A QR code (also known as a quick-response code) is a type of two-dimensional matrix barcode originally invented for labelling automobile parts.
It features black squares on a white background with fiducial markers, readable by imaging devices like cameras, and processed using Reed–Solomon error correction until the image can be appropriately interpreted.
To store data efficiently, QR codes use four standardized modes of encoding: numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji.
There’s a good range of QR tools available for Linux. Here’s our verdict captured in a legendary LinuxLinks-style ratings chart. We include both GUI and CLI software in this roundup. As always, only free and open source software is eligible for inclusion.
Let’s explore the 13 tools. For each application we have compiled its own portal page, a full description with an in-depth analysis of its features, together with links to relevant resources.
| QR Tools | |
|---|---|
| Zint | Barcode generating solution |
| CoBang | QR code and barcode scanner |
| Qreator | Easily create your own QR codes |
| Decoder | Fancy yet simple QR Codes scanner and generator |
| QRab | QR code reader |
| qr-backup | Paper backup of files using QR codes |
| QR ScanGen | QR code scanner and generator |
| QR Scanner | QR scanner/generator app |
| libqrencode | Encoding data in a QR Code symbol |
| ClipQR | Scan QR codes on screen and from camera |
| Qrca | QR code scanner for Plasma Mobile |
| qr-rs | Encode URLs or text into QR codes |
| AR Tag | Minimalist image editor |
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 Explore our comprehensive directory of recommended free and open source software. Our carefully curated collection spans every major software category.This directory is part of our ongoing series of informative articles for Linux enthusiasts. It features hundreds of detailed reviews, along with open source alternatives to proprietary solutions from major corporations such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. You’ll also find interesting projects to try, hardware coverage, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful open source Linux program that we haven’t covered yet? Let us know by completing this form. |