Fast and reliable Barcode Scanner SDK for your app or website

Turn mobile devices into fast & reliable barcode readers

Trusted by 250+ industry leaders

Deutsche Telekom Case Study AXA Success Story

AR Overlay

Provides real-time visual feedback as your users scan, enhancing the user experience.

Image of App UI on phone screen

Available for App & Web

The SDK supports iOS, Android, Web, Windows, Linux, and all common cross-platform frameworks, including Flutter, React Native, and .NET MAUI.

Barcode scanning speed background

0.04s per scan

Customizable UI components

Our Ready-To-Use UI components cover all barcode scanning scenarios and are highly customizable.

100% offline

No servers, no tracking, complete data security.

Made for real-world conditions

Scan barcodes reliably even in challenging conditions:

  • Damaged barcodes
  • Low-light environments
  • Tiny or distant barcodes
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Ship quickly with our flexible APIs

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category Use cases

Discover common barcode scanning use cases

See how the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDKs scan modes can improve your workflows.

  • Single Scanning

    Ideal for simple activities where only a single barcode needs to be scanned, such as re-ordering a product or a stock lookup.

  • Batch Scanning

  • Multi Scanning

  • Find & Pick

  • Scan & Count

  • Barcode Vision

Fixed pricing

Fixed pricing

Unpredictable costs are frustrating. The Scanbot SDK comes with a flat annual fee that includes everything, without limits on users or scans.

100% offline

100% offline

Our SDK works entirely offline, without any server connections or usage tracking. This ensures complete data security.

Enterprise support

Enterprise support

Directly connect with your dedicated Customer Success Manager and our support engineers via Slack or Teams.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a barcode scanner SDK?

A barcode scanner software development kit (SDK) is a set of development tools that turns any device with a camera, such as a smartphone or tablet, into a reliable and easy-to-use barcode scanner. The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK utilizes machine learning and computer vision technology to deliver fast and accurate scanning results. Additionally, it offers advanced features like batch scanning and an AR overlay. It operates entirely offline, and integration into your mobile app or website takes only a couple of hours.

What is a barcode scanner API?

API stands for "application programming interface". It allows different software applications to talk to one another. Barcode APIs enable developers to integrate barcode scanning functionalities into their apps. The Scanbot Barcode Scanner API provides real-time scanning on mobile devices and can recognize multiple barcodes at once. Moreover, it supports many different barcode formats

What is barcode scanning software?

Barcode scanning software consists of libraries and resources that enable applications to read and process barcode data. Unlike traditional hardware scanners, software-based solutions, like the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK, provide flexibility and customization without compromising speed or accuracy.

The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK includes pre-built components and customizable options, allowing developers to quickly integrate barcode scanning features into their applications.

Why should I use a barcode scanning software?

A software-based barcode scanner is installed on devices that are already available in most cases, such as smartphones, tablets or computers. This means that you don’t have to invest capital in additional hardware. Additionally, smartphones are not limited to barcode scanning but can also be used for other purposes. Furthermore, it reduces human error resulting from manual data entry and improves efficiency since it is significantly faster.

What should I consider when choosing the best barcode scanner SDK?

Overall, the best barcode scanner SDK should provide fast and reliable results that make daily operations easier and more efficient. It should be easy to use and improve the workflow of the user. 

Some important factors to consider are: 

Performance and reliability: The scanning software should operate fast and accurately in all conditions. This includes scanning in low-light environments, scanning damaged or blurry barcodes, or scanning barcodes up close or from long distances. 

Compatibility and barcode support: Look out for a solution that is compatible with your development platform and the devices you want to support. Furthermore, make sure to check that the barcode scanning software supports the barcode symbologies you require. 

Features: Depending on your use case, look for specific features, such as batch scanning, an AR overlay, and real-time feedback, as they can significantly improve the user flow of your application. 

Developer support: Make sure your software provider offers developer support and maintenance for a smooth integration process. Scanbot SDK provides extensive documentation as well as dedicated Slack and Teams channels for direct customer support. 

Pricing model: Choose a pricing model that allows you to scale your use case, without having to worry about increasing costs. To not limit your usage, we offer unlimited scanning for a fixed annual price.

How do barcodes work?

Barcodes encode data into a visual pattern of lines or squares. The pattern represents information, typically numbers or characters, and can be interpreted as binary data (1s and 0s) by scanning software. This binary data is then translated into the original information, such as a product number or name. 

There are two types of barcodes:

One-dimensional (1D) barcodes or linear codes represent data through the varying widths and spacing of parallel lines. UPC and EAN codes are examples of 1D barcodes. 

Two-dimensional (2D) barcodes or matrix codes encode data both horizontally and vertically, with QR codes and PDF417 being popular examples. 

For more detailed information on different barcodes and their usage, check out our blog post.  

Is a barcode scanner hardware or software?

A barcode scanner can be either hardware or software-based. Hardware scanners are physical devices, including handheld scanners or fixed-mount scanners. They are designed for the sole purpose of scanning barcodes. On the other hand, software scanners such as the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK can be integrated or installed on smartphones, computers, or tablets. They scan barcodes by using the device’s camera. 

Some key differences are the cost and flexibility. By adopting a bring-your-own-device approach, companies can save themselves the investment cost for new devices, as well as the running costs for maintenance or device replacements. Software-based scanners running on smartphones are easier to maintain and offer more flexibility, as the device can be used for other purposes. Read more on the advantages and disadvantages of both solutions here

The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK enables businesses to add powerful barcode scanning functionalities to already-available smart devices. Furthermore, it scans up to 26 barcodes per second and is able to read barcodes in all conditions

Can I use my phone as a barcode scanner?

Yes. Any mobile device with a camera is suitable for barcode scanning. Simply install a barcode scanning app or integrate a barcode scanner SDK into your own application. Enterprise-grade barcode scanning SDKs, such as the Scanbot SDK, can be easily integrated into an app within hours. With our ready-to-use UI components, developers can easily integrate the Barcode Scanner SDK in their own app. 

Want to try it out for yourself? Download our demo app or request a free 7-day trial license

What different barcode scanners are available?

There are two primary categories of barcode scanners: hardware-based scanners and software-based scanners. Hardware-based scanners are physical devices specifically designed for scanning purposes. Some examples include pen-type or wand-type laser scanners. Software-based scanners can be installed on smart devices to use the device’s camera to scan barcodes. 

How do I integrate the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK into my app?

Our Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK comes with detailed documentation that takes you through the integration process step by step. The entire integration doesn’t take longer than a few hours. You can also find hands-on tutorials and detailed information on supported frameworks in our Technology Blog. If you need any additional support, we are happy to assist you on our free support channels.

Which platforms is the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK currently available for?

The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK supports a wide range of platforms, allowing developers to integrate barcode scanning capabilities using various app development frameworks.

The supported platforms include:
Native Android and iOS, JavaScript (Web), Flutter, React Native, Cordova, Capacitor / Ionic, Xamarin, .NET MAUI, UWP (Universal Windows Platform), and Linux.

This extensive platform support ensures flexibility in deploying barcode scanning functionalities across mobile, desktop, and web environments.