Is QR
code free?
Service absolutely free
When will
the QR code expire?
In free and premium versions QR codes have no expiration
time.
What is
QR Code
QR Code is a two-dimensional version of the barcode,
typically made up of black and white pixel patterns. Denso Wave, a Japanese
subsidiary of the Toyota supplier Denso, developed them for marking components
in order to accelerate logistics processes for their automobile production.
Now, it has found its way into mobile marketing with the widespread adoption of
smartphones. "QR" stands for "Quick Response", which refers
to the instant access to the information hidden in the Code.
How Can I
Generate QR Code?
Once you already have an idea of the kind of information you
want to share with your target audience, go to QR Code Generator and select the
appropriate type of Code, input the necessary information, and design your QR
Code to fit your brand image or your own personal taste. Easy-peasy.
QR Codes
101: A Beginner’s Guide
A bit like the Huns in Mulan, QR Codes are popping out of
the snow like daisies. You can now find them enhancing your favorite product
packaging, or optimizing the effectiveness of your business cards and resumes.
You are intrigued by the potential of these Codes, and we have answers.
What is a
QR Code and how does it work?
The quick response, or QR, Code is a two-dimensional version
of the Barcode able to convey a wide variety of information almost instantly
with the scan of a mobile device.
Able to store up to 7089 digits or 4296 characters,
including punctuation marks and special characters, the Code can equally encode
words and phrases such as internet addresses. One thing to always keep in mind,
especially when it comes to designing the Static QR Codes aesthetic is that the
more data is added, the more the size increases and its structure becomes more
complex.
Even when damaged, the QR Code’s structure data keys include
duplications. It is thanks to these redundancies that allow up to 30% of the
Code structure to take damage without affecting its readability on scanners.
The QR
Code: A brief history
In 1994, DENSO WAVE, a subsidiary manufacturing company,
required a better, faster, stronger technology to the Barcode to process higher
amounts of characters and to aid them in tracking vehicles and parts. Masahiro
Hara with a team of two, undertook the task of developing what we now know and
recognize as the QR Code.
Some of the most challenging problems for Hara and his team
were figuring out a way to make 2D codes read as fast as possible, while
preventing false recognition once the shape of the position detection pattern
was added. It needed to be unique, which meant the development team spent the
better part of a year doing a survey of the white to black areas’ ratio after
reducing them to patterns on printed material. The results? They identified the
ideal ratio as 1:1:3:1:1.
By identifying this number, they were able to determine the
black and white areas in the position detection pattern which enabled the Code
to be detected regardless of the scanning angle. In short, this unique ratio
simply meant you could scan it from up, down, left or right.
Though the initially targeted field for QR Code use was the
manufacturing industry, with the rise of smartphone use and the fact that it
remained without a patent meant it became an open-source technology, available
to anyone and everyone.
You can now find QR Codes stylishly delivering great amounts
of information and redefining the print to digital marketing scene.
We know you thirst for more knowledge, so to find out about
the different kinds of Codes, like the Micro QR Code for instance, check out
our blog.
How to
scan a QR Code?
Nowadays, the newer versions of smartphones have an
integrated QR Code reader in the phone camera such as Bixby Vision for Samsung
and the iOS 11 operating system for Apple. But no worries. If your phone does
not have a QR Code reader, there are a plethora of options in the app stores
that are easy to download and use with just the touch of a button. We prepared
a guide for Android and iOS to make it easier as well.
The
anatomy of a QR Code
It’s the 90s and you have just ejected your video cassette,
leaving the square TV screen in a state of static white noise. Visually, that
is what comes to mind when some people look at the QR Code. A complex matrix of
black and white squares. Though looking like a pixelated image, each one of
those squares is actually a marker serving a greater function in the
information-sharing capabilities of the Code.
Positioning detection markers
Located at three corners of each code, it allows a scanner
to accurately recognize the Code and read it at high speed, while indicating
the direction in which the Code is printed. They essentially help quickly
identify the presence of a QR Code in an image and it's orientation.
Alignment markings
Smaller than the position detection markers, they help
straighten out QR Codes drawn on a curved surface. And, the more information a
Code stores, the larger it is and the more alignment patterns it requires.
Timing pattern
Alternating black/white modules on the QR Code with the idea
of accurately helping configure the data grid. Using these lines, the scanner
determines how large the data matrix is.
Version information
With currently 40 different QR Code versions, these markers
specify the one that is being used. The most common ones are versions 1 to 7.
Format information
The format patterns contain information about the error
tolerance and the data mask pattern and make it easier to scan the Code.
Data and error correction keys
The error correction mechanism inherent in the QR Code
structure is where all your data is contained, also sharing the space with the
error correction blocks that allow up to 30% of the Code to be damaged.
Quiet zone
This is similar to the importance of white space in design,
that is it offers structure and improves comprehension. For whom or what you
may ask? For the scanning program. In order to distinguish the QR Code from its
surroundings, the quiet zone is vital.
What is a
Static and Dynamic QR Code?
Static QR Code
A Static QR Code contains information that is fixed and
uneditable once the Code has been generated. They are great for personal use
and for QR Code API, a key to creating large batches of Codes for employee IDs,
event badges, technical product documentation, and much more.
On the other hand, and because of their fixed nature, they
are not ideal for businesses or marketing campaigns as Static Codes do not
track metrics or allow for editing post creation.
Static QR
Code Type and Description
WiFi
Make it easier for your friends and family to connect to
your home network, or for guests to access your business WiFi with a simple
scan of this QR Code.
Bitcoin
By turning your Bitcoin or other crypto address into a QR
Code, you will smooth out your cryptocurrency transactions, with the option of
adding a label indicating the receiver and amount requested.
Plain Text
Display up to 300 characters and the chance to offer your
customers any message in any language, regardless of internet access.
vCard
If you have printed business cards, share your email
address, phone number, website URL and your company details instantly with a
simple scan of a vCard Code.
Email
You can provide customers with a convenient way to contact
you with this Code. A pre-filled message can be sent with the simple tap of a
button, with customers having the option of also editing before sending it.
SEE MORE
QR CODE TYPES
Dynamic QR Code
On the other hand, Dynamic QR Codes allow you to update,
edit and change the type of the QR Code however many times you need, which
makes them the best fit for business and marketing purposes.
As we mentioned earlier when explaining the QR Code basics,
the more information you input into a Static QR Code, the bigger and more
complex the structure becomes. For a Dynamic Code, however, the content you
present to scanners is not directly contained in the Code, but instead has a
short redirection URL assigned to it. That means the code remains small and is
easier to integrate into your print material and packaging design.
Capturing and measuring your advertising statistics each
time a Dynamic Code is scanned is, perhaps, the best feature for optimizing
marketing campaigns. You can have access to when, where, and with what device a
scan took place. You can add campaign info like medium, start and end date,
print run and you can even reset scans and download results as a CSV report.
Dynamic
QR Code Type and Description
App Store
Linking to multiple app stores with just one scan, it makes
the promotion and download of your mobile apps much more efficient by reaching
a wider target audience, regardless of the scanner’s cellular operating system.
PDF
Digital magazines, brochures, eBooks, with this Code you can
simultaneously boost your marketing, save on printing costs, and offer
customers the chance to save and share documents all from the palm of their
hand.
Social Media
Share all of your social media platforms on a
mobile-friendly landing page. Whether it’s Twitter, Snapchat, YouTube or
Instagram, your audience can choose which platform to follow you on.
Coupon
Remove the hassle of couponing for your customers with this
Code. With one scan, they can save your promotion to their mobile devices,
share it on social media or by email, and redeem it with ease at your nearest
location or online store.
Business Page
Let your audience get to know you a little better at their
own convenience. If you don’t have a website, then this QR Code is the perfect,
mobile-friendly platform to let customers know your mission statement, how to
reach you, your physical store locations, opening hours and how to find you
with Google Maps.
Common
uses of QR Codes
Boost app downloads
QR Code example on a billboard ad for a retail company
Chick-fil-A saw a 14% boost in downloads of their mobile app
by advertising it on digital signage with a QR Code. By linking to multiple app
stores, the App Store QR Code makes it easy for customers to download your app
by linking to Apple App Store, Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore. From the
mobile-friendly page, you can also include a link to a video trailer or website
with a personalized button.
Redeeming coupons made easy
QR Code idea on a large poster inside a retail shop
It’s the holiday season and you have a big sale to promote.
The Coupon QR Code is perfect to help you optimize your coupon campaign by
allowing customers to simply scan and instantly save or use your coupon. They
can email it to themselves and share it with friends on social media or
anywhere online. By saving it to their phone, customers never forget to bring
their coupons to be redeemed.
Get more followers
QR Code example on a store window of a restaurant
If you want to make sure people are up to date on their
favorite platforms with all your latest news, add a Social Media QR Code to
your storefront window or flyers. With just one scan, they can directly connect
to either your Twitter or Instagram.
Give voice to your customers
QR Code idea on a table tent in a hotel room
There is often no easy way to receive feedback from
customers, and even when they do give it, businesses are often left with a pile
of forms to sort through and organize. But that is no longer necessary. With
the Feedback QR Code, you now have a convenient way to collect customer reviews
and information directly to your chosen email address. Divided into categories
and subcategories, you can easily update the information any time based on the
product or service you want to hear the most about.
Amplify your events
QR Code idea on a billboard ad to promote a new book launch
With the Event QR Code, you can help your event marketing
efforts succeed in generating more attendees. By offering additional
information with the Code, you ensure potential leads can save your event dates
on their favorite mobile calendar, link to Google Maps for directions, and
register or purchase tickets in advance in order to simplify planning.
