In today’s digital age, QR codes have become ubiquitous. They are used in a wide range of applications, from online payments to website navigation. While mobile devices typically have built-in QR code readers, what if you need to read a QR code on your PC? This article will guide you through several methods to read QR codes on your PC, ranging from command-line tools to web-based applications and browser extensions.
To read QR codes on your PC, you can use command-line tools like zbarimg and libdmtx, web-based applications like onlinebarcodereader.com and ZXing Decoder Online, or browser extensions like QRreader for Google Chrome. Additionally, there are standalone applications like CoBang and the Desktop QR Code Reader, as well as graphical interfaces like QTQR.
Command-line QR-code decode: zbarimg
zbarimg is a command-line tool that decodes QR codes from image files. It is part of the zbar-tools package, which you can install by running the following command in your terminal:
sudo apt-get install zbar-toolsOnce installed, you can use the zbarimg command to read your QR encoded image. For example:
zbarimg "image-file-name.jpg"This command will display the encoded information in the terminal. The -o parameter specifies the output file name.
Web-based Applications for decoding and encoding
If you prefer not to use the command-line, there are several web-based applications that can encode and decode QR codes. Two notable examples are onlinebarcodereader.com and ZXing Decoder Online. These services are easy to use – simply upload your image file, and the website will decode the QR code for you.
Data Matrix command-line decode and encode: libdmtx
libdmtx is another command-line tool that can scan Data Matrix barcodes and create them. You can install the libdmtx-utils package from the repository with the following command:
sudo apt-get install libdmtx-utilsAfter installation, use the dmtxread command to scan Data Matrix barcodes and dmtxwrite command to create Data Matrix barcodes.
Command-line QR-code encoding: qrencode
If you need to generate QR codes, qrencode is a command-line tool that can help. Install it by running:
sudo apt-get install qrencodeTo generate a QR code, use the qrencode command. For example:
qrencode -s 10 -o test.png "Hello, World!"This command will encode the string “Hello, World!” into a QR code and save it as test.png. The -s parameter specifies the size of the QR code, and -o specifies the output file.
Google Chrome Extension: QRreader
For those who prefer to work within their browsers, the QRreader extension for Google Chrome allows you to read QR codes directly from webpages. Install the extension from the Chrome Web Store, and you can start decoding QR codes by right-clicking on them and selecting “Read QR code from image”.
CoBang
CoBang is a standalone application that allows you to scan QR codes and copy the decoded text to the clipboard. Install CoBang by adding the PPA ppa:ng-hong-quan/ppa and running:
sudo apt install cobangDesktop QR Code Reader
Developed by cnlohr, the Desktop QR Code Reader is another option for reading QR codes on your PC. More information can be found at cnlohr.blogspot.com.
QTQR
QTQR is a graphical interface for creating and reading QR codes. It can be installed by adding the PPA ppa:qr-tools-developers/qr-tools-stable and running:
sudo apt install qtqrIn conclusion, there are plenty of options available for reading and creating QR codes on your PC. Whether you prefer command-line tools, web-based applications, or browser extensions, there’s a solution that will fit your needs.
Yes, you can read QR codes on your PC using various methods such as command-line tools, web-based applications, browser extensions, and standalone applications.
To read QR codes using zbarimg, you need to install the zbar-tools package and run the zbarimg command followed by the image file name. For example, zbarimg "image-file-name.jpg".
Yes, there are web-based applications like onlinebarcodereader.com and ZXing Decoder Online that allow you to upload your image file and decode the QR code.
Yes, you can use the command-line tool libdmtx to scan Data Matrix barcodes and create them. Install the libdmtx-utils package and use the dmtxread command to scan Data Matrix barcodes and dmtxwrite command to create them.
To generate QR codes using qrencode, you need to install the qrencode package and use the qrencode command followed by the desired parameters. For example, qrencode -s 10 -o test.png "Hello, World!" will generate a QR code with the text "Hello, World!" and save it as test.png.
Yes, you can use the QRreader extension for Google Chrome. Install it from the Chrome Web Store and you can decode QR codes by right-clicking on them and selecting "Read QR code from image".
CoBang is a standalone application that allows you to scan QR codes and copy the decoded text to the clipboard. You can install it by adding the PPA ppa:ng-hong-quan/ppa and running sudo apt install cobang.
Yes, there are other options available. One option is the Desktop QR Code Reader developed by cnlohr, which you can find more information about at cnlohr.blogspot.com. Another option is QTQR, a graphical interface for creating and reading QR codes. To install QTQR, add the PPA ppa:qr-tools-developers/qr-tools-stable and run sudo apt install qtqr.
There are various methods available, including command-line tools like zbarimg and qrencode, web-based applications like onlinebarcodereader.com and ZXing Decoder Online, browser extensions like QRreader for Google Chrome, and standalone applications like CoBang and Desktop QR Code Reader. Choose the method that best suits your needs and preferences.
