Generate paper backups for Linux. Currently command-line Linux only.
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.
Example Backup
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
- See Command Line Options for more
Install Guide
Command Line Options
Changelog
How to Use
Making a backup
- Run qr-backup on your file. On the Linux command-line, run
qr-backup <YOUR_FILE> - This generates a black-and-white PDF (
<YOUR_FILE>.qr.pdf) - Print the PDF on your printer
There are many command-line options available for advanced users. For a full list, read the USAGE doc online, or run qr-backup --help on your computer.
Restoring a paper backup
The restore process does NOT require qr-backup. It does require a command-line Linux computer.
(Option 1): Use qr-backup, if you have it.
- Webcam option
- Run
qr-backup --restore
- Run
- Scanner option
- Scan images using your scanner
- Run
qr-backup --restore IMAGES
(Option 2): Use the linux command line, if you lose qr-backup. Commands are provided in the PDF printout. You will need to install zbar.
FAQ
Paper Backups
- Should I back up to paper?
- What are the advantages of paper backups?
- How much of my backup can I lose and still restore?
- Should I encrypt (FAQpassword-protect) my backups?
- How can I protect my paper backup?
Features
- Do you support Windows?
- Do you support mac/OS X?
- How much data does this back up per page / why don't you back up more data per page?
- How do I back up more data per page?
- Why did you write qr-backup?
- Why doesn't the restore process require qr-backup?
- How exactly does the backup/restore process work?
- What are the design goals of qr-backup? / Why won't you add the feature I want?
- What license is qr-backup released under?
Competition
Usage
- How do I back up multiple files?
- Why does qr-backup restore to stdout? / why doesn't qr-backup extract tar files?