Barcode app. Scanning QR codes on Android using special programs

Nowadays you can find everywhere a two-dimensional image consisting of white and black squares. It is called a QR code. Using a tablet, computer or smartphone, you can decode this image to obtain any information. QR codes are used to advertise companies, post rules for special offers for customers and convey other information. Now such codes are even printed on supermarket receipts so that customers can keep shopping lists and receive bonuses through special mobile applications. Let's figure out how to decipher this code with a computer or smartphone at hand. Decoding using a tablet is no different from what is done with a smartphone, so we will not consider it in detail.

How to scan a QR code using a computer?

Previously, to decipher QR codes using a computer, it was necessary to purchase a special scanner connected via USB. Now there are several programs and online services that allow you to decipher information from a QR code. Here are the best options.

Online scanner

To use this method you must have You need to visit the website to recognize the image with the QR code. The site has two recognition options:

• Upload a picture with a QR code;
• Use the camera on your smartphone or laptop (the site will ask permission to access it).

This utility is located in the computer's memory. Its advantage is that you do not need to prepare an image with code in advance. It is distributed free of charge and can be installed in just a few minutes.

After launching the program, you have several options: read the code from a file (photo or sent document), use a webcam for this, or take it directly from the screen. If you choose the second option, then you need to open the site or file and highlight the QR code using a frame. After reading the code, you will be shown the page encrypted in it.

How to decrypt a code using an Android smartphone?

Smartphones or tablets with any operating system can quickly decode different codes using the built-in camera. To do this, just install a special utility from the application store. They come in several types. More popular are programs for deciphering codes that import information from them into other applications.

Many applications have been released for Android smartphones that have the function of reading barcodes and QR. Almost all of them do their jobs well. You can download applications from Google Play Market. Here are examples of the best applications for deciphering codes.

BarCode Descriptor

This application has a simple interface and sleek design. A camera is used to read codes, which allows you to read them from any surface. Including advertisements and outdoor advertising.

The application allows you to open an encrypted link in the browser or immediately dial an encrypted phone number. An additional benefit is that the scan history is saved in the application's memory. It can be uploaded to social networks, SMS messages, or simply viewed as needed.

"QR and barcode scanner"

Another popular application allows you to scan any graphic codes. It features a more pleasant interface and more ways to interact with the information received.

The only drawback of the application is that codes cannot be downloaded as files or links. All other functions are the same as those found in the application described above. It is important that the code is in the center of the frame when scanning.

Barcode Scanner

Another application that allows you to read various graphic codes is Barcode Scanner. It allows you to open encrypted links and dial phone numbers. To read the codes, you need to point the camera at the image. In general, the utility does not differ in functionality from similar ones.

The only difference is that you can use it to generate your own codes. They can encrypt printed text, links and contact information. For advertising purposes, links to Internet resources are usually provided, but a link to download an application can also be encoded. Most often, developers do this by posting utilities in open areas and then writing explanatory texts for them.

Windows Phone app

The best application for reading codes for phones based on the Windows operating system is the usual Yandex search engine string. It can read any code, regardless of the plane of the image. At the same time, you do not need to press anywhere for reading to begin - you just need to point the camera at the code. Follow the link and use the information received only at the user's request.

After reading the information, you will see a screen with a snapshot of the code, and under it in small print the decrypted information will be indicated - a link, phone number or address. You can find out the details if you click on the line that appears. The application opens the website using the link, finds the address in Yandex Maps, and offers to dial a phone number or write a message to it.

There are also many other applications for phones running Windows OS, including analogues of utilities for other operating systems. But the main problems of the programs are long response times, lack of developer support, and errors during operation. For this reason, the utility built into the Yandex search bar is the best for equipment with this operating system. Moreover, it is Russified and understandable.

IOS app

Many applications have also been released for iOS equipment owners. The best of them is QR Reader. The developer is Tap Media. This application has the following features:

• auto-detection of the code - you need to hold down the photo key and point the lens at the code, the camera itself will focus on the two-dimensional image;
• Browser and map view are built into the interface;
• scan results can be shared via popular social networks or sent by email;
• checking sites for reliability before visiting;
• creating your own codes for distribution;
• ability to export scanned images to CSV.

The main advantage of this application is its speed. Moreover, the utility is distributed absolutely free of charge, and it is completely Russified. Additionally, it provides an option to select an application if the two-dimensional image does not hide text or a link. Problems arise only if a program that interacts with the required file extension is not installed on the smartphone or tablet.

Special applications for scanning QR codes from supermarket receipts

If you keep statistics of your food expenses or want to get cashback for purchases, you can use special applications. Now in all major chains you can see QR codes on receipts. They can also be read and a list of products can be uploaded to the application.

There are programs for consumers that help keep statistics and even make money on their purchases. One of the most popular applications is Edadil. It has one significant drawback - you will not be able to see what you bought and when. But for some goods you can get cashback, which can be withdrawn to your e-wallet or mobile phone balance. A list of products for the purchase of which funds are awarded can be seen in the promotions section. It is important that codes from receipts must be scanned within 24 hours after payment at the checkout.

Large retail chains also use QR code scanners on their websites and apps. They are used to receive additional bonuses. Another option is to use decoded information to participate in special promotions and sweepstakes from stores.

You can also scan codes from receipts in other applications designed to receive cashbacks:

1. In Shopper,
2. Qrooto,
3. Together Cheaper.

They work with any stores, including online markets. These applications have many withdrawal options, and you can earn money on the maximum number of promotions from manufacturers. Rewards for one can vary from 5 to 300 rubles (depending on the terms of the promotion). Conditions for accrual of funds can be viewed on the promotion page. Experienced buyers recommend scanning codes from all receipts, since there are a lot of promotions and it is impossible to keep track of them all. You can receive cashbacks from several applications at once to make it as profitable as possible.

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 completely different 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 free, good applications for reading codes for 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 as 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 its small size on your hard drive. 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, intuitive design in iOS style, simple controls, and a high level of security. Scan is capable of scanning various types of barcodes, both the latest QR codes and regular, linear codes. Not long ago, a version of Scan for Android appeared on Google Play. 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 the best applications 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. Using this technology, you can essentially convert text from PDF, 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. With this feature, the user can find out the title and full information about the book, movie or video game that is depicted in the thumbnail.
• For entertainment lovers, there is a feature that helps you solve Sudoku 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 a multifunctional program for reading barcodes and thumbnails, the best option is the reliable Google Goggles. Bottom line: The two best programs for reading codes are QuickMark QR Code Reader and Google Goggles.

A QR code is a modern analogue of a barcode. If using one-dimensional encryption an ordinary user can only find out information about the country of origin of a particular product, then a two-dimensional code may contain various instructions, download links, website addresses, etc. The great popularity of this data representation has led to the appearance of special programs on Android that can read QR codes. Let's look at how to use a QR code on Android.

To read a QR code from a particular source, you will need a smartphone or tablet running Android OS with an integrated camera, as well as a special utility (scanner) that can recognize and process information presented in encrypted form.

Software that reads QR codes is available in large quantities on the Internet. It can be downloaded without problems both from trusted sources (for example, from the Play Market) and from third-party resources. However, the following scanner programs received the most widespread and positive reviews:

Let's figure out how to scan a QR code on Android with each of these applications.

Reading a QR code with QR Droid

Reading a QR code on Android using this utility is done as follows:

After recognizing the cipher, the information that was encoded in it and possible options for further actions will be displayed in a separate window. So, if the gadget is connected to the Internet and you want to immediately open the link, click Open. To copy the link, for example, to a browser, click Copy. To send data to a remote device, tap Share.

If you need to read a QR code for Android not from a real object, but from a picture saved on your smartphone, you need to select Decode saved QR image in the initial program window. To read the code from the website, click on the button shown in the figure.

Using the QR&Barcode Scanner program

When considering how to scan QR codes on Android, you need to highlight the QR&Barcode Scanner application, which can recognize not only two-dimensional, but also one-dimensional encryption. Another advantage of this software is that it can be used to generate your own codes containing various texts, SMS messages, website addresses, calendar notes, etc.

The program works as follows:

Creating your own QR code is done in the “Generation” section.

Barcode and QR scanner allows you to use Android to recognize barcodes and display the resulting image on the device screen. It only takes a few seconds to process the data, but the app requires access to the phone's camera to function fully.

Advantages

In order to read a QR code, you just need to launch the program and point the camera at the image, after which the decoding procedure will occur. If a link to a website, guest book or online calendar has been encrypted, the corresponding page will open in the browser. In addition, when the decrypted code contains contact information, such as a mobile phone number or email address, the application will issue a warning and prompt you to choose an action. Other features include:

Barcode and QR scanner can be used to send important and confidential information by simply encrypting the data into the barcode. After receiving its image, you can simply delete it.

The program is also open source, which allows anyone to change and modify some of the application’s functions on their own. But please note that developers will not be held responsible if the application stops working after changes made by the user.

Conclusion

Barcode and QR scanner are an important addition to any mobile device. QR codes can contain a huge amount of useful information. Many competitions often use this encryption method and you cannot participate in them without such an application. Thanks to its high speed and regular patches from developers, the application has gained great popularity among users of Android devices.

Gone are the days of checking barcodes producing countries it was only possible manually. Today, any owner of a mobile phone has access to a barcode scanner, with which you can quickly and easily decipher it on the spot and find out details about the product you are purchasing.

At all barcode is information encrypted in the form of stripes about a product, its country and manufacturer, which is read by a special scanner. You can decipher the barcode yourself, knowing which number is responsible for which parameter.

The most common types of barcodes are thirteen-digit European (EAN-13) and the compatible twelve-digit UPC, which is used in North America.

• The first two digits are the country code of the manufacturer;
• The next five digits are the product manufacturer's code;
• The next five are the consumer qualities of the product itself;
• The last digit is a control digit, intended for a barcode scanner

Sometimes there are exceptions when the country code corresponds to three characters at once, and for the manufacturer - four.

The most important is the last, check digit. This is how you can determine whether a product is real or fake. It is calculated using the following formula:

1. Add the numbers in even places
2. We multiply the result by “3”
3. We add up the numbers in odd places, except for the control one.
4. Add the numbers obtained in steps 2 and 3
5. Discarding tens
6. From the number “10” we subtract what we got in point 5

Barcodes of countries of origin

But before you make these complex calculations, be sure to check whether the barcode of the manufacturer's country matches the inscription on the package. If the code is Chinese, but it says “Made in Germany,” then you understand, this is a reason to think about it. Although there may be completely understandable reasons for this, for example, a license was obtained in one country, and production was established in another, etc.

Here are the most common country barcodes:

Barcode Scanner

As I already said, those who have a phone don’t need to do any of this at all. Just install a special program called (for Android) or Qrafter (for iPhone/iPad).

These applications can check not only product barcodes, but also the recently popular QR codes, from which useful data can also be decrypted. By the way, you can practice using them right now by trying to scan QR codes with links to the program data given just above.

The operation of the applications is outrageously simple - we launch it, point the camera at the barcode and wait until it focuses on it and recognizes it. After which you will be asked to open a link to search Google for information about this product.

Now you know how to find out the country of manufacture and decipher the barcode using a scanner. Finally, homework for you - using one of the programs I have given, find out the country, company and product using the very first code from this article. Write your answers in the comments, whoever guesses first will get a prize! Forward!

Checking barcode online

For your convenience, I am posting an online code verification form on the page. You can find out everything about any product right now, “without leaving the checkout” - just enter the full number from the label.

Well, at the same time, here is a QR code generator. With its help, you can encode any information, for example, your phone number or Email, and send the resulting image to a friend or post it on your page or blog so that this data does not end up in spam databases.