Quick answer: choose “Camera” and allow access, then hold the barcode inside the frame 10–25 cm from the lens – or drop a photo, screenshot or PDF on the page. The type and contents of every barcode found appear on the right; GS1 data such as batch and expiry is split into readable fields.
Barcode types this reader decodes
| Group | Types |
|---|---|
| Retail | EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, ISBN, ISSN, add-ons |
| Logistics | Code 128, GS1-128, ITF-14, Interleaved 2 of 5, GS1 DataBar (all types) |
| Industrial | Code 39, Code 93, Codabar, Telepen, PZN, Code 32 |
| 2D | QR Code, Micro QR, rMQR, Data Matrix, Aztec, PDF417, MicroPDF417, MaxiCode |
Postal 4-state codes, MSI Plessey, Code 11 and Pharmacode are designed for special machine readers and are not supported by camera-based decoders.
How to scan a barcode online
- Pick a source. Use the Camera tab for live scanning, or drop images and PDFs on the page. You can also paste a screenshot with Ctrl+V.
- Scan. Hold the barcode steady and flat. For long 1D barcodes, hold the phone sideways so the barcode fills the width.
- Read the results. Each result shows the barcode type, the contents and, where useful, decoded GS1 fields or the issuing GS1 country.
- Copy or export. Copy single results or download all of them as a CSV file for Excel.
Getting a hard barcode to scan
- Light: avoid reflections on glossy packaging – tilt the item slightly. Switch on the torch in dark rooms.
- Distance: start about 20 cm away and move closer until the barcode fills most of the frame; phones cannot focus very close.
- Photos: a sharp, straight photo works best. The reader also tries rotated and inverted (white-on-black) versions automatically.
- Choose the type under “Look for” if you know it – this speeds up camera scanning.
What the GS1 prefix tells you – and what it doesn't
The first three digits of an EAN-13 show which national GS1 office issued the number, for example 890 for India or 896 for Pakistan. It does not prove where the product was made: a company in one country can produce goods anywhere, and multinationals often use one prefix for all their products.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to scan barcodes here?
Yes. The camera image and your files are processed in your browser and are not uploaded. Links found in QR codes are shown first and only opened if you click them.
Why does the camera not start?
Your browser needs permission. Click the camera or lock icon in the address bar and allow the camera, then reload. On iPhone, also check Settings → Safari → Camera.
Can it read barcodes from a PDF?
Yes. Drop a PDF and the first 100 pages are rendered and scanned. This is handy for shipping labels and invoices.
Can it read several barcodes in one picture?
Yes, all barcodes in an image are found and listed, and outlined on the picture.
Why is the number different from the one printed under the barcode?
UPC-A barcodes are often reported as a 13-digit number with a leading 0, which is the same GTIN. GS1 barcodes may show fields in brackets that are not printed on the label.
Can I scan a barcode and look up the product?
Use “Search this number” to search the web for a product number. There is no central public database of all barcodes.