CDRN

Read a QR Code from an image

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instantly decode the content of a QR code from an image (PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP or BMP). Handy to check what was encoded before printing or to extract the text from a QR received as an attachment

Why use a QR code reader?

QR codes are everywhere: posters, labels, invoices, business cards, restaurant menus. They encode URLs, contacts, Wi-Fi credentials or simple text strings. This tool lets you decode the content of a QR code from an image, without having to use your smartphone.

Features of the QR code reader

The tool accepts a JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP or BMP image, up to 10 MB. It analyses the QR code detected in the image and returns its text content. No image is kept on the server after processing.

How to use the QR code reader

Pick an image containing a readable QR code, then click the "Decode" button. The decoded content is shown in the result area, ready to copy.

Tips for a good decode

To maximise detection chances, use a sharp, well-contrasted image cropped around the QR code. Avoid images that are too dark, blurry or distorted. If the image comes from a photo, straighten it before uploading.

Frequently asked questions

Which image formats can I upload?

The tool accepts JPEG, PNG, GIF, WebP and BMP, up to 10 MB per file. If your QR code is in a PDF, export it as an image first (screenshot, image export in Preview on macOS or right-click on a page in Acrobat). The decoder does not read PDF files directly.

Does decoding work on a photo taken with a smartphone?

Yes, provided the photo is sharp and well lit. If the QR is slightly tilted, decoding is still possible: the specification allows some tolerance thanks to the corner position markers. For tricky cases, crop the image around the QR before sending it to remove visual distractions.

Is the uploaded image kept?

No. The image is processed during the request then deleted. The decoded text content is returned in the response but not stored on the server. No third-party service is called for the analysis, everything happens on our infrastructure.

Why does the tool not detect any QR on my image?

Several possible causes: image too small or too dark, partially hidden QR, excessive perspective or insufficient contrast. Try again with a cropped and straightened image. If the QR has an oversized central logo, its error correction may have been saturated at generation time, preventing any read-back.

Does it work for Data Matrix or classic barcodes?

No, this tool is limited to QR codes in the strict sense (ISO/IEC 18004). Data Matrix, EAN, Code 128 or Aztec use other reading formats. For these standards, a dedicated reader is needed; we do not yet offer a matching tool.

How do I generate a QR code from a text or a URL?

Use our QR code generator: enter your text or URL, choose PNG or SVG output, and get the image ready to print or embed in a web page. SVG is recommended for large-format printing.

Example request

curl -X POST https://cdrn.fr/api/v1/tools/qr-code-reader/execute \
  -F "image=@/path/to/file"

Input schema

Field Type Required Default
image file –

this tool expects a file - use Content-Type multipart/form-data instead of application/json

Endpoints

  • GET https://cdrn.fr/api/v1/tools - lists every available tool
  • GET https://cdrn.fr/api/v1/tools/qr-code-reader - returns the schema for this tool
  • POST https://cdrn.fr/api/v1/tools/qr-code-reader/execute - runs this tool with a JSON payload