How to Scan QR Code on Macbook Air?
How to Scan QR Code on Macbook Air– You can use your MacBook to scan and read QR codes just like our cell phones do. Additionally, you can install specific macOS apps to capture and scan QR codes and use Mac’s built-in webcam camera to view content.
Read: How to Clean Out Dust From Your MacBook or iMac
What is a QR Code?
The QR code is a matrix code, also known as a two-dimensional barcode, developed in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso-Wave.
Because the creators wanted the contents of the code to be decoded quickly, the name “QR” is derived from “quick response”. However, QR codes are now used in a much wider context, such as hiding website URLs, email addresses, and more.
How to Scan and Read QR Codes Using MacBook?
Here are five (5) ways to do it. How to Scan QR Code on Macbook Air-
1. QR Log
QR Journal is a free tool that allows users to scan their QR code images (such as from email) and visit a website using their web browser.
If your computer has an iSight-enabled camera, it can also read QR codes. Simply bring the QR code up to your MacBook’s front camera to scan.
Some of the features include;
- Import files/images to scan and read
- Create your own QR code
- AppleScript support for parsing and triggering after parsing code
2. Mac QR Reader
QR Reader Mac is an AppleScript that reads QR codes from a computer screen, extracts URLs, and automatically opens them in your web browser.
It is hosted as a Github project and recently added support for the Apple M1 chip for the new MacBooks.
Prerequisites: You need to install the open-source barcode reader script called ZBar. You can install it with the following;
Go to the GitHub page, select <code>, and click <Download Zip>. Once downloaded, double-click to install.
Now all you have to do is use your mouse to select the size of the QR code you want to scan, and your web browser will open the site URL.
3. Code Reader – QR Scanner
Code Reader can be found in the Apple App Store, and is used to scan, generate, and share QR codes with anyone.
It can scan codes with encoded text, links, contacts, emails, locations, etc.
When scanning a QR code using this app, the web browser will automatically open if it is a URL link. If it’s an email address, this will open your email client, so you can quickly send an email.
Some of the features of the app include;
- Read, display, and save multiple codes at the same time
- Ability to always use HTTPS to avoid insecure websites
- generate color barcode
- Read QR code using image files
4. QuickMark – QR Code Reader
QuickMark is a Mac-based barcode reader that lets you scan and automatically generate Quick Code, QR Code, and Data Matrix barcode formats.
Some of the main features include;
- Scan barcodes and QR codes using the built-in webcam
- 2D barcode decoding on screen with transparent mode
- 2D barcode decoding from files or by drag and drop
- Create your own 2d barcode
- Supports structured QR codes
5. QR Code Decoder – [Online]
This is an online QR code decoder and generator service. All you have to do is upload your QR code image file online, which will automatically show you the text data in the code.
You can also use this service to generate your QR code. Again, no web browser plug-ins or extensions are required.
Enter your text and click <Generate>. Your custom QR code image will be displayed on the right and you can right-click to save the image.