Decoder
Decoder: A free Linux QR utility for generating codes, scanning them, and viewing history. Ranked #30 of 31 in QR Code Generator Software by our editors (6.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users needing a simple QR utility.
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users needing a simple QR utility
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked23 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Generates QR codes from the desktop app.
- Scans QR codes with a camera or from a screenshot.
- Parses code content when possible and keeps scan and generation history.
Where it doesn't
- Limited to Linux desktop use.
- No documented dynamic QR destinations or scan analytics.
- No documented bulk creation or campaign-management features.
Our verdict on Decoder
Decoder is a free, open-source QR code scanner and generator for the GNOME desktop on Linux. Maintained by Bilal Elmoussaoui and Maximiliano, it suits solo users who want a local desktop utility for creating codes and reading them from a camera or screenshot. When possible, it parses scanned content for display, and the interface includes history for scanned and generated codes. Its focus is QR creation and scanning, not running campaigns.
For a straightforward utility, the notable breadth is in its input and review options: users can scan with a camera or from a screenshot, inspect parsed content when available, and revisit a history of scanned and generated codes. It is distributed through Flathub and listed there as free. The published product information describes a desktop app, so the fit is specifically Linux desktop workflows rather than a service spanning other platforms or a QR management system.
The narrow focus also sets a clear boundary. Decoder's documented capabilities do not extend to dynamic destinations, scan analytics, bulk creation, or campaign management. Choose it if a free Linux app for occasional QR generation and scanning is enough; look elsewhere if you need to update destination links after distribution, measure scan performance, or manage QR codes at campaign scale.
Your product? Our editors can test Decoder in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Decoder pricing
Decoder fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Dynamic QR codes | Not verified |
| Scan analytics | Not verified |
| QR code types | Not verified |
| Bulk QR creation | Not verified |
| Brand customization | Not verified |
| Campaign management | Not verified |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Built for | Solo (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | apps.gnome.org |
| Facts checked | 23 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Decoder
- ScanovaA broad QR campaign platform with dynamic codes, analytics, integrations, and enterprise controls.9.4
- QR TIGERA broad QR platform with dynamic codes, analytics, bulk creation, and campaign tools.9.2
- QRZoneA capable QR campaign platform for teams that need routing, analytics, and API access.9.0
See all Decoder alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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