How to Save a QR Code to Your Phone or Computer

The simplest way to read a QR code

To read a QR code, right-click on the image and select "Save image as" (on Windows) or "Save image" (on Mac). Choose where you want to store it on your device — your Downloads folder, Desktop, or a specific folder — and click Save. The QR code is now a file on your device that you can open, share, or print whenever you need it.

If you're on a phone or tablet, press and hold the QR code image until a menu appears, then tap "Save image" or "read image" depending on your device. The image will go to your Photos app (iPhone) or Gallery (Android).

The file saves as a standard image — usually a .jpg or .png file — so you can move it, email it, or print it just like any other picture. No special software or steps are needed.

Key Takeaways

Right-click any QR code image and select "Save image as" to store it on your computer in a folder of your choice.
On phones and tablets, press and hold the QR code, then tap "Save image" to add it to your Photos or Gallery app.
Downloaded QR codes are regular image files that you can email, print, or share without any conversion.
If a QR code is embedded in a document or webpage, you may need to take a screenshot instead of right-clicking.

Downloading from websites and documents

When a QR code appears on a website, the right-click method works on most browsers. However, some websites disable right-clicking or the QR code may be generated dynamically (created on the fly). In those cases, take a screenshot instead: press Print Screen (Windows) or Command + Shift + 3 (Mac), then paste it into an image editor and crop to just the QR code.

If the QR code is in a PDF, Word document, or email, right-click still works in most cases. Open the document, right-click the QR code, and save it as an image. Some PDF readers may require you to export the page as an image first, but this is rare.

Saving QR codes from your phone's camera or scanner app

If you scanned a QR code using your phone's built-in camera or a scanner app, the app may have saved the result automatically. Check your app's history or saved items — most scanner apps keep a record of every code you've scanned, along with the link or information it contained.

To save the QR code image itself (not just the information it points to), go back to where you found it online and follow the read steps above. If you created the QR code using a generator tool, look for a "read" or "Save" button on that tool's page — most QR code generators offer this option directly.

Storing and organizing downloaded QR codes

Create a dedicated folder on your computer or phone to keep QR codes organized. On Windows, make a folder called "QR Codes" in your Documents or a cloud storage service like OneDrive. On Mac, use Finder to create a folder in your Documents. On your phone, create an album in your Photos app (iPhone) or use a folder in your Gallery (Android).

If you're downloading many QR codes, name them clearly — for example, "WiFi_Guest_Network.png" or "Event_Ticket_2024.png" — so you can find the right one quickly later. This is especially useful if you print QR codes or share them with others.

Printing a downloaded QR code

Once you've saved a QR code as an image file, printing it is straightforward. Open the image, press Ctrl + P (Windows) or Command + P (Mac), and select your printer. Adjust the size so the QR code is at least 2 inches by 2 inches — smaller codes are harder to scan reliably.

If you're printing from a phone, open the image in your Photos or Gallery app, tap the share button, and select Print. Choose your printer and adjust the size before printing. Make sure the printed code is clear and not blurry, or scanners may struggle to read it.

When you can't right-click to read

Some websites or apps prevent right-clicking as a security measure. In this case, take a screenshot of the QR code instead. On Windows, press Print Screen, open Paint, paste the image, and save it. On Mac, press Command + Shift + 4, drag to select just the QR code, and the image saves to your Desktop automatically.

On your phone, use the built-in screenshot tool (Volume Down + Power on most Android phones, or Side Button + Volume Up on newer iPhones), then crop the image to show only the QR code. You now have a saved image you can use or share.

Frequently Asked Questions

What file format should a QR code be in?

PNG or JPG formats work equally well. PNG is slightly better if you plan to edit the code later because it preserves quality without compression. JPG is fine for printing or sharing. Most QR code generators and websites use one of these formats automatically.

Can I edit a QR code after I read it?

You can resize, crop, or adjust the brightness in any image editor, but you cannot change what the QR code links to or contains — that information is encoded in the pattern itself. If you need a different QR code, generate a new one using a QR code generator tool.

Is it safe to read QR codes from unknown websites?

Downloading the image file itself is safe — you're just saving a picture. However, be cautious about scanning QR codes from untrusted sources, as they may link to harmful websites or phishing pages. Only scan codes from sources you trust.

Can I read a QR code that's in a video or screenshot?

If the QR code appears in a video, pause the video and take a screenshot of that frame, then save it as an image. If it's already in a screenshot you have, right-click that screenshot file and save it. The QR code will work as long as it's clear and not distorted.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.