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Scanning QR Codes

The QR Generator includes a powerful built-in scanner that can read QR codes using multiple methods.

Scanning Methods​

Method 1: Camera Scanning​

Best for: Real-time scanning, quick checks, mobile devices

  1. Click the Scan tab
  2. Click Use Camera button
  3. Allow camera permissions when prompted
  4. Point camera at QR code
  5. App auto-detects and decodes immediately

Requirements:

  • HTTPS connection (required for camera access)
  • Camera permission granted
  • Supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

Tips:

  • Hold steady for 1-2 seconds
  • Ensure good lighting
  • Fill frame with QR code
  • Avoid glare and shadows

Method 2: File Upload​

Best for: Saved images, screenshots, photos of QR codes

  1. Click Scan tab
  2. Click Upload QR Code Image button
  3. Select image file from computer
  4. Result displays immediately

Supported formats:

  • PNG, JPG/JPEG, WEBP, GIF
  • Maximum file size: ~10MB
  • Any resolution (auto-scaled)

Method 3: Drag and Drop​

Best for: Quick scanning of saved files

  1. Open Scan tab
  2. Drag an image file containing a QR code
  3. Drop it anywhere on the scan area
  4. Instant decode

Method 4: Paste from Clipboard​

Best for: Screenshots, copied images

  1. Copy an image containing a QR code (Ctrl+C or Cmd+C)
  2. Go to Scan tab
  3. Click Paste from Clipboard button
    • Or press Ctrl+V (Cmd+V on Mac) anywhere on the page
  4. Result displays immediately

Browser support:

  • ✅ Chrome 76+
  • ✅ Edge 79+
  • ⚠️ Firefox (requires button click, not Ctrl+V)
  • ⚠️ Safari (limited support)

Understanding Scan Results​

Auto Type Detection​

The scanner automatically recognizes different data types:

TypeIconAuto-DetectionActions Available
URL🌐Detects http://, https://, www.Click to open in new tab
Email✉️Detects @ and email formatClick to compose email
Phone📞Detects tel: or phone patternsClick to call
SMS💬Detects sms: or SMSTO:Click to send message
WiFi📶Detects WIFI: formatDisplays credentials
vCard👤Detects BEGIN:VCARDDisplays contact info
Calendar📅Detects BEGIN:VEVENTShows event details
Location📍Detects geo: formatOpens in maps
Text📝Default for other dataCopy to clipboard

Action Buttons​

After scanning, you get three options:

  1. Copy to Clipboard — Copy the decoded text
  2. Create QR Code with this data — Generate new QR with same data
  3. Scan Another — Clear results and scan again

Encrypted QR Codes​

Detecting Encryption​

When you scan an encrypted QR code, you'll see:

  • 🔒 Lock icon badge
  • Amber warning box
  • "Encrypted QR Code" label
  • Password input field

Decrypting​

  1. Scan the encrypted QR code
  2. Enter the decryption password
  3. Click Decrypt button
  4. View original data if password is correct

Security notes:

  • Standard cameras will show gibberish starting with ENC:
  • Only mini-qr app can decrypt with correct password
  • Wrong passwords show clear error messages
  • No password storage — you must remember/receive password

Camera Scanner Features​

Auto-Focus and Detection​

  • Continuous scanning (no button press)
  • Auto-detects multiple QR codes
  • Focuses on code in center of frame
  • Works in various lighting conditions

Camera Selection​

If you have multiple cameras (front/back on phone, multiple webcams on PC):

  1. Look for camera selector dropdown
  2. Choose preferred camera
  3. Permission applies to selected camera

Troubleshooting Camera Issues​

"Camera access denied"

  • Click the 🔒 icon in browser address bar
  • Change camera permission to "Allow"
  • Refresh the page

"Camera already in use"

  • Close other apps using camera (Zoom, Skype, etc.)
  • Close other browser tabs using camera
  • Restart browser if needed

"Camera not detected"

  • Check physical camera is connected
  • Check browser permissions
  • Try different browser
  • Check camera works in other apps

Poor detection/slow scanning

  • Improve lighting conditions
  • Move closer/further from QR code
  • Clean camera lens
  • Try portrait mode instead of landscape

Privacy & Security​

Data Handling​

  • ✅ All scanning happens in your browser
  • ✅ No data sent to servers
  • ✅ No images saved or uploaded
  • ✅ Camera access only when actively scanning
  • ✅ Can use offline after PWA installation

Camera Permissions​

  • Permission requested only when needed
  • Can be revoked anytime in browser settings
  • Only works on HTTPS (secure connection)
  • One-time permission per browser/device

Advanced Features​

Batch Scanning​

While there's no automatic batch scanning mode, you can:

  1. Scan one code
  2. Copy the result
  3. Click "Scan Another"
  4. Repeat for multiple codes
  5. Paste collected data elsewhere

QR Code Quality​

The scanner can read:

  • Damaged QR codes (if error correction allows)
  • Small QR codes (minimum ~2cm at 30cm distance)
  • Tilted or slightly rotated codes
  • Low contrast codes (adjusts automatically)
  • Partially obscured codes

Fallback Detection​

If the primary scanner fails, the app automatically tries:

  1. Primary: html5-qrcode library
  2. Fallback: nimiq/qr-scanner library
  3. Different processing algorithms
  4. Multiple detection attempts

Troubleshooting​

QR Code Not Detected​

  1. Ensure QR code is fully visible in camera frame
  2. Improve lighting (avoid shadows and glare)
  3. Move camera closer or further away
  4. Try uploading image file instead
  5. Check QR code isn't damaged or faded

Garbled or Wrong Results​

  1. Clean camera lens
  2. Ensure QR code is in focus
  3. Avoid motion blur (hold steady)
  4. Try better lighting
  5. For encrypted codes, enter correct password

Performance Issues​

  1. Close other browser tabs
  2. Reduce browser extensions
  3. Use a simpler scanning method (upload vs camera)
  4. Try different browser
  5. Clear browser cache

Keyboard Shortcuts​

ShortcutAction
Ctrl+V / Cmd+VPaste image from clipboard (in Scan tab)
EscClose camera scanner
TabNavigate between buttons
EnterActivate focused button

Next Steps​