QR Code FAQ's: What is a QR Code? How can I generate codes? How do QR codes work?

A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a two-dimensional bar code created in Japan. Debuting in 1994, QR codes were originally used in tracking vehicle parts. Since then, the QR code has come a long way, having applications in marketing and convenience. QR codes can now be found in magazines, business cards, and other things that can display a square of printed material.

The QR code is gaining popularity in many parts of the world. With more and more cell phones running QR code reader software, QR codes act as a gateway to mobile internet access. These days, QR codes are often used to redirect people to websites. The coding matrix can store characters that can be interpreted by a QR code reader, and with the proper software, it will open up an encrypted URL for greater internet security.

QR code reader software is usually found in most current Japanese-made cell phones. Using the phone’s camera as a lens, the software program will scan the QR code and decrypt it. Savvy marketers have used this to their advantage, inserting QR codes wherever they can to attract curious passers-by. This practice of using QR codes to drive more people to your website is known as hard-linking, or physical world hyperlinks, and is met with relative commercial success.

The design of the QR code makes it very appealing to both advertisers and graphic artists. QR codes’ unique encryption enables users to incorporate graphic elements to the code without losing any information. QR codes can be colored in varying designs, according to the artist’s liking. Images can even be mixed in with the QR code. This design aspect of QR code allows for even more flexibility in its use. For example, the British group The Pet Shop Boys used a QR code with a face on it for the artwork of one their singles titled Integral. Scanning the artwork with a QR code scanner brought users to the group’s official website.

There are numerous QR code generator websites out there that let you create your very own QR code. A simple web search for “QR code generator” will yield thousands of results. Using a QR code generator is easy – just select the type of content the QR code will hold, such as a URL, contact information, or even plain text, then type in the desired information. The QR code generator will create a code according to your specifications. You can also download a QR code generator should you wish to work offline. Just remember that QR codes can store only a limited amount of data based the characters used. A standard 8-bit QR code can hold a maximum of 7089 numerical characters, or 4296 alphanumeric characters. QR codes can also hold 1817 Kanji characters. A micro QR code is much smaller, and can hold only up to 35 characters.

QR codes have tons of potential waiting to be tapped. Their simplicity,accessibility, and capacity for design provide countless ways for imaginative individuals to use them to their advantage.