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C# Barcode Scanner: Read Barcodes & QR Codes in .NET Applications

ByJacob Mellor

November 4, 2018

Updated  July 13, 2025

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Need to quickly scan barcodes or QR codes in your .NET application? IronBarcode makes barcode reading simple and reliable, whether you're processing perfect digital images or challenging real-world photos. This guide shows you exactly how to implement barcode scanning in C# with practical examples you can use immediately.

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Need to quickly scan barcodes or QR codes in your .NET application? IronBarcode makes barcode reading simple and reliable, whether you're processing perfect digital images or challenging real-world photos. This guide shows you exactly how to implement barcode scanning in C# with practical examples you can use immediately.

How do I install IronBarcode in my .NET project?

IronBarcode installs easily through NuGet Package Manager or by downloading the DLL directly. The NuGet installation is the recommended approach as it automatically manages dependencies and updates.

Start using IronBarcode in your project today with a free trial.

First Step:

Start for Free

Install-Package BarCode

After installation, add using IronBarCode; to your C# files to access the barcode scanning functionality. For detailed installation instructions across different development environments, check our installation guide.

How can I read my first barcode using C#?

Reading barcodes with IronBarcode requires just one line of code. The library automatically detects barcode formats and extracts all encoded data.

A standard Code128 barcode that IronBarcode can read instantly

using IronBarCode;
using System;

// Read barcodes from the image file - supports PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, and more
BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.Read("GetStarted.png");

// Check if any barcodes were detected
if (results != null && results.Count > 0)
{
    // Process each barcode found in the image
    foreach (BarcodeResult result in results)
    {
        // Extract the text value from the barcode
        Console.WriteLine("Barcode detected! Value: " + result.Text);

        // Additional properties available:
        // result.BarcodeType - The format (Code128, QR, etc.)
        // result.BinaryValue - Raw binary data if applicable
        // result.Confidence - Detection confidence score
    }
}
else
{
    Console.WriteLine("No barcodes detected in the image.");
}

using IronBarCode;
using System;

// Read barcodes from the image file - supports PNG, JPG, BMP, GIF, and more
BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.Read("GetStarted.png");

// Check if any barcodes were detected
if (results != null && results.Count > 0)
{
    // Process each barcode found in the image
    foreach (BarcodeResult result in results)
    {
        // Extract the text value from the barcode
        Console.WriteLine("Barcode detected! Value: " + result.Text);

        // Additional properties available:
        // result.BarcodeType - The format (Code128, QR, etc.)
        // result.BinaryValue - Raw binary data if applicable
        // result.Confidence - Detection confidence score
    }
}
else
{
    Console.WriteLine("No barcodes detected in the image.");
}

IRON VB CONVERTER ERROR developers@ironsoftware.com

The BarcodeReader.Read method returns a BarcodeResults collection containing all detected barcodes. Each BarcodeResult provides access to the barcode's text value, format type, position coordinates, and binary data. This approach works seamlessly with common barcode formats including Code128, Code39, QR codes, and Data Matrix codes.

What options help read challenging or damaged barcodes?

Real-world barcode scanning often involves imperfect images - skewed angles, poor lighting, or partial damage. IronBarcode's advanced options handle these challenges effectively.

using IronBarCode;

// Configure advanced reading options for difficult barcodes
BarcodeReaderOptions options = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    // Speed settings: Faster, Balanced, Detailed, ExtremeDetail
    // ExtremeDetail performs deep analysis for challenging images
    Speed = ReadingSpeed.ExtremeDetail,

    // Specify expected formats to improve performance
    // Use bitwise OR (
) to combine multiple formats
    ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode 
 BarcodeEncoding.Code128,

    // Maximum number of barcodes to find (0 = unlimited)
    MaxParallelThreads = 4,

    // Crop region for faster processing of specific areas
    CropArea = null // Or specify a Rectangle
};

// Apply options when reading
BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.Read("TryHarderQR.png", options);

// Process detected barcodes
foreach (var barcode in results)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Format: {barcode.BarcodeType}, Value: {barcode.Text}");
}

using IronBarCode;

// Configure advanced reading options for difficult barcodes
BarcodeReaderOptions options = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    // Speed settings: Faster, Balanced, Detailed, ExtremeDetail
    // ExtremeDetail performs deep analysis for challenging images
    Speed = ReadingSpeed.ExtremeDetail,

    // Specify expected formats to improve performance
    // Use bitwise OR (
) to combine multiple formats
    ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode 
 BarcodeEncoding.Code128,

    // Maximum number of barcodes to find (0 = unlimited)
    MaxParallelThreads = 4,

    // Crop region for faster processing of specific areas
    CropArea = null // Or specify a Rectangle
};

// Apply options when reading
BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.Read("TryHarderQR.png", options);

// Process detected barcodes
foreach (var barcode in results)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Format: {barcode.BarcodeType}, Value: {barcode.Text}");
}

Imports IronBarCode



' Configure advanced reading options for difficult barcodes

Private options As New BarcodeReaderOptions With {

	.Speed = ReadingSpeed.ExtremeDetail,

	.ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.QRCode Or BarcodeEncoding.Code128,

	.MaxParallelThreads = 4,

	.CropArea = Nothing

}



' Apply options when reading

Private results As BarcodeResults = BarcodeReader.Read("TryHarderQR.png", options)



' Process detected barcodes

For Each barcode In results

	Console.WriteLine($"Format: {barcode.BarcodeType}, Value: {barcode.Text}")

Next barcode

A rotated QR code that IronBarcode successfully reads using advanced options

The ExpectBarcodeTypes property significantly improves performance by limiting the search to specific formats. For maximum accuracy with problematic images, combine image filters with automatic rotation:

using IronBarCode;

BarcodeReaderOptions options = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    // Apply image processing filters to enhance readability
    ImageFilters = new ImageFilterCollection
    {
        new AdaptiveThresholdFilter(9, 0.01f), // Handles varying lighting
        new ContrastFilter(2.0f),               // Increases contrast
        new SharpenFilter()                     // Reduces blur
    },

    // Automatically rotate to find barcodes at any angle
    AutoRotate = true,

    // Use multiple CPU cores for faster processing
    Multithreaded = true
};

BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.Read("TryHarderQR.png", options);

foreach (var result in results)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Detected {result.BarcodeType}: {result.Text}");
    Console.WriteLine($"Confidence: {result.Confidence}%");
    Console.WriteLine($"Position: X={result.X}, Y={result.Y}");
}

using IronBarCode;

BarcodeReaderOptions options = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    // Apply image processing filters to enhance readability
    ImageFilters = new ImageFilterCollection
    {
        new AdaptiveThresholdFilter(9, 0.01f), // Handles varying lighting
        new ContrastFilter(2.0f),               // Increases contrast
        new SharpenFilter()                     // Reduces blur
    },

    // Automatically rotate to find barcodes at any angle
    AutoRotate = true,

    // Use multiple CPU cores for faster processing
    Multithreaded = true
};

BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.Read("TryHarderQR.png", options);

foreach (var result in results)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Detected {result.BarcodeType}: {result.Text}");
    Console.WriteLine($"Confidence: {result.Confidence}%");
    Console.WriteLine($"Position: X={result.X}, Y={result.Y}");
}

Imports IronBarCode



Private options As New BarcodeReaderOptions With {

	.ImageFilters = New ImageFilterCollection From {

		New AdaptiveThresholdFilter(9, 0.01F),

		New ContrastFilter(2.0F),

		New SharpenFilter()

	},

	.AutoRotate = True,

	.Multithreaded = True

}



Private results As BarcodeResults = BarcodeReader.Read("TryHarderQR.png", options)



For Each result In results

	Console.WriteLine($"Detected {result.BarcodeType}: {result.Text}")

	Console.WriteLine($"Confidence: {result.Confidence}%")

	Console.WriteLine($"Position: X={result.X}, Y={result.Y}")

Next result

These advanced features make IronBarcode ideal for scanning barcodes from photos, security cameras, or mobile device captures where image quality varies significantly.

How do I scan multiple barcodes from PDF documents?

PDF barcode scanning is essential for processing invoices, shipping labels, and inventory documents. IronBarcode reads all barcodes across every page efficiently.

Reading barcodes from PDF files

using System;
using IronBarCode;

try
{
    // Scan all pages of a PDF for barcodes
    BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.ReadPdf("MultipleBarcodes.pdf");

    if (results != null && results.Count > 0)
    {
        foreach (var barcode in results)
        {
            // Access barcode data and metadata
            string value = barcode.Text;
            int pageNumber = barcode.PageNumber;
            BarcodeEncoding format = barcode.BarcodeType;
            byte[] binaryData = barcode.BinaryValue;

            // Extract barcode image if needed
            System.Drawing.Bitmap barcodeImage = barcode.BarcodeImage;

            Console.WriteLine($"Found {format} on page {pageNumber}: {value}");
        }
    }
    else
    {
        Console.WriteLine("No barcodes found in the PDF.");
    }
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Error reading PDF: {ex.Message}");
}

using System;
using IronBarCode;

try
{
    // Scan all pages of a PDF for barcodes
    BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.ReadPdf("MultipleBarcodes.pdf");

    if (results != null && results.Count > 0)
    {
        foreach (var barcode in results)
        {
            // Access barcode data and metadata
            string value = barcode.Text;
            int pageNumber = barcode.PageNumber;
            BarcodeEncoding format = barcode.BarcodeType;
            byte[] binaryData = barcode.BinaryValue;

            // Extract barcode image if needed
            System.Drawing.Bitmap barcodeImage = barcode.BarcodeImage;

            Console.WriteLine($"Found {format} on page {pageNumber}: {value}");
        }
    }
    else
    {
        Console.WriteLine("No barcodes found in the PDF.");
    }
}
catch (Exception ex)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"Error reading PDF: {ex.Message}");
}

Imports System

Imports IronBarCode



Try

	' Scan all pages of a PDF for barcodes

	Dim results As BarcodeResults = BarcodeReader.ReadPdf("MultipleBarcodes.pdf")



	If results IsNot Nothing AndAlso results.Count > 0 Then

		For Each barcode In results

			' Access barcode data and metadata

			Dim value As String = barcode.Text

			Dim pageNumber As Integer = barcode.PageNumber

			Dim format As BarcodeEncoding = barcode.BarcodeType

			Dim binaryData() As Byte = barcode.BinaryValue



			' Extract barcode image if needed

			Dim barcodeImage As System.Drawing.Bitmap = barcode.BarcodeImage



			Console.WriteLine($"Found {format} on page {pageNumber}: {value}")

		Next barcode

	Else

		Console.WriteLine("No barcodes found in the PDF.")

	End If

Catch ex As Exception

	Console.WriteLine($"Error reading PDF: {ex.Message}")

End Try

Console output showing multiple barcodes found across different PDF pages

For specific page ranges or advanced PDF processing, use BarcodeReaderOptions:

// Read only specific pages to improve performance
BarcodeReaderOptions pdfOptions = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    // Scan pages 1-5 only
    PageNumbers = new[] { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 },

    // PDF-specific settings
    PdfDpi = 300, // Higher DPI for better accuracy
    ReadBehindVectorGraphics = true
};

BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.ReadPdf("document.pdf", pdfOptions);

// Read only specific pages to improve performance
BarcodeReaderOptions pdfOptions = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    // Scan pages 1-5 only
    PageNumbers = new[] { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 },

    // PDF-specific settings
    PdfDpi = 300, // Higher DPI for better accuracy
    ReadBehindVectorGraphics = true
};

BarcodeResults results = BarcodeReader.ReadPdf("document.pdf", pdfOptions);

' Read only specific pages to improve performance

Dim pdfOptions As New BarcodeReaderOptions With {

	.PageNumbers = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 },

	.PdfDpi = 300,

	.ReadBehindVectorGraphics = True

}



Dim results As BarcodeResults = BarcodeReader.ReadPdf("document.pdf", pdfOptions)

Learn more about PDF barcode extraction techniques in our detailed examples.

How can I process multiframe TIFF images?

Multiframe TIFF files, common in document scanning and fax systems, receive the same comprehensive support as PDFs.

A multiframe TIFF file with barcodes on different frames

using IronBarCode;

// TIFF files are processed similarly to regular images
// Each frame is scanned automatically
BarcodeResults multiFrameResults = BarcodeReader.Read("Multiframe.tiff");

foreach (var result in multiFrameResults)
{
    // Access frame-specific information
    int frameNumber = result.PageNumber; // Frame number in TIFF
    string barcodeValue = result.Text;

    Console.WriteLine($"Frame {frameNumber}: {barcodeValue}");

    // Save individual barcode images if needed
    result.BarcodeImage?.Save($"barcode_frame_{frameNumber}.png");
}

using IronBarCode;

// TIFF files are processed similarly to regular images
// Each frame is scanned automatically
BarcodeResults multiFrameResults = BarcodeReader.Read("Multiframe.tiff");

foreach (var result in multiFrameResults)
{
    // Access frame-specific information
    int frameNumber = result.PageNumber; // Frame number in TIFF
    string barcodeValue = result.Text;

    Console.WriteLine($"Frame {frameNumber}: {barcodeValue}");

    // Save individual barcode images if needed
    result.BarcodeImage?.Save($"barcode_frame_{frameNumber}.png");
}

Imports IronBarCode



' TIFF files are processed similarly to regular images

' Each frame is scanned automatically

Private multiFrameResults As BarcodeResults = BarcodeReader.Read("Multiframe.tiff")



For Each result In multiFrameResults

	' Access frame-specific information

	Dim frameNumber As Integer = result.PageNumber ' Frame number in TIFF

	Dim barcodeValue As String = result.Text



	Console.WriteLine($"Frame {frameNumber}: {barcodeValue}")



	' Save individual barcode images if needed

	If result.BarcodeImage IsNot Nothing Then

		result.BarcodeImage.Save($"barcode_frame_{frameNumber}.png")

	End If

Next result

The same BarcodeReaderOptions apply to TIFF processing, including image filters and rotation settings. For detailed TIFF handling scenarios, see our image processing tutorials.

Can I speed up processing with multithreading?

Processing multiple documents benefits dramatically from parallel processing. IronBarcode automatically utilizes available CPU cores for optimal performance.

using IronBarCode;

// List of documents to process - mix of formats supported
var documentBatch = new[] 
{ 
    "invoice1.pdf", 
    "shipping_label.png", 
    "inventory_sheet.tiff",
    "product_catalog.pdf"
};

// Configure for batch processing
BarcodeReaderOptions batchOptions = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    // Enable parallel processing across documents
    Multithreaded = true,

    // Limit threads if needed (0 = use all cores)
    MaxParallelThreads = Environment.ProcessorCount,

    // Apply consistent settings to all documents
    Speed = ReadingSpeed.Balanced,
    ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.All
};

// Process all documents in parallel
BarcodeResults batchResults = BarcodeReader.Read(documentBatch, batchOptions);

// Group results by source document
var resultsByDocument = batchResults.GroupBy(r => r.Filename);

foreach (var docGroup in resultsByDocument)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"\nDocument: {docGroup.Key}");
    foreach (var barcode in docGroup)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"  - {barcode.BarcodeType}: {barcode.Text}");
    }
}

using IronBarCode;

// List of documents to process - mix of formats supported
var documentBatch = new[] 
{ 
    "invoice1.pdf", 
    "shipping_label.png", 
    "inventory_sheet.tiff",
    "product_catalog.pdf"
};

// Configure for batch processing
BarcodeReaderOptions batchOptions = new BarcodeReaderOptions
{
    // Enable parallel processing across documents
    Multithreaded = true,

    // Limit threads if needed (0 = use all cores)
    MaxParallelThreads = Environment.ProcessorCount,

    // Apply consistent settings to all documents
    Speed = ReadingSpeed.Balanced,
    ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.All
};

// Process all documents in parallel
BarcodeResults batchResults = BarcodeReader.Read(documentBatch, batchOptions);

// Group results by source document
var resultsByDocument = batchResults.GroupBy(r => r.Filename);

foreach (var docGroup in resultsByDocument)
{
    Console.WriteLine($"\nDocument: {docGroup.Key}");
    foreach (var barcode in docGroup)
    {
        Console.WriteLine($"  - {barcode.BarcodeType}: {barcode.Text}");
    }
}

Imports Microsoft.VisualBasic

Imports IronBarCode



' List of documents to process - mix of formats supported

Private documentBatch = { "invoice1.pdf", "shipping_label.png", "inventory_sheet.tiff", "product_catalog.pdf" }



' Configure for batch processing

Private batchOptions As New BarcodeReaderOptions With {

	.Multithreaded = True,

	.MaxParallelThreads = Environment.ProcessorCount,

	.Speed = ReadingSpeed.Balanced,

	.ExpectBarcodeTypes = BarcodeEncoding.All

}



' Process all documents in parallel

Private batchResults As BarcodeResults = BarcodeReader.Read(documentBatch, batchOptions)



' Group results by source document

Private resultsByDocument = batchResults.GroupBy(Function(r) r.Filename)



For Each docGroup In resultsByDocument

	Console.WriteLine($vbLf & "Document: {docGroup.Key}")

	For Each barcode In docGroup

		Console.WriteLine($"  - {barcode.BarcodeType}: {barcode.Text}")

	Next barcode

Next docGroup

This parallel approach processes documents simultaneously, reducing total scanning time by up to 75% on multicore systems. For enterprise-scale barcode processing, explore our performance optimization guide.

Summary

IronBarcode transforms complex barcode scanning into straightforward C# code. Whether you're building inventory systems, document processors, or mobile applications, the library handles everything from pristine digital barcodes to challenging real-world captures.

Key capabilities covered:

• Single-line barcode reading from images
• Advanced options for damaged or rotated barcodes
• Comprehensive PDF and TIFF document scanning
• High-performance batch processing with multithreading
• Support for all major barcode formats

Further Reading

Expand your barcode processing capabilities with these resources:

• Barcode Generation Tutorial - Create custom barcodes
• QR Code Guide - Specialized QR code features
• BarcodeReader Class Reference - Complete API documentation
• Troubleshooting Guide - Common issues and solutions

Source Code Downloads

Run these examples yourself:

• Tutorial GitHub Repository
• C# Source Code in a Zip File

Ready to implement barcode scanning in your application? Start your free trial and add professional barcode reading to your .NET project today.

Get stated with IronBarcode now.

Start for Free

Jacob Mellor

  Chat with engineering team now

Chief Technology Officer

Jacob Mellor is Chief Technology Officer at Iron Software and a visionary engineer pioneering C# PDF technology. As the original developer behind Iron Software's core codebase, he has shaped the company's product architecture since its inception, transforming it alongside CEO Cameron Rimington into a 50+ person company serving NASA, Tesla, and global government agencies.

Jacob holds a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) in Civil Engineering from the University of Manchester (1998–2001). After opening his first software business in London in 1999 and creating his first .NET components in 2005, he specialized in solving complex problems across the Microsoft ecosystem.

His flagship IronPDF & IronSuite .NET libraries have achieved over 30 million NuGet installations globally, with his foundational code continuing to power developer tools used worldwide. With 25 years of commercial experience and 41 years of coding expertise, Jacob remains focused on driving innovation in enterprise-grade C#, Java, and Python PDF technologies while mentoring the next generation of technical leaders.

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