C# QR Code Reader (Step by Step Tutorial for Beginner)

Introduction

In today's digitally driven world, QR code (Quick Response Code) has become ubiquitous, seamlessly connecting physical and digital realms. From marketing to logistics, finance to healthcare, QR codes play a pivotal role in facilitating efficient data exchange.

In this article, we delve into the realm of C# development, exploring how IronQR, one of the best QR code libraries in the market, empowers developers to harness the power of QR code recognition through, decode data effortlessly, and innovate across various domains.

IronQR from Iron Software stands out as a robust .NET QR code reader library. The advanced machine learning model implemented by IronQR empowers your applications to decode QR codes with unmatched accuracy and efficiency, even in challenging scenarios.

How to Read QR Codes using C# with IronQR

1. Create Visual Studio project with .NET Windows forms application template
2. Install IronQR from the NuGet package manager.
3. Get the QR code from the camera as an image from the AForge Library
4. Read QR Codes using IronQR.

IronQR stands out as the premier C# QR code reader library designed to both scan QR code and generate QR code images within the .NET framework. Through the utilization of cutting-edge ML technology, IronQR has elevated QR code reading to unprecedented levels.

Whether you are scanning QR codes from images, videos, or live camera feeds, the ML-powered solution guarantees swift and reliable information retrieval.

This innovative approach not only streamlines data extraction but also enhances security by discerning between authentic QR codes and potential threats. With its intuitive API, developers can seamlessly integrate QR code capabilities into their .NET projects in a matter of minutes.

IronQR seamlessly integrates with .NET Core (8, 7, 6, 5, and 3.1+), .NET Standard (2.0+), and .NET Framework (4.6.2+). The present .NET Core version extends its support to client operating systems like Linux, Unix, and macOS, along with compatibility to develop on mobile apps.

Prerequisites

1. Visual Studio: Make sure you have Visual Studio or any other .NET development environment installed.
2. Compatible Camera: Ensure that the camera is connected to your device.
3. NuGet Package Manager: Verify that you can utilize NuGet to manage packages in your project.

Step 1: Create a Visual Studio project with .NET Windows forms application template

Let's get started by creating a Windows forms .NET application to read QR code barcodes from camera video streams or image files. Open Visual Studio, Select Create New Project, and then select .NET Windows Forms application template

Click Next and Enter the Project Name

Select the desired .NET Versions and then click the create button

Step 2: Install IronQR from the NuGet package manager.

IronQR can be installed using NuGet package manager or Visual Studio Package Manager

Below shows how you can do it using Visual Studio

Step 3: Get the QR code from the camera as an image from the AForge Library

To scan QR codes from camera devices, we need to install AForgeCore.Video.DirectShow library, This can be done using the Visual Studio package manager like below. Right-click on solution explorer and open Package Manager.

This library can also be installed using the NuGet package console like below. Click the install button to install the library

Step 4: Read QR Codes using IronQR.

The next Step is to create a PictureBox component in the Form, this is required to scan the QR code image from the camera device connected to the machine.

This can be done by dragging and dropping from the toolbox. This PictureBox is required to read the QR code data from the camera device

Next, we need to drag and drop a Text box to show the read QR codes.

Add the below code to read QR codes and decode them using IronQR.

using AForge.Video.DirectShow;
using AForge.Video;
using System.Drawing;
using IronQr;

namespace ReadQR
{
    public partial class Form1 : Form
    {
        public Form1()
        {
            InitializeComponent();
            this.Load += Form1_Load;
            this.FormClosing += Form1_FormClosing;

        }

        private VideoCaptureDevice videoSource;
        private void Form1_FormClosing(object sender, FormClosingEventArgs e)
        {
            if (videoSource != null && videoSource.IsRunning)
            {
                videoSource.SignalToStop();
                videoSource.WaitForStop();
            }
        }

        private void Form1_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            FilterInfoCollection videoDevices = new FilterInfoCollection(FilterCategory.VideoInputDevice);

            if (videoDevices.Count > 0)
            {
                videoSource = new VideoCaptureDevice(videoDevices [0].MonikerString);
                videoSource.NewFrame += VideoSource_NewFrame;
                videoSource.Start();
            }
            else
            {
                MessageBox.Show("No video devices found.");
                Close();
            }
        }

        private void VideoSource_NewFrame(object sender, NewFrameEventArgs eventArgs)
        {
            // Update the picture box with the new frame from the camera.
            pictureBox1.Image = (Bitmap)eventArgs.Frame.Clone();

            var image = (Bitmap)eventArgs.Frame.Clone();

            // Set the license key
            License.LicenseKey = "YourKey";

            // Load  QrImageInput
            QrImageInput imageInput = new QrImageInput(image);

            // QR Reader object
            QrReader reader = new QrReader();

            // Read QR Codes
            IEnumerable<QrResult> results = reader.Read(imageInput);

            // display results
            MessageBox.Show(results.First().Value);
        }
    }
}

using AForge.Video.DirectShow;
using AForge.Video;
using System.Drawing;
using IronQr;

namespace ReadQR
{
    public partial class Form1 : Form
    {
        public Form1()
        {
            InitializeComponent();
            this.Load += Form1_Load;
            this.FormClosing += Form1_FormClosing;

        }

        private VideoCaptureDevice videoSource;
        private void Form1_FormClosing(object sender, FormClosingEventArgs e)
        {
            if (videoSource != null && videoSource.IsRunning)
            {
                videoSource.SignalToStop();
                videoSource.WaitForStop();
            }
        }

        private void Form1_Load(object sender, EventArgs e)
        {
            FilterInfoCollection videoDevices = new FilterInfoCollection(FilterCategory.VideoInputDevice);

            if (videoDevices.Count > 0)
            {
                videoSource = new VideoCaptureDevice(videoDevices [0].MonikerString);
                videoSource.NewFrame += VideoSource_NewFrame;
                videoSource.Start();
            }
            else
            {
                MessageBox.Show("No video devices found.");
                Close();
            }
        }

        private void VideoSource_NewFrame(object sender, NewFrameEventArgs eventArgs)
        {
            // Update the picture box with the new frame from the camera.
            pictureBox1.Image = (Bitmap)eventArgs.Frame.Clone();

            var image = (Bitmap)eventArgs.Frame.Clone();

            // Set the license key
            License.LicenseKey = "YourKey";

            // Load  QrImageInput
            QrImageInput imageInput = new QrImageInput(image);

            // QR Reader object
            QrReader reader = new QrReader();

            // Read QR Codes
            IEnumerable<QrResult> results = reader.Read(imageInput);

            // display results
            MessageBox.Show(results.First().Value);
        }
    }
}

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

Input Image file

The encoded Text in the QR code is: I Love IronQR

Output

Example Code Explanation

1. We have registered 2 events in Windows forms Form1_Load, Form1_FormClosing
2. We are also registered VideoSource_NewFrame to an instance of videoSource from AForgeCore.Video.DirectShow library
3. Then we Read the QR codes from the Live video stream
4. When the QR code is detected we show a MessageBox with the decoded Text

Licensing (Free Trial Available)

IronQR requires a license key. A trial key can be obtained from the website here. This key needs to be placed in appsettings.json.

{
    "IronQR.LicenseKey":"MYLICENSE.KEY.TRIAL"
}

Provide the email ID to get a trial license and after submitting, the key will be delivered via email.

Conclusion

In conclusion, QR codes have transcended their origins to become indispensable in our digital ecosystem. With IronQR, C# developers can harness the power of QR code recognition, decode data in various types of QR codes with ease, and innovate across various domains.

As QR codes continue to evolve and integrate into new technologies, their importance in facilitating seamless data exchange and enhancing user experiences will only grow. Embrace the potential of QR codes with IronQR and embark on a journey of innovation and efficiency in C# development.