QR Code Generator .NET Core: Read and Generate QR Codes with Just a Few Lines of Code

How Do I Install the QR Code Library?

Installing IronQR through the NuGet Package Manager is a simple operation that takes seconds. Open Visual Studio, navigate to Tools > NuGet Package Manager, and search for "IronQR." Click the install button to add the NuGet package to your project. The library has minimal NuGet dependencies and supports multi-platform projects on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Install-Package IronQR

IronQR is .NET implementation compatible with .NET Core 6, 7, 8, and 9, as well as .NET Framework 4.6.2+. For multi-platform projects, SkiaSharp integration enables cross-platform image processing. The library supports ASP.NET Core web applications, console apps, and desktop solutions without additional configuration. Once installed, the source code automatically includes all necessary extension methods for QR operations.

How Can I Read a Basic QR Code from an Image?

Reading QR code data from PNG images or other formats requires just a few lines of code. The QrReader class uses an advanced machine learning QR code model that automatically evaluates image quality and applies optimal segment mode detection for accurate decoding.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
namespace Examples
{
    class Program
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            // Load image containing QR code
            var inputBmp = AnyBitmap.FromFile("qr-sample.png");
            // Create QrImageInput from the bitmap
            QrImageInput imageInput = new QrImageInput(inputBmp);
            // Initialize QR Reader with ML model
            QrReader reader = new QrReader();
            // Read and decode all QR codes in the image
            IEnumerable<QrResult> results = reader.Read(imageInput);
            // Output decoded text strings
            foreach (var qrCode in results)
            {
                Console.WriteLine($"QR Code Value: {qrCode.Value}");
                Console.WriteLine($"URL: {qrCode.Url}");
            }
        }
    }
}

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
namespace Examples
{
    class Program
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            // Load image containing QR code
            var inputBmp = AnyBitmap.FromFile("qr-sample.png");
            // Create QrImageInput from the bitmap
            QrImageInput imageInput = new QrImageInput(inputBmp);
            // Initialize QR Reader with ML model
            QrReader reader = new QrReader();
            // Read and decode all QR codes in the image
            IEnumerable<QrResult> results = reader.Read(imageInput);
            // Output decoded text strings
            foreach (var qrCode in results)
            {
                Console.WriteLine($"QR Code Value: {qrCode.Value}");
                Console.WriteLine($"URL: {qrCode.Url}");
            }
        }
    }
}

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How Do I Extract Advanced QR Code Data?

Beyond basic QR code reading, IronQR exposes coordinates, raw modules, and structured data segments from each scanned code. This proves essential for applications requiring precise QR symbol positioning or processing multiple codes simultaneously.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
namespace Examples
{
    class AdvancedReader
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            var inputBmp = AnyBitmap.FromFile("document-with-qr.png");
            QrImageInput imageInput = new QrImageInput(inputBmp);
            QrReader reader = new QrReader();
            IEnumerable<QrResult> results = reader.Read(imageInput);
            foreach (var qrCode in results)
            {
                // Access QR code data and URL
                Console.WriteLine($"Data: {qrCode.Value}");
                // Get coordinate positions (int x, int y)
                foreach (PointF point in qrCode.Points)
                {
                    Console.WriteLine($"Position: {point.X}, {point.Y}");
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
namespace Examples
{
    class AdvancedReader
    {
        static void Main(string[] args)
        {
            var inputBmp = AnyBitmap.FromFile("document-with-qr.png");
            QrImageInput imageInput = new QrImageInput(inputBmp);
            QrReader reader = new QrReader();
            IEnumerable<QrResult> results = reader.Read(imageInput);
            foreach (var qrCode in results)
            {
                // Access QR code data and URL
                Console.WriteLine($"Data: {qrCode.Value}");
                // Get coordinate positions (int x, int y)
                foreach (PointF point in qrCode.Points)
                {
                    Console.WriteLine($"Position: {point.X}, {point.Y}");
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

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How Does Error Correction Level Affect QR Code Reading?

Error correction is fundamental to QR code reliability. IronQR supports all standard error correction levels (L, M, Q, H), with higher levels allowing greater data recovery from damaged or obscured codes. The maximum version number allowed determines capacity; version 40 QR codes store up to 7,089 numeric characters.

When generating QR codes, specifying the error correction level ensures the output withstands real-world scanning conditions:

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
// Configure QR options with high error correction
var qrOptions = new QrOptions(QrErrorCorrectionLevel.High, 20);
// Generate a QR code with specified error correction
QrCode myQr = QrWriter.Write("https://ironsoftware.com", qrOptions);
// Save as PNG image
AnyBitmap qrImage = myQr.Save();
qrImage.SaveAs("high-error-correction-qr.png");

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
// Configure QR options with high error correction
var qrOptions = new QrOptions(QrErrorCorrectionLevel.High, 20);
// Generate a QR code with specified error correction
QrCode myQr = QrWriter.Write("https://ironsoftware.com", qrOptions);
// Save as PNG image
AnyBitmap qrImage = myQr.Save();
qrImage.SaveAs("high-error-correction-qr.png");

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How Can I Generate QR Codes with International Characters?

IronQR supports encoding that encodes Japanese Unicode text through Kanji mode, making it ideal for international applications. The library automatically selects optimal segment mode for mixed numeric, alphanumeric, or Unicode content. You can also configure data segments manually or add ECI segments for specific character sets.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
// Generate QR that encodes Japanese Unicode text
QrCode japaneseQr = QrWriter.Write("こんにちは世界");
// The library handles kanji mode automatically
AnyBitmap qrImage = japaneseQr.Save();
qrImage.SaveAs("japanese-qr.png");

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
// Generate QR that encodes Japanese Unicode text
QrCode japaneseQr = QrWriter.Write("こんにちは世界");
// The library handles kanji mode automatically
AnyBitmap qrImage = japaneseQr.Save();
qrImage.SaveAs("japanese-qr.png");

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How Do I Use Payload Generators for Structured Data?

IronQR supports payload generators that create properly formatted QR code data for common use cases like WiFi credentials, contact information, and calendar events. This simplifies creating QR codes with structured information rather than plain text.

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
// Generate QR code with URL payload
var urlQrCode = QrWriter.Write("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/qr/");
// Save QR as PNG image file
AnyBitmap qrImage = urlQrCode.Save();
qrImage.SaveAs("url-qr-code.png");
Console.WriteLine("QR code generated successfully!");

using IronQr;
using IronSoftware.Drawing;
// Generate QR code with URL payload
var urlQrCode = QrWriter.Write("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/qr/");
// Save QR as PNG image file
AnyBitmap qrImage = urlQrCode.Save();
qrImage.SaveAs("url-qr-code.png");
Console.WriteLine("QR code generated successfully!");

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Conclusion

IronQR isn't just for reading perfect static images; it shines when you need to scan blurry or damaged codes in real-world environments. The library's support for optional advanced features such as mask pattern configuration, custom styling, and international character encoding makes it suitable for enterprise applications that require reliability and flexibility.

From generating QR codes to reading complex QR symbols from various image formats, IronQR handles the complete workflow with minimal code. The straightforward API documentation and extensive tutorials help developers quickly implement QR functionality.

Purchase an IronQR license to unlock full capabilities for production deployment, or explore additional code examples to see the library in action.