# QR / Barcode Scanner

_How to add and configure a QR / Barcode Scanner field in the {{Notebook}}
Editor._

---

## What This Field Does

A QR / Barcode Scanner captures barcode and QR code data using the
device camera on mobile platforms. It supports 13 barcode formats
including QR Code, Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Data Matrix, and PDF417.
Use it for linking physical artefacts (bagged finds, sample tubes,
equipment, storage location) to digital records via pre-printed labels.

> **Note:** This field is **mobile only**. It is
> non-functional on the desktop web app, where the interface is
> disabled. If your {{notebook}} will be used on both mobile and desktop
> platforms, pair this field with a FAIMS Text Field so desktop users
> can enter the code manually.

## Adding the Field

To add this field, open the
[ADD A FIELD dialog](../shared-settings/adding-a-field.md), navigate to the **TEXT**
tab, and click the **QR / Barcode Scanner** card. Then click the
**ADD FIELD** button in the lower right.

```{screenshot} field-types-design/qr-barcode-scanner-01-add-field.png
:alt: Adding a QR / Barcode Scanner — the TEXT tab in the ADD A FIELD dialog
:align: right
:width: 100%
```

## Configuring the Field

Click the field's **grey header bar** to expand it and see its settings.
For an overview of the settings shared by all fields — including Label,
Helper Text, Field ID, and the field toolbar — see
[Field Identity](../shared-settings/field-identity.md) and
[Field Toolbar](../shared-settings/field-toolbar.md).

Give the field a meaningful Label, review the auto-populated
Field ID, and add any desired Helper Text.

```{screenshot} field-types-design/qr-barcode-scanner-02-configured.png
:alt: QR / Barcode Scanner configuration in the {{Notebook}} Editor
:align: right
:width: 100%
```

### Shared Field Options

Configure any of the shared field options as needed.

For settings shared across all field types — including Required,
Annotation, Uncertainty, Conditions, Copy value to new records,
and Display in child records — see
[Field Options](../shared-settings/field-options.md).

> **Important:** Be cautious about marking this field as
> Required. Because this field is mobile-only, marking it as
> required means desktop users will see a permanent
> validation warning they cannot resolve.

## Tips

- **Always pair with a FAIMS Text Field** for manual entry fallback.
  This ensures desktop users and users with camera issues can still
  enter the barcode or QR value manually.
- **Test with your actual labels** before deploying to the field.
  The scanner accepts multiple barcode formats, but performance
  varies with label size, print quality, and lighting conditions.
- **The scanner validates by reading the same value 10 consecutive
  times** before accepting it. Hold the device steady over the
  barcode for 3–4 seconds. If a different barcode enters the frame,
  the count resets silently.