Is this barcode and QR code tool really free?

Yes, it is 100% free to use. There are no watermarks, no sign-up requirements, and no limits on how many codes you can generate or scan.

Is my data safe when I use this tool?

Absolutely. Your privacy is our priority. All generation and scanning operations happen locally in your browser. Your data, uploaded images, and camera feed never leave your device and are never sent to our servers.

What's the difference between a barcode and a QR code?

A barcode is a one-dimensional (1D) code that stores a small amount of data, typically a product identification number, and is read by a laser scanner. A QR code is a two-dimensional (2D) code that can store much more information (like website URLs, contact info, or text) and is read by a camera.

How do I create a QR code for my Wi-Fi network?

To create a Wi-Fi QR code, simply enter the text in the following format into the data field: WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetworkName;P:YourPassword;; (Replace 'YourNetworkName' and 'YourPassword' with your actual Wi-Fi details). When scanned, devices can automatically connect.

How to Generate and Scan Barcodes & QR Codes (Free Online Guide)

From inventory management to digital marketing, barcodes and QR codes are everywhere. They are the digital bridges that connect physical objects to online information. But you don’t need complex software to work with them.

With a powerful, free online tool, you can create custom codes for your business or scan any code you encounter in seconds. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know using our privacy-first Barcode & QR Code Generator and Scanner.

Part 1: How to Generate Your Own Barcodes and QR Codes

Creating a code is simple. Whether for a product, a business card, or an event poster, follow these steps to generate a high-quality code.

Step 1: Choose Your Code Type

First, decide what you need.

Barcode: Best for product inventory, asset tracking, and library books. They store simple alphanumeric data. Our tool supports popular formats like CODE128, EAN-13, and UPC.
QR Code: Perfect for marketing, sharing information, and contactless interactions. They can store website URLs, contact information (vCards), Wi-Fi login details, and more.

In the tool, simply select the “Generate” tab and then click either “Barcode” or “QR Code”.

Step 2: Enter Your Data

In the “Data to encode” box, type or paste the information you want the code to contain.

For a product barcode, this would be the GTIN or UPC number (e.g., 9780201379624).
For a QR code, this could be a website URL (e.g., https://neatforge.com), your contact details, or plain text.

Step 3: Customize and Refine

This is where you tailor the code to your specific needs.

For Barcodes: Use the “Barcode Format” dropdown to select the correct type. A tooltip will guide you. For example:

EAN-13: The standard for retail products outside of North America.
UPC: The standard for retail products in the US and Canada.
CODE128: A versatile format for logistics and internal tracking.

For QR Codes (Advanced Options):

Error Correction Level: This determines how resilient your QR code is. A “High (H)” level means the code can still be scanned even if up to 30% of it is damaged or covered.
Add a Logo: Make your QR code stand out by adding a logo! Click to upload a small, preferably square, image. The tool will automatically place it in the center.

Step 4: Download and Use

The preview of your code will update instantly as you make changes. Once it looks perfect, click the “Download as PNG” button. You’ll get a high-resolution image file with a transparent background, perfect for printing, web design, or adding to documents.

Part 2: How to Scan Any Barcode or QR Code

Need to know what’s behind a code? Our scanner makes it easy and, most importantly, private.

Method 1: Scan a Code from an Image

If you have a picture of a barcode or QR code on your device:

Select the “Scan” tab.
Click the “Upload an Image” box.
Choose the image file from your computer or phone.
The tool will instantly read the code and display the encoded data in the “Scan Result” box.

Method 2: Scan a Code with Your Camera

To scan a code in the real world:

Select the “Scan” tab.
Click the “Use Your Camera” button. Your browser will ask for permission to access your camera—you must allow it for this feature to work.
A live video feed will appear. Simply point your camera at the barcode or QR code.
Once it’s in focus, the tool will automatically scan it and show you the results.

The Privacy Advantage: Why Use a Browser-Based Tool?

Many mobile apps for scanning QR codes have been found to track user data or show intrusive ads. Our tool is different.

No Uploads, Ever: All processing happens locally on your device. Your data, images, and camera feed are never sent to our servers.
No Tracking: We don’t monitor what you generate or scan. Your activity is your own.
Secure: Since your camera feed isn’t being streamed to a third party, it’s a much safer way to scan sensitive codes.

Common Use Cases

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Business: Generate QR codes on your marketing materials that link to a landing page. Use barcodes for efficient inventory management.
Events: Create a QR code that links to a Google Maps location for your event, or one that adds the event to a user’s calendar.
Personal: Make a QR code for your home Wi-Fi network so guests can connect instantly. Label storage boxes with barcodes to track what’s inside.

Ready to create or scan your first code?

→ Try Our Free Barcode & QR Code Tool Now