How to use
- Click Scan an image and choose a photo, drop an image on the box, or paste a screenshot with Ctrl+V / ⌘V.
- Or click Use camera, allow camera access and hold the barcode horizontally in view.
- Each code found is outlined on the image and listed with its symbology (such as EAN_13) and content.
Options explained
- Supported symbologies
- EAN-13, EAN-8, UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 128, Code 39, Code 93, Codabar, ITF and DataBar, plus the 2D codes QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417 and Aztec.
- Several codes
- Up to 16 codes per image, useful for a sheet of labels or a packing list.
- Orientation
- Barcodes are read horizontally, vertically or upside down, and inverted (light bars on dark) codes are tried too.
Reading the number
| Type | Digits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EAN-13 | 13 | Most products worldwide; books start with 978 or 979 |
| UPC-A | 12 | North American products; the same as EAN-13 with a leading 0 |
| EAN-8 | 8 | Small packages |
The last digit of EAN and UPC codes is a check digit. Multiply the digits left of it alternately by 1 and 3 (starting with 1 for EAN-13), add them up, and the check digit is what brings the total to a multiple of 10. For 400638133393 the sum is 69, so the check digit is 1 and the full code is 4006381333931. A code whose last digit does not match this was probably misread.
Frequently asked questions
What does the first part of a product barcode mean?
The first three digits of an EAN-13 are the GS1 prefix of the member organisation that issued the number — for example 000–019 for GS1 US and 500–509 for GS1 UK. They show where the number was registered, not necessarily where the product was made.
Is a book's barcode its ISBN?
Yes. The 13-digit EAN barcode on the back of a book starting with 978 or 979 is its 13-digit ISBN.
Why can't it read my barcode?
Barcodes that are too small, blurry, shiny or curved are hard to read. Fill the frame with the barcode, keep it level and in focus, or crop the image closer to the code.
Can it look up the product name or price?
No. A barcode only holds a number; names and prices live in retailers' and GS1 databases. This tool only reads what is in the code.
Are my images uploaded?
No. Scanning uses ZXing compiled to WebAssembly and runs in your browser; images never leave your device.
Privacy
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files and text are processed on your device and are never uploaded to our servers.