user in his work.
  • The latest versions of applications help their users recognize thumbnail pictures and covers on discs. Using this function, the user can find out the name and full information about the book, film or video game that is depicted in the miniature.
  • For entertainment lovers, there is a function that helps solve Sudoku with using Google Goggles!

In general, the program has not only basic, but also additional, useful functions that can be useful both at work and in everyday life. Unfortunately, Google Goggles has not been updated for a long time, however, even with the features that it already has, it has a number of its fans. And the program weighs a little - some 2.7 MB. It can be downloaded for free on Google Play.

One of the most accurate and fastest barcode recognition scanners will allow the user to instantly recognize the information that has been encrypted. It is ready to recognize information stored in QR codes as well as regular linear codes. This program allows you to create and share your own QR codes. With their help, you can create full-fledged business cards that will be very small in size and store only the most important things.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a program that will perform only its main function and take up little space, then QuickMark QR Code Reader is an ideal option. It is small, but functional. But if you need multifunctional program for reading barcodes and thumbnails, the most the best option there will be a reliable Google Goggles. Result: two of the most best programs for reading codes are QuickMark QR Code Reader and Google Goggles.

How to read a QR code without an application

If you don't have a QR code reader app, you can still decipher those weird black and white squares. And the easiest way to do this is to use a special website.

How to read a QR code using a smartphone

The most in a simple way Reading QR codes involves using a smartphone on which a special application is installed.

  • On Windows Phone don't even need to download additional programs. Such smartphones by default decode not only QR codes, but also EAN and all other barcodes. In addition, Windows Phone can scan texts.
  • To read QR codes from using iPhone, you need to install a separate application. For example, free scanner QR Code - Barcode Scanner Free.
  • For Android smartphones, QR Code Reader is suitable, which can be downloaded from Google Play.

How to Read QR Codes on a Windows PC

How to read QR codes on a computer or laptop is described in detail. Here you will need a webcam to scan the barcode.

How to decrypt a QR code manually

Interestingly, the QR code can be deciphered without a scanner at all. You just need to know what QR is and how it works: its structure, functions and individual elements. Detailed information O this method can be found in .

Scan QR codes on smartphones with Android is simpler than taking a photo. All you need is:

  • Smartphone or tablet with camera;
  • Internet.

I will explain everything as simply as possible and conduct a practical lesson. Right here, without departing from the article. You can also scan barcodes using the same instructions.

“The interface of my smartphone may differ from yours due to a different theme and Android versions. Differences do not affect the installation and use of the QR code scanner.”

First you need a QR code scanner. I found the simplest one. It has fewer annoying ads and scans what you need. Installing it is very simple. It's even easier to use.

  1. First, go to Google Play Market. And write in the line underlined in red: “qr code scanner”, or better yet “smart qr scanner and generator”. We click on the search icon or simply the dropped offer that suits us.


In addition, you can download another great scanning application from us -

How to scan a code from a saved image?

You can also recognize a QR code from a picture on the Internet using special websites. I chose qrrd.ru because this is the only site that loaded for me in less than 10 seconds and had more or less pleasing to the eye interface.

How to use it? First, go to the website: qrrd.ru or directly to qrrd.ru/read. We see the following:

Circled in green is the site's menu, which lists everything it can do to help you. In our case, select “Recognize QR code”.

The following page opens with a large button “+Select files”. We click on it. After this, options for “select files” appear below. Here you can either immediately take a photo and send it. Or click on documents and select a photo that is already on your phone. I took the latter route.

Here I selected the tab with pictures, clicked on the folder where the pictures are stored on my phone and clicked on the image with the QR code, the same one that was already here in the article.

Then it’s up to the site. It automatically uploads a photo or image to itself, and then immediately recognizes and shows the result.

Ready!.

Why do I even need to scan QR codes?

They may contain helpful information. The likelihood of this is low, but it could be there. Additionally, QR codes are often used in museums to avoid putting up huge signs with a ton of information, but just use a small QR code and give everyone the opportunity to stand back and read about the exhibit on their phone. Everything is simple and convenient. This is exactly why Denso Wave invented them.

QR code is great tool for shares. For example, it may contain an encrypted code that must be shown to the seller in order to receive a discount. There are a huge number of applications. Use it!

Before scanning a QR code on an Android gadget, you need to download the corresponding application. There are a lot of programs for recognizing this two-dimensional cipher on the Play Market. Which one should you choose?

Recognition applications

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/sponsor-opportunities1.jpg" alt="scanning" width="300" height="200"> !} Among the variety of software for reading QR codes, the following 5 programs stand out:

  1. QR Droid. After opening the application, you can immediately start reading the code. If there is a URL in it, the built-in browser will automatically open. This feature can be disabled in the application settings. With QR Droid you can not only decipher codes, but also create your own. To do this, select the appropriate item in the application menu.
  2. BIDI. This program for reading QR codes is convenient for Android and is similar to the previous one. There is a function to place a cipher created by the service on a business card, the template of which is available in the menu.
  3. QR Code Reader. A laconic application with a decryption history and a flash button. Recognizes information through the camera or scans finished image from the gallery. The service can both read QRs and create them.
  4. Neo Reader. This program is used not only for QR recognition, but also for decoding barcodes. If the application was unable to scan the information, you can independently enter the numbers written under the code. There is an option to bind to a location and adjust the sound level. QR recognition by this service is very fast. You cannot create your own codes using Neo Reader, but as an alternative, the application offers the user a link to the corresponding resource.
  5. QR Reader. A program with an original interface. It is more convenient to use the scanner in horizontal mode. The function works the same as with previous programs: after launching the application you need to bring mobile device to the matrix image and wait for decoding. There is a history of recognized ciphers, bookmarks and the ability to create your own codes.

Using ciphers

Data-lazy-type="image" data-src="http://androidkak.ru/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/vnimanie-150x150.jpg" alt="Attention!" width="50" height="50"> !} QR differs from a barcode in its larger scope. It is used in many areas - from advertising to entertainment. This type of encoding can encrypt website URLs, information about a work of art (painting, sculpture) or a link to your page on a social network. But what is this for, and how to use the QR code?

The QR code has already come into common use. Currently, it can be used not only to transmit important information in the form of text or html links, but also to pay for purchases in stores. Accordingly, in order to obtain information from the code, you must have at hand the corresponding application installed on Personal Computer or smartphone. Today we will talk about these applications, namely how to scan a QR code with their help.

QR Code Desktop Reader & Generator

First of all, let's figure out how to scan a QR code on a computer. Although it is used least often for this, it would not hurt to find out about a special program for this. And we will talk, as you can easily guess from the title of the subtitle, about QR Code Desktop Reader & Generator.

This is a simple program that contains a lot of information. useful functions for working with QR codes. We list the main ones:

  • You can scan the code directly from your monitor screen by using screen capture. The option is called directly from the main application screen. You just need to select the area where the QR code is located, after which the program will show the encrypted information.
  • You can also use your webcam to scan. The algorithm of actions is simple: select the appropriate option in the menu, bring the QR code to the camera, and the application shows you the result.
  • You can also load code into the program directly from the clipboard.
  • If the code is in the form of an image on your computer, then you can also load it into the program without any problems, after which it will show the information hidden in it.

As you can see, using the application is very simple, and there are a lot of ways to scan a QR code. By the way, among other things, you can create codes by entering information in the text field and clicking the corresponding button.

BarCode Descriptor

If you were thinking about how to scan a QR code on Android, then there is a special program for this that can be downloaded directly from Google Play. First, let's look at the BarCode Descriptor.

This application has a simple interface and several features. Your camera is used to work with codes. All you need to do is bring your phone camera to the code, and the information hidden in it will immediately appear on the screen. You can also interact with her. For example, if this is a link, open it in the browser by simply clicking on it once, and if it is a phone number, then call the subscriber. You can also view the scanning history and repost information on social networks and friends via SMS. One of the shortcomings is the interface, which does not please with a riot of colors.

QR and barcode scanner

The second way to scan a QR code with your phone involves the use of QR and barcodes." Here everything is the other way around; one of the advantages can be considered a beautiful interface.

Scanning the code occurs the same way - unfortunately, through the phone's camera, there is no way to load an image from the disk. You can interact with the information received - send by mail, SMS or social media. If this is a link, then follow it by opening your browser.

Conclusion

Now you know how to scan a QR code not only on smartphones, but also on a computer. All programs have been tested and do not pose any threat to the user, unless they were downloaded from official sources (on the official website of the developer or on Google Play).