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, navigate to the TEXT tab, and click the QR / Barcode Scanner card. Then click the ADD FIELD button in the lower right.

Adding a QR / Barcode Scanner — the TEXT tab in the ADD A FIELD dialog

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 and Field Toolbar.

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

QR / Barcode Scanner configuration in the {{Notebook}} Editor

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.

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.