Scan QR Codes from any screenshot
Screention lets you scan QR codes and barcodes directly from screenshots, offline, on all platforms. No uploading to websites, no app switching, no phone needed.
How to scan a QR code from a screenshot
Capture your screen
Press Ctrl+Alt+A or your custom hotkey to capture any region containing a QR code or barcode.
Press Ctrl+Q to scan
Hit the QR scan shortcut or click the QR button in the toolbar. Screention reads the code in the selected region, retrying small codes at a larger size.
Result copied to clipboard
The decoded URL, text, or payload is copied to your clipboard and shown in a panel, where you can edit it or open a link.
Works with any screenshot
Whether it's a QR code from a chat message, a marketing poster, a conference badge, or a payment receipt — if it is clear on screen, Screention can usually scan it. Screenshots of QR codes work well because QR codes retain their data in any image format.
Everything you need for QR scanning
Multi-Format Support
QR codes, Data Matrix, and common 1D barcodes (Code 128, EAN, UPC) all decoded in one click.
100% Offline Scanning
Powered by rxing, a Rust port of ZXing, running locally. No cloud uploads, no API keys, no internet needed.
Small & Inverted Codes
Small codes are retried at two and three times their size, and light-on-dark (inverted) codes are read too.
Selection or Whole Screen
Select just the code for the most reliable read, or scan with nothing selected to search the whole screen.
Instant Clipboard Copy
Decoded data is copied to your clipboard right away and shown in a panel, with an Open link button for web addresses. Paste anywhere immediately.
Cross-Platform Support
Same QR scanning workflow on Windows, macOS, and Linux (including Wayland).
Frequently asked questions
Can you scan a QR code from a screenshot?
Yes. Screention lets you scan QR codes directly from any screenshot on your screen. Simply capture the region containing the QR code, press Ctrl+Q, and the decoded data is copied to your clipboard. No phone camera needed.
Does a screenshot of a QR code work?
Absolutely. QR codes encode data in their visual pattern, which is preserved in screenshots regardless of image format (PNG, JPG, WebP). As long as the QR code is reasonably clear and not severely cropped, scanning from a screenshot works just as reliably as scanning from the original source.
How do I scan a QR code from a screenshot on Windows, Mac, or Linux?
Install Screention (free), capture the screen region containing the QR code with your global hotkey, then press Ctrl+Q or click the QR button in the toolbar. The decoded URL or text is automatically copied to your clipboard.
Can I scan a QR code from a screenshot on iPhone or Android?
On iPhone, you can use Live Text or Visual Look Up in the Photos app. On Android, Google Lens can scan QR codes from saved images. For desktop screenshots, Screention provides a keyboard-driven workflow on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Is Screention's QR scanner free?
Yes, completely free. Screention is 100% free with no paywalls, no subscriptions, and no feature restrictions. QR and barcode scanning are included for all users on all platforms.
Can you scan a barcode from a screenshot?
Yes. Screention supports both 2D codes (QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec) and common 1D barcodes (Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A). The same Ctrl+Q shortcut works for all barcode formats.
Do I need an internet connection to scan QR codes?
No. Screention reads QR codes and barcodes entirely on your device using rxing, a Rust port of the ZXing library, compiled into the app. Scanning never sends your screenshot anywhere.