Barcodes and QR codes¶

Every item has a QR code. Print it on a label, and a physical vial or cell can be scanned back to its record.

Getting a code for an item¶

Click an item's refcode, on its page or in a table. A dialog shows the item's QR code. Click Print to print it.

The QR code is also in the Sharing links & labels tab of the item's Share dialog, together with a link you can copy.

Private and public codes¶

By default, a QR code is private. Scanning it opens the item, but only for people who can log in and see the item.

You can also create a public code. Anyone who scans a public code can view the item without logging in. Only create one when that is what you want. See Sharing your work.

Scanning¶

• With a phone. Use the camera app. It opens the item in the browser.
• In datalab. Click the QR code button above any item table. Point your camera at the code, or upload a photo of it.

Codes that outlive a web address¶

By default, a QR code contains your instance's web address. If the instance moves to a new address, old labels stop working.

Your administrator can set up a permanent link service instead. Codes then point to purl.datalab-org.io, which forwards to wherever the instance lives. The Sharing links & labels tab tells you if this is not set up.

Existing barcodes¶

Starting materials have a Barcode field. Use it to record a barcode that is already on the bottle, such as one from your chemical stores system.