Reading QR codes with a PC is not as easy as doing it with a mobile. The first limitation is that not all computers include a webcam, except for laptops.
As I always say, for any computer problem, we will always find an application and the problem that arises to read QR codes on PC is not an exception.
What are QR codes
QR codes are a graphic representation that redirects us to a web page, mainly, where we can expand the information that is displayed next to the code.
The use of this type of codes is very widespread in tourist areas, medical centers to identify patients, government agencies, on public transport and even on business cards.
These types of codes can be static or dynamic. Static QR codes are created for a single function and cannot be changed. Yes, we want to change the functionality of a QR code, we must use dynamic codes.
Dynamic codes are ideal for restaurants and businesses that, through a QR code, can modify the information they show depending on the time of day, the day (holiday or work).
In addition, it also allows you to collect usage data, being ideal for knowing the scope of advertising campaigns. Once we know what a QR code is and how we can use it, the time has come to learn how to read QR codes with a PC.
Read QR codes with PC
QR Code for Windows
QR Code for Windows is one of the most complete applications available in the Microsoft Store to read QR codes from a PC.
Once we have installed the application, the first time we run it, will request permission to access the camera, where we will show the QR code that we want to read.
In addition, it also allows us read QR codes found in images, so it is ideal for any type of situation that forces us to read a QR code, whether we have a webcam or not.
As if that were not enough, it also allows us create QR codes of the type:
- Text
- URL
- Wi-Fi
- Phone
- Message
- Business card
This app is available for download completely free of charge and does not include any ads. It includes a purchase within the application that allows us to create QR codes to add events to the calendar and send WhatsApp messages to a certain number.
You can download QR code for Windows through the following link.
ScannerOne
If with QR code for Windows you can't read all the QR codes you come across or you have broader needs, an interesting alternative is Scanner One.
Scanner One allows us to read Codabar codes, Code 39, Code 93, Code 128, EAN, GS1 DataBar (RSS), ITF, MSI Barcode, UPC, Aztec, Data Matrix, PDF417 and QR Code.
With this application we can read this type of code using the camera of our device, through an image and even from the clipboard. Unlike QR code for Windows, it does not allow us to create QR codes.
It does not include ads or in-app purchases and is available for free download from the following link.
Read QR codes with Mac
qr-journal
If we are looking for an application to read QR codes on the Mac, one of the best options available and that is also completely free is QR Journal.
Thanks to QR Journal, we can both this type of code from the camera of our Mac and from an image file that we have stored on our device.
In addition to reading QR codes from the device's camera and through an image, it also allows us to create QR codes, making it one of the best options available in macOS to read and create QR codes on Mac.
You can download QR Journal from the Mac App Store through the following link.
QR code reader
If the user interface of the QR Journal app does not invite you to use it, you can try the QR Code Reader app.
This application, available for free download, allows us to read bar codes from the Mac's camera or through an image.
It also allows us to create QR codes with a URL, address, access Wi-Fi settings, call a phone number... QR code reader is available for iOS and macOS for devices with Apple's M1 processor or higher.
You can download this application through the following link.
Read QR codes on Android
Chrome
Chrome, the Google browser that is installed natively on all Android devices that come to the market with Google services, allows us to read QR codes.
By including support for reading QR codes, it is not really worth installing any other application available in the Play Store to read this type of code.
To read QR codes with Chrome, we must access the address bar and click on the camera icon. At that moment, Google Lens will open, a Google service that will allow us to recognize the QR codes that we point to.
How to create QR codes
Once we know what QR codes are, what they are for and how we can read them from different devices, the time has come to learn how to create QR codes.
Both the applications for Windows and those available for Mac allow us to create QR codes, so it is not necessary to use any additional application.
For mobile devices, it is recommended to use a web page and not an application, unless you have the usual need to create this type of code.
One of the best and most complete websites to create codes QR Generator. With this web page we can create codes with:
- URL
- Send an SMS
- Call a phone number
- Send an e-mail
- display a text
- Show contact details
- show location
- Create an event on the calendar
- Access device Wi-Fi options
In addition, it also allows us 4 types of size, being ideal for any purpose. This website is completely free and it is not necessary to create an account to use it.
