Generate paper backups for Linux.
Takes any file, and outputs a "paper backup": a printable black-and-white pdf full of QR codes.
Following the directions in the pdf, the QR codes can be re-scanned or photographed using a webcam to restore the original file.
For a full list of options, run qr-backup --help or read the USAGE doc online. For more questions, see the FAQ.
This is alpha software--I use it for my own backups, but I offer no guarantees. Test your restore when you make it, not when you need it!
To make a paper backup:
- Requirements: a printer; python 3.6 or later, python-pillow (may need imagemagick, not sure), python-qrcode
- Run
qr-backup <FILE>. This makes<FILE>.qr.pdf - Print
<FILE>.qr.pdfonto some paper. Now you have a backup. It's a bunch of QR codes and some instructions. If you lose or can't read even one QR code, your restore won't work, so keep it safe. - (Highly recommended) Immediately test restoring the backup.
To restore from a paper backup:
- Requirements: a webcam or scanner; zbar
- To install zbar in linux, use 'apt-get install zbar' (or whatever your distro uses)
- (not tested) To install zbar in OS X, use 'brew install zbar'
- Using the provided directions in the backup
- Use a webcam and
zbarcamto scan the QR codes. - OR, use a scanner and
zbarimgto scan the QR codes.
- Use a webcam and
- Run the provided command. Now you have your original file.
- Verify your file was restored perfectly (using the included checksum).
- To test, run
qr-backup --compress README.md - Restore from the digital copy with
zbarimg README.md.qr.pdf -q --raw | sort -u | cut -c2- | tr -d "\n" | base64 -d | gunzip | diff - README.md