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Decoder review

Free#30 of 31 in QR Code Generator Software

A free Linux QR utility for generating codes, scanning them, and viewing history.

6.4/10Editor score
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Decoder6.4 Visit Decoder

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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.

Decoder pros and cons

  • 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.

Decoder fact sheet, pricing and score →

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