Barcode
Reader 
Please allow Pageloot.com to use the camera. If it doesn't work, try another browser.
This free online barcode scanner reads a barcode with your phone or computer camera, or from a photo you upload. No extra app and no physical scanner device are needed. Use it as a barcode reader for products, packages and labels.
Want to create a QR code instead?
How to scan barcode
1. Click Scan Barcode and allow Pageloot.com to use your camera. Or click Upload Image and choose a photo of the barcode.
2. Hold the barcode flat inside the camera view, with good light and no glare. Keep the whole code in the frame.
3. Done. The number or text stored in the barcode appears on the screen.
Most popular barcode types
GS1-128 (also called EAN-128) is a barcode format that stores data in numbered fields. It is mainly used for shipping labels and for tracking goods in retail and logistics.
Max length: Variable, up to 48 data characters
Characters: ASCII
Use case: Tracking, Retail
There are two types of UPC barcodes: UPC-A and UPC-E. UPC-A has 12 digits. UPC-E is a shorter version with 8 digits, placed on smaller products. UPC is the standard retail code in the US and Canada.
Max length: 8-12
Characters: 0-9
Use case: Warehouses, Retail
Code 128 is a flexible barcode that can hold letters, numbers and symbols. It is common in shipping, transport and warehouse labels.
Max length: Variable
Characters: ASCII
Use case: Shipping, Transport
Data Matrix is a 2D barcode made of small squares. It can hold numbers, text and data in a very small space. It is often used to label medical goods and electronics.
Max length: Up to 3,116 digits
Characters: ASCII
Use case: Electronics, Medical
EAN barcodes are used in retail stores around the world. EAN-13 has 13 digits and EAN-8 has 8 digits for small products. Your phone camera can read both.
Max length: 8 or 13
Characters: 0-9
Use case: Retail
ISBN barcodes identify books. The ISBN-13 number is shown as an EAN-13 barcode that starts with 978 or 979. The number points to the book and its publisher. It does not contain the title.
Max length: 13
Characters: 0-9
Use case: Books, Magazines
The Best Barcode Reader Online
Keep a list of your scans. Log in to your Pageloot account to save your barcode scan history. A 14-day free trial is available, and the plans page shows what each plan includes.
Check before you act. Look at the number or text the scanner shows and compare it with the label, the package or the product before you use it. If the barcode is a link, check the address before you open it.
Keep your codes organized. In a Pageloot account you can group QR codes in folders and find them again with search. Need a code that can be tracked? Make a QR code and turn on scan stats.
Create a QR Code
Make your own code with the free generator. Track scans with a 14-day free trial.
Online barcode scanner app
Save a bookmark of the Pageloot barcode reader on your iPhone or Android phone. Add the bookmark to your home screen, so this page works like a barcode reader app without an install.
Use the free barcode scanner online on any device with a camera. Log in to your account to save your scan history.
Barcode not scanning? Check these first. Allow camera access in your browser. Add more light and avoid glare on shiny labels. Hold the phone 10-20 cm (4-8 in) from the code and keep it still. Clean or flatten a wrinkled label. If the live camera still fails, take a sharp photo and use Upload Image. Try another browser if the camera does not start.
"
Frequently asked questions
A barcode is a pattern of lines or squares that stores data in a form a machine can read. Stores, warehouses and shippers use barcodes to identify products, packages and documents.
Yes, but keep strong contrast. A dark code on a light background scans best. Light colors or low contrast can make the code hard to read.
Click Scan Barcode on this page and allow camera access, then hold the barcode inside the frame. You can also click Upload Image and choose a photo of the barcode.
Look for a scanner that works in your browser, reads from camera or photo, and needs no extra device. The Pageloot barcode scanner does this and is free to use.
Open this page, click Scan Barcode and allow camera access. Hold the barcode inside the frame and the result appears on the screen. You can also upload a photo of the barcode.
Barcode scanner apps range from free to paid. This online scanner is free to use and needs no install. Saving scan history needs a Pageloot account.
No. A phone or computer with a camera is enough to scan most barcodes. A physical scanner is faster if you scan hundreds of items a day.
Open this page in your phone browser, tap Scan Barcode and allow camera access. Hold the barcode inside the frame. Add the page to your home screen to open it like an app.
The most common causes are blocked camera access, poor light, glare, a blurry or damaged label, or holding the phone too close. Fix those, or take a sharp photo and use Upload Image.
It depends on the type and the printer. As a rough guide, a 1D barcode is readable at about 2.5 cm (1 in) wide, and a 2D code such as Data Matrix can be about 0.5 x 0.5 cm (0.2 in). Smaller codes need a sharper print and a closer camera.
There is no fixed maximum. Size depends on the data, the barcode type and how far away the scanner is. Larger codes are used for scanning from a distance.
Common types are UPC and EAN for retail, Code 39 and Code 128 for industry and shipping, GS1-128 for logistics, ISBN for books, and 2D codes such as QR Code and Data Matrix. See the list of popular barcode types above.
Scan the code to get its number, then search that number online or in your inventory system. The scanner shows what is stored in the code, such as the UPC or EAN number.
No. A classic barcode is a row of lines and holds a short number. A QR code is a square 2D code that can hold links and more data. You can make your own with the free QR code generator.
Try Pageloot now
Start a 14-day free trial to track scans and edit your QR codes after printing.
