Scanning filament label QR codes and barcodes

Once you've printed labels for your filament spools, scanning them is the fastest way to identify a spool and access its details in SimplyPrint. This guide covers all the ways you can scan your labels - from phone cameras to USB scanners to browser webcam scanning.

Scanning QR codes with your phone

Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes directly with the camera app - no extra apps needed. When you scan a SimplyPrint QR code, it opens directly in the SimplyPrint app (if installed) or in your browser.

How to scan

1. Open your phone's camera app
2. Point the camera at the QR code on your label
3. Hold steady until the phone recognizes the code
4. Tap the link or notification that appears
5. The spool's details page opens in SimplyPrint

Supported phones

iPhone (iOS 11+)

• Open the Camera app
• Point at QR code
• Tap the notification banner

Android

• Most Android phones since 2018 support QR scanning in the camera app
• Point at QR code
• Tap the link that appears
• Some phones may need "Google Lens" or similar feature enabled

Browser webcam scanning

SimplyPrint includes a built-in webcam scanner that works directly in your browser. Use your computer's webcam (or a connected USB camera) to scan QR codes and barcodes without any additional software.

Accessing the scanner

On the Filament page, click the Scan button in the top right corner to open the webcam scanner.

Using the webcam scanner

1. Click Scan to open the scanner modal
2. Allow camera access when prompted by your browser
3. Point your webcam at a QR code or barcode
4. The scanner automatically detects and reads the code
5. The matching spool is found and displayed

Scanner behavior settings

Configure what happens when the scanner finds a filament spool:

Privacy: 100% local processing

The scanner uses client-side JavaScript to detect QR codes and barcodes directly in your browser. You can verify this yourself in your browser's Developer Tools (Network tab) - you'll see no webcam data being transmitted.

When the webcam is active, most browsers display a "Recording" indicator in the browser tab to show the camera is in use.

Switching cameras

If you have multiple cameras connected (built-in webcam, USB camera, etc.), you can switch between them in the scanner. Your camera preference is remembered for future sessions.

Minified scanning mode

Keep the scanner running in the background while you work on the Filament page. This is useful for high-volume scanning workflows.

To enable minified mode:

1. Open the webcam scanner
2. Click the Minify button
3. Choose:

• Enable now - Minified mode for this session only (resets when you reload the page)
• Always on this page - Remember this preference for your device

When minified, a small scanner icon appears in the bottom right corner of the screen. The scanner continues detecting codes while you browse your filament inventory.

Webcam scanner on mobile

The webcam scanner also works on mobile devices through your phone's browser. Open SimplyPrint in your mobile browser and use the Scan button just like on desktop. Note that minified mode is not available on mobile.

Webcam troubleshooting

Camera permission denied

If you accidentally denied camera access:

Chrome:

1. Click the lock/info icon in the address bar
2. Find "Camera" in the permissions list
3. Change it to "Allow"
4. Reload the page

Firefox:

1. Click the lock icon in the address bar
2. Click "Clear permissions and reload"
3. Allow camera access when prompted again

Safari:

1. Go to Safari > Settings > Websites > Camera
2. Find SimplyPrint and set to "Allow"
3. Reload the page

Camera not detected

• Make sure your webcam is connected and working
• Try a different USB port
• Check if another application is using the camera
• Restart your browser

Poor detection

• Ensure adequate lighting
• Hold the code steady
• Position the code to fill a good portion of the camera view
• Clean your webcam lens
• Try adjusting the distance between camera and code

Using USB and Bluetooth scanners

USB and Bluetooth barcode scanners that act as keyboard emulators work seamlessly with SimplyPrint - no special software or configuration needed.

How it works

Most scanners work by "typing" the scanned value as if it were a keyboard. SimplyPrint automatically detects this rapid input and searches for the matching spool.

1. Connect your scanner to your computer (USB or Bluetooth)
2. Open SimplyPrint
3. Scan a barcode or QR code on a label
4. SimplyPrint automatically finds and displays the spool

Browse mode behavior

When using keyboard-emulating scanners on the Filament page, you can configure what happens when a spool is found:

Automatic spool selection

When you're in a context where you need to select a spool - like assigning filament to a printer - scanning is even faster:

1. Open the spool selection dialog
2. Scan the label
3. SimplyPrint automatically searches and selects the matching spool

This makes for lightning-fast spool assignment in busy print farm environments.

Supported scanner types

Recommended scanners

Here are some options that work well with SimplyPrint:

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Browse more barcode and QR scanners on Amazon.

NFC scanning

If you're using NFC tags on your filament spools, SimplyPrint can read them too.

Accessing the NFC scanner

On the Filament page, click the NFC button in the top right corner (next to the Scan button).

NFC on desktop

Desktop NFC scanning requires a USB NFC reader and additional software. The reader acts as a keyboard emulator, typing out the NFC tag ID when scanned.

→ For complete NFC setup instructions, see All about NFC/RFID for filament spools.

NFC on mobile

Many modern smartphones have built-in NFC readers. When configured, you can tap your phone against an NFC-tagged spool to open its details in SimplyPrint.

What information is encoded

Different code types store different information:

QR codes

QR codes contain a direct URL to the spool's page in SimplyPrint:

https://simplyprint.io/filament/AB31

The URL uses your spool's Short ID (e.g., "AB31"). When scanned, this URL opens directly in your browser or the SimplyPrint app.

Barcodes

Barcodes contain the Short ID - a 4-character alphanumeric code like "RX75".

When scanned with a USB/Bluetooth scanner, SimplyPrint automatically searches for and finds the matching spool.

NFC tags

NFC tags can store either a URL (like QR codes) or a unique ID that's linked to a spool in SimplyPrint.

Tips for reliable scanning

Print size matters

• QR codes need to be at least 15mm (about 0.6 inches) for reliable phone scanning
• Larger codes scan faster and from further away
• Very small QR codes may only work with high-resolution scanners

Error correction helps

When generating QR codes, higher error correction levels (Q or H) make codes more scannable even if:

• The label is partially damaged
• There's dirt or smudges on the code
• The print quality is low

Keep labels clean

• Avoid placing labels where they'll get dirty or scratched
• Clean smudged labels with a dry cloth
• Replace damaged labels when scanning becomes difficult

Lighting and positioning

• Ensure adequate lighting when scanning
• Avoid glare from glossy label surfaces
• Hold your phone 10-20cm (4-8 inches) from the code
• Keep the scanner parallel to the label (not at an extreme angle)

Related articles

• The Filament Label Generator feature
• Direct print with Zebra printers
• Direct print with DYMO printers
• All about NFC/RFID for filament spools

Updated on: 23/12/2025