Online QR Code Reader — upload an image to read its contents
Got a QR image (a screenshot, a photo, a saved picture) and want to know what's in it? Drop it in and QR Cat reads it out — URLs, text, WiFi and contact cards all decode. It uses a local WebAssembly decoder in your browser, so the image is never uploaded or stored — fast and private. If it's a URL, we show you the full link first so you can decide whether it's safe to open.
🔒 Decoded locally in your browser — never uploaded
How to use qr code reader (decode from image)
- 1Drop a QR image in, or click to upload (you can also paste a screenshot).
- 2QR Cat decodes it locally and reads out the contents instantly.
- 3Review the content; if it's a URL, the full link is shown for you to check.
- 4Hit Copy to grab the content, or open the link only after you've confirmed it's safe.
Why use QR Cat's QR Code Reader (decode from image)?
- No camera needed: decode an image or screenshot right on your computer — no holding a phone up to the screen.
- Image never uploaded: decoding happens locally in your browser, the image never leaves your device.
- See the link before you open it: a decoded URL is shown in full first, so you don't blindly open a sketchy short link.
- Strong decoding: built on the ZXing decoder, it does its best even with blurry, logo'd or slightly skewed codes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the image uploaded to a server?
No. QR Cat decodes with a local WebAssembly decoder — the image is processed only in your device's memory and discarded after decoding. Nothing uploaded or saved.
Which image formats are supported?
Common ones — PNG, JPG, WebP, GIF, BMP. Screenshots, phone photos and images saved from the web all work; just drop them in.
Why won't some codes decode?
The image may be too blurry, the QR too small, badly glared or obstructed — or it isn't a standard QR code (a barcode, or a corner was cropped off). Try a sharper image where the QR is larger with its quiet-zone margin intact.
It decoded to a URL — is it safe to open?
We show you the full URL instead of jumping straight there, exactly so you can check it. If the link is unfamiliar, the domain is strange, or it looks like a disguised short link, don't open it — that's basic safety for scanning unknown QR codes.
Updated · QR Cat team