PhonoPaper

PhonoPaper

Sound code scanner

43 ratings
40 reviews
Free

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • April 24, 2014
  • October 3, 2025

Features

PhonoPaper screenshot #1 for iPhone
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About

This app decodes images containing encoded sound, allowing you to play back audio embedded within visual patterns. You can also record your own sounds and convert them into these unique visual codes. It's designed for creative audio messaging and artistic expression.

Decode images with encoded sound
Create sound codes from recordings
Offline decoding capability
Analogue code for distortion resilience
Real-time, hand-controlled playback
Draw codes for unique sounds
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What's New in PhonoPaper

1.6.2

October 3, 2025

* the app can now load images: just go to the device gallery, select an image and send it to PhonoPaper; * bug fixes.

User reviews

Welp, my work is toast.

PhonoPaper did NOT make sound out of my 132x72 uploaded digital image, and its miserably failed attempt took half an hour to complete.

A whole new world

Love this! So tactile a way to store and play back sound. Experimental and sci-fi like results. Try placing physical objects on top of the paper as well. And try the blank grid template from the warmplace.ru site. This is fantastic.

Slick

Very useful and educational.

PhonoPaper

Amazing

I liked it, hoping that a reader version will be made one day

The interface needs work, visually.
I would take ®️™️Autodesk Inc., ®️™️Adobe software as a model for that portion. one request would be for color option and maybe a intensity option, if you were to make this an App. for sale, would allow smaller file size options. *music songs are under three minutes usually, you want a recording that about the same length duration. Suggest: save as MP3 or MP4 file specified so people are confused with what is meant by audio file / or ANS file via Wi-Fi direct send... does a picture file refer to a video file which has audio and video in tandem? if it’s an audio video file sent ANS WI-FI it becomes unclear how the recipient would open the file unless, they could have a copy of the App. themselves —in my experiment I would send such a file.

Only one thing bothered me enough to take away five star rating and that was the mirrored front facing camera option it was too frustrating to get an image that was in front of the camera and line it up. somebody who has it would be extraordinarily frustrated with that; and I also finally found a white button to take a forward facing picture after 20 min.

I hope you find the small criticisms used for that you will take them into consideration to improve your worthy product. Thank you for the chance to try your app I would love it if you would produce a reader for those people who want to send picture files with an audio to friends.
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Developer apps

FAQ

What does PhonoPaper do?

PhonoPaper is a camera app that allows you to play back pictures containing encoded sound, known as PhonoPaper-codes. It also enables you to create your own codes by recording up to 10 seconds of sound and converting it into an image.

How do I use PhonoPaper to play sound codes?

Launch the app, point your camera at the code, and smoothly scan the picture from left to right. Ensure the code is parallel to the frame and the black markers are fully visible. If smooth scanning is difficult, enable automatic scanning by pressing the record button.

Can I create my own sound codes?

Yes, you can create your own PhonoPaper-codes. The app allows you to record up to 10 seconds of sound from your microphone and then converts this audio into a visual code that can be played back later.

Is PhonoPaper compatible with my device?

The provided information does not specify exact compatibility requirements. However, as a camera app, it would typically require a device with a functioning camera and sufficient processing power to run the application.

What are some examples of how PhonoPaper can be used?

PhonoPaper can be used for various creative purposes, such as embedding voice messages or music onto physical items like t-shirts or postcards, creating audio labels for records, including audio examples in books, sending secret messages, or for art experiments.