In the era of thriving online shopping, the habit of Barcode Scanner has become an indispensable self-defense action for smart consumers. However, the mobile phone with the familiar [barcode scanning application] is not always the optimal tool.
You may be facing the following situations:
- You need to conduct specialized product information lookup, working with multiple barcodes simultaneously on a large PC screen.
- The barcode is blurry, difficult to scan with a phone camera, but can be easily decoded through a high-quality photo on a computer.
- You are browsing e-commerce platforms, encounter a barcode printed on the product image, and want to scan the barcode online immediately without switching to your phone.
In reality, there are many ways to Scan Barcodes With a Computer effectively, even without installing any barcode scanning software for PC. You can completely utilize readily available web-based tools.
As an expert with 20 years of experience in content and traceability, we will guide you on how to overcome the mobile application barrier. This article will analyze in detail 3 powerful and free methods to scan barcodes with a computer and decode product information:
- Manual Method: Use the 13 digits themselves to look up on official information portals.
- Online Method: Use OnlQR’s leading online barcode check tool to upload an image and decode.
- Integrated Method: Leverage the power of browser extensions (Browser Extensions).
It’s time to upgrade your product information lookup skills to a new level, turning your personal computer into a powerful quality control station, helping you check for genuine or fake goods professionally and conveniently.
Method 1: Manual Barcode Decoding (Using Numbers)
Traditional Method: Entering the Barcode Number for Lookup (The Simplest Way)
This is the foundational method, requiring no software or image scanning tools, only requiring you to read the 13-digit sequence printed below the bars. This method is especially useful when the barcode is torn, blurred, and you can only read a portion of the numbers.
1. Lookup Through Official Information Portals (GS1)
The global Barcode and Numbering System is managed by the GS1 organization. You can use the GS1 portals in the corresponding country to directly look up product information:
- Identify the Country Code: Use the first 3 digits of the barcode to identify the registered country (e.g., 893 is Vietnam).
- Access the Official Website: Access the website of that country’s GS1 (e.g., GS1 Vietnam) or portals authorized by GS1.
- Input Data: Enter the entire 13-digit barcode sequence into the search box.
Result: If the barcode is valid and registered, the portal will return basic information about the Enterprise Code (the name of the company that registered the barcode), helping you cross-reference the origin.
2. Check the Validity of the Barcode Number Using the Check Digit
A smart consumer can independently check whether the 13-digit sequence is a valid barcode before proceeding with the lookup:
- Check Formula (Checksum): This is a mathematical formula designed to verify if the first 12 digits correctly generate the 13th digit (the Check Digit). You can search for “EAN-13 Check Digit Calculator” tools online for a quick check.
- Value: If the number sequence you enter does not pass the Checksum test, it is 100% a fake or flawed barcode, and you should stop the transaction immediately. This is a primary but extremely effective way to check for genuine or fake goods.
Advantages of the Manual Method: Simple, requires no internet (only needs access to the portal for the final lookup), and can check partially damaged barcodes.
Disadvantages: Time-consuming data entry, does not display product images or in-depth details.
Method 2: Using Online Tools (Barcode Scanner)
Scan Barcodes Online Using a Website: An Effective App Replacement Tool
The most optimal method to Scan Barcodes Online without installing any software is to use online decoding tools via a browser. This method is especially effective when you already have an image of the barcode (photo taken from a phone, image saved from a website, or screenshot).
We will focus on the leading free barcode scanning tool in Vietnam: The online decoding page of OnlQR, a reputable unit with a massive product database, serving as a reliable bridge for product information lookup.
Detailed A-Z Guide with OnlQR’s Online Barcode Scanning Tool
The tool at the address https://onlqr.com/resource/scanner/ is designed to decode barcodes quickly, leveraging OnlQR’s massive product database.
4-Step Barcode Scanning Process on PC:
- Prepare the Barcode Image: Ensure you have a clear image of the barcode (EAN-13, QR Code…). The barcode must not be cut, wrinkled, or too blurry. Save the image to your computer.
- Access the Tool: Open the browser on your computer and go to the path: https://onlqr.com/resource/scanner/
- Upload and Decode the Image:
- On the tool’s interface, find and click the “Choose File” (or “Upload Image”) button.
- Select the prepared barcode image from your computer.
- The system will automatically scan and decode the barcode or QR code in the image.
- Analyze the Product Information Lookup Results:
- Success (Match): The result will display the decoded Barcode Number and, more importantly, will link directly to the product information in OnlQR’s database (product name, brand, manufacturer, origin). This is the strongest evidence to check for genuine or fake goods.
- Decoded the number but no information came up: This means the tool successfully read the code, but the code has not been fully registered or updated in OnlQR’s database. At this point, you can switch to Method 1 to…
Method 3: Utilizing Browser Extensions (Browser Extensions)
Convenient Scanning Directly on the Browser Interface
Browser Extensions are mini-applications installed directly into the browser (like Chrome, Firefox, Edge), allowing you to scan barcodes or QR codes directly from any image on a webpage without downloading the image first.
How to Use Browser Extensions:
- Installation: Go to the Chrome Web Store (or Add-ons for Firefox/Edge). Search for keywords like “QR Code Reader” or “Barcode Decoder“.
- Activation and Use: After installation, the Extension will appear as a small icon on the browser’s toolbar.
- Practice: Open a webpage containing a barcode image, right-click on the image, and select the scan command.
Important Note: The results from these Extensions often only provide the decoded Barcode Number sequence. You still need to take that number and continue using Method 1 (GS1 Portal) or Method 2 (OnlQR’s Online Barcode Scanning tool) to look up detailed product information.
Conclusion
Optimizing Product Information Lookup on PC
Scanning Barcodes With a Computer is not just a technological trick but a significant step forward, helping smart consumers master information in the digital age.
The three methods above provide you with a complete set of tools to check for genuine or fake goods and look up product information in the most professional way:
| Method | Main Advantage | Ideal Use Case |
| 1. Manual Entry (Using Numbers) | Accurate in verifying code validity (Checksum). | Barcode is damaged, needs verification of the original number. |
| 2. Online Tool (OnlQR) | Decodes barcodes and provides the most detailed product information lookup. | Have a barcode image, need quick genuine/fake check information. |
| 3. Browser Extension | Convenient, scans barcodes directly on the website without saving the image. | Frequent online shopping, needs quick checks. |
Xuất sang Trang tính
Don’t limit your ability to check barcodes online to just your phone. Take advantage of the processing power and large screen of your personal computer. By flexibly combining these three methods, especially using the reputable online barcode scanning tool, you have equipped yourself with the strongest protective “shield”.
Act Now: Save the link https://onlqr.com/resource/scanner/ and turn it into your regular quality control tool!