The qr code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that can hold text, links, images and other types of data. It’s easy to create and can be used on a variety of platforms, including print, web, social media and mobile. It’s also quick to scan and can be generated for free by using an online generator, such as qrcodemaker or qrcodemonkey.
A QR code (pronounced “quick response”) is a square-shaped black-and-white pattern that can be scanned with a smartphone’s camera to instantly provide users with a link to an online document, website or other content. It’s a way for brands to connect with consumers in an increasingly digital and touchless world, and it’s become a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives as a simple yet powerful tool for marketers.
While the QR code has been around since the mid-90s, it didn’t gain popularity until the rise of smartphones with built-in scanners, which made it easier than ever to use. The COVID-19 pandemic gave the code an unexpected boost in the spotlight, and its use has exploded in the post-pandemic era as marketers turn to it to engage their audiences and drive traffic.
QR codes are readable in two dimensions and encode sets of numbers or letters, including URLs. They’re a type of matrix barcode, meaning they can be scanned by a variety of devices, including most smartphone cameras. They can even be printed on paper products, and they’re often affixed to items like products, business cards and t-shirts.
To create a QR code, you’ll need to have a software program that can read the image and decode the data. There are plenty of options available for desktop computers, from free apps to full-featured programs. The simplest option is to download a free, easy-to-use app, such as Kaywa’s QR Code Reader for Android or iPhone. Once you have a program, follow the directions for creating a code to add it to your marketing materials.
There are four widely accepted versions of the QR code, and the version determines how data is stored. For example, it specifies if the code is numeric, alphanumeric, binary or kanji. It also includes the type of input mode, which communicates information such as how many times the code has been scanned, what operating system it’s running on and the location from which it was scanned.
In addition, the QR code contains error correction keys that allow up to 30% of it to be read if damaged. Three of the corners of the QR code contain the finder pattern, a nested series of black and white modules that helps the scanner align the code, and the alignment and format patterns, which identify the size and structure of the data matrix. The alignment pattern consists of smaller squares containing even more smaller squares to help straighten out distorted codes, and the timing pattern defines how the alternating modules configure the data grid. Lastly, the quiet zone surrounds the code to reduce noise and improve readability.