QR code reader
Online QR code reader: see where a code leads before you open it
The QR Code Tools reader decodes a code from a photo, a screenshot or the camera and shows you the destination domain, Wi-Fi network or contact before opening anything. It warns you if the link is shortened or doesn’t use a secure connection. The image never leaves your device.
- Free, no sign-up
- Never expires
- Your data stays in your browser
QR code reader: check where a code leads before you open it
Upload a photo or screenshot, paste it with Ctrl + V or use your camera. You’ll see the destination domain, Wi-Fi network or contact, with alerts if the link is shortened or not secure.
JPG, PNG or WebP. You can also paste a screenshot.
Create your QR code
This is sample data. Replace it with your business details.
How do you customize a QR code without breaking it?
A branded QR code gets scanned more, but every design change eats into its reading margin. These rules keep the code readable:
- Minimum contrast of 4.5 to 1. Dark modules on a light background. Inverted colors fail in some readers.
- Logo at 25% or less of the width, with error correction H.
- Quiet zone of 4 modules around the code, with no text or borders on top.
- Visible corners. The three position squares are the first thing the camera looks for.
- Test before printing with two different phones and in the actual lighting.
How do you read a QR code online?
3 steps, about two minutes.
Upload or paste the image
Drag in a photo or screenshot, pick it from your gallery or paste it with Ctrl + V.
Review the content
Read the destination domain and the alerts before you continue.
Open, copy or recreate
Open the link, copy the Wi-Fi password or recreate the code with your own design.
What type of QR code does my business need?
It depends on what you want customers to do when they scan. This table sums up each type and where it works best.
| Type | What it opens when scanned | Where to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Link | Your website, Google reviews, Instagram or a PDF | Flyers, packaging, cards |
| A chat with you, with a pre-filled message | Delivery orders, quotes, appointments | |
| Menu | The restaurant’s digital menu | Tables, bars, food trucks |
| Card (vCard) | A contact card ready to save | Business cards, badges, booths |
| Wi-Fi | Access to your network without typing the password | Cafés, hotels, clinics, offices |
| Event | A reminder in the phone’s calendar | Openings, classes, weddings, trade fairs |
| Location | Google Maps with your address | Posters, invitations, ads |
Frequently asked questions
How do I read a QR code from a screenshot?
Paste the screenshot with Ctrl + V or upload it in the reader. Works with JPG, PNG and WebP images.
How do I know if a QR code is safe?
Check the domain the reader shows before opening it. Be wary of shortened links, domains that look like well-known banks or stores, and codes stuck over others on parking meters or posters.
Do QR codes from QR Code Tools expire?
No. They are static QR codes: the information is stored in the code itself, so they work as long as the destination exists. They don’t depend on a subscription or an intermediate server.
Is it free, and do I need to sign up?
It’s free and requires no account. The code is generated in your browser and you can download it as PNG or SVG for commercial use.
What data do you store about me?
None. What you type, the logo you upload and the images you scan are processed on your own device and never sent to a server. Google ads shown on this site may use their own cookies, subject to your consent.
What size should I print a QR code?
Use the 10-to-1 rule: the code should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance. At 30 cm, 3 cm per side is enough; a poster seen from 2 m needs about 20 cm. If the code holds a lot of data, print it larger.
Can I put my logo in the center of the QR code?
Yes. When you add a logo, the tool raises error correction to level H, which tolerates up to 30% damage, and checks that the code still scans. Keep the logo at 25% of the width or less.
Which format should I download, PNG or SVG?
PNG for social media, WhatsApp and documents. SVG for print shops, banners and vinyl, because it’s vector and stays sharp at any size.