Barcode types it reads
| Type | Where you'll see it |
|---|---|
| EAN-13 / EAN-8 | Products in shops worldwide (outside North America), books (ISBN) |
| UPC-A / UPC-E | Products in the US and Canada |
| Code 128 | Shipping labels, parcels, logistics, many ID cards |
| Code 39 | Industry, healthcare, older inventory systems |
| ITF (ITF-14) | Cartons and outer packaging |
| Codabar | Libraries, blood banks, some courier labels |
| Data Matrix | Small parts, electronics, pharmaceuticals, postage |
| PDF417 | Boarding passes, driving licences, ID documents |
Tips for a good scan
- Light: bright, even light without glare on shiny packaging.
- Distance: fill most of the frame with the barcode, but keep it all in view, including the white margins at each end.
- Angle: hold the barcode flat and straight; curved bottles scan best when the bars run vertically.
- Photos: a sharp, close-up photo works as well as the live camera. Crop out other barcodes first.
What the number means
A product barcode identifies the product, not the price: shops look the number up in their own system. The first digits of an EAN-13 identify the organisation that registered the barcode (not necessarily where it was made). Tap "Search this number" to look the product up online.
Uses
- Checking product details and comparing prices online
- Small-business stock-taking without a dedicated scanner
- Reading a parcel tracking number into your phone
- Checking that barcodes you've created work before printing
Private by design
Scanning runs in your browser with the open-source ZXing library. The camera feed and images never leave your device.
Tips for a quick, accurate scan
- Light it evenly. Glare on shiny packaging is the most common reason a scan fails. Tilt the product slightly so the reflection moves off the bars.
- Fill about half the frame. Too far away and the thin bars blur together; too close and the camera can't focus. Move back until the whole barcode is sharp.
- Hold it flat. Barcodes on curved bottles scan better if you line the bars up vertically, so the curve runs along them rather than across.
- Damaged or tiny codes: take a sharp photo instead and use the image option, then zoom in on the photo before choosing it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I scan a barcode online?
Press “Scan with camera” and hold the barcode in view, or upload a photo of it. The number appears instantly.
Can I read a barcode from a picture?
Yes. Choose “Upload an image” and select a clear photo or screenshot of the barcode.
Which barcode types are supported?
EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, ITF, Codabar, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec and QR.
Why won’t my barcode scan?
Make sure it is sharp, well lit and flat, with the white margins visible. Glare on shiny packaging is the most common problem.
Is my camera feed uploaded?
No. Everything is processed on your device.
Last updated October 2026 · More qr code & barcode tools