qr-backup takes file(s), and outputs a “paper backup”: a printable black-and-white PDF full of QR codes. To back up your file, print the PDF. The pile of paper in your hand is now a backup of the file.
If your file is lost, corrupted, deleted, etc, you can restore from your paper backup. qr-backup reads the QR barcodes using your computer’s webcam (or scanner) to get your file back.
This is free and public domain software.
Key Features
- Restore without qr-backup installed.
- Restore using webcam.
- Restore using scanner.
- Clear, printed instructions on what the file is and how to restore.
- Automatic compression.
- 3KB/page on default settings. Single-digit MB backups of text are practical.
- (Optional) Password protection.
- (Optional) Print multiple copies for safety.
- (Optional) Print smaller, denser codes to boost storage, up to 130KB/page.
- (Restore with qr-backup only) Automatic redundancy. Lose up to 30% of pages or QR codes safely.
Website: github.com/za3k/qr-backup
Support:
Developer: Zachary Vance
License: Public Domain (CC0)

qr-backup is written in Python. Learn Python with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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| segno | Python library and CLI tool for generating QR Codes and Micro QR Codes |
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
Explore our carefully curated directory of recommended free and open source software, covering every major software category.The directory forms part of our extensive collection of articles for Linux enthusiasts. It includes hundreds of detailed reviews, together with free and open source alternatives to proprietary software from companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Adobe, IBM, Cisco, Oracle, and Autodesk. LinuxLinks also covers interesting projects worth exploring, Linux-compatible hardware, free programming books and tutorials, and much more. Know a useful free and open source Linux application that we haven’t covered? Tell us about it using our submission form. |


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This looks rather funky.