15 Best Free and Open Source QR Code Tools

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 are 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 15 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.

This article has been updated to reflect the changes outlined in our recent announcement.

Explore our carefully curated directory of recommended free and open source software, covering every major software category. The directory forms part of our extensive collection of articles for Linux enthusiasts. It includes hundreds of detailed reviews, together with free and open source alternatives to proprietary software from companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. LinuxLinks also covers interesting projects worth exploring, Linux-compatible hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application that we haven’t covered? Tell us about it using our submission form.