What Is A QR Code And Why Do You Need One?

What is a QR code?

A QR code is a 2-D barcode that can be digitally read by smartphones. QR codes contain information just like barcodes. They can be used to make a call, send a message or email, or even open a website.

How do you use it?

Here is an entire list of things you can do with a QR Code:

1. Add contact details: QR Codes serve as a vCard and can help you add and share contact information in seconds.
2. Send predefined texts: Did you know you can scan a QR Code and send texts with the recipient and contents of the message already added? Once you scan a text QR Code, all you have to do is press send.
3. Send preset emails: Just like texts, you can also send predefined emails. Again, scanning the QR Code will open up your email and you can hit send.
4. Make a call: QR Codes can also be used to call someone. Businesses can use this to have you call them or customer support with just one scan.
5. Reveal discounts and coupon codes: What if you didn’t have to remember long promo codes? With a single scan of a QR Code, you can be redirected to the online checkout with the promo code pre-applied.
6. Navigate to the store: Some businesses even use QR Codes on Out-of-Home advertising to help you navigate to your nearest store.
7. Add calendar events: An important sale coming up? Remind yourself with a calendar event triggered by the scan of a QR Code.
8. Connect to WiFi without password: You no longer need to share or remember passwords. Scan the QR Code and join the WiFi network.
9. Engage with social media: Scan QR Codes and instantly follow, like and leave a review on social media business pages.
10. Download apps: You can now scan QR Codes to download an app in your respective App Store.

 What do you mean by QR Code?

QR stands for Quick Response. First designed in 1994 for the automotive industry in Japan, QR Codes have since perpetuated into every industry and are used all over the world by consumers. It has started gaining a lot of popularity with consumers since scanning QR Codes does not require an app. The camera app in both Android and iPhones is capable of scanning QR Codes natively.

How do QR Codes work?

An active QR Code is one that a QR Code scanner is able to scan easily, prompting users to click on an external link upon scanning. The external link delivers relevant information that the user is looking for.

How to scan a QR Code?

To scan a QR Code on Android and iPhone,

1. Open the camera

1. Point the camera at the QR Code

1. View its contents displayed on the smartphone or click on the link to view its contents

The modern QR Code may seem very normal to the eyes but actually consist of 7 element parts. Like bar lines and patterns in 2-D barcodes, each part of a QR Code has a specific purpose. Each of these parts creates a sort of crossword puzzle-like pixel pattern. The specific elements hold information such as direction, timing, error tolerance, empty spaces. Learn more about these elements of a QR Code below.

Elements of a QR Code

QR Codes may appear to be random but they are in fact slightly different. Although QR Codes can be customized, the shape of the QR Code must always be square. There are 7 different elements in a QR Code.

	Positioning marking: This indicates the direction in which the QR Code is printed. Even if your camera is at an angle, you will still be able to scan the QR Code.
	Alignment marking: If the QR Code is too large, say on a billboard, this helps to orient the image
	Timing pattern: This helps the QR Code scanner determine how large the data matrix is in the QR Code.
	Quiet zone: This is the most crucial part of the QR Code. This helps the QR Code scanner differentiate the QR code from the surroundings.
	Version information: There are over 40 different QR Code versions. These are markers present in a QR Code that specifies the one that is being used. The most common ones are versions 1 to 7
	Format information: The format pattern consists of information about the error tolerance that makes it easier to scan the code.
	Data and error correction module: The central part of a QR Code consisting of black and white modules is where the code stores the data and has blank space surrounding them to allow up to 30% of the code to be damaged.

 

 

 

 

 What are some QR Code features that make it unique?

High capacity encoding of data

Unlike standard barcodes that can store only 20 digits of data, QR Codes are capable of storing several dozens to several hundred times more data in them.

Small size

There is no one size fits all phenomenon with QR Codes. However, it is ideal to have the print size scannable by any smartphone with the capability. A size of 1 cm square or 0.4 inches square should be the minimum you should aim for.

Dirt and damage resistant

The error correction capability of the QR Codes enable it to recover the damaged part and make it readable. However, there is a limit to the damage that can be inflicted before it becomes unreadable by any type scanner.

360° readability

The position detection markers make it possible to read the QR Code from any angle. The omni-directional and high speed reading capability make the QR Code unique from other barcodes.

Structured appending feature

A regular QR Code can be divided into multiple data areas. Similarly multiple data areas can be conversed to make a single data symbol. One data symbol can be divided into 16 symbols which allows printing in a narrow area.

How is QR Code generated?

Generating QR Codes online is free and easy. Just use a free online QR Code generator like Beaconstac to create all sorts of QR Code types.
8 easy steps to create your first QR Code:

1. Select a QR Code generator
2. Choose the type of the QR Code
3. Enter the relevant information
4. Select between static and dynamic QR Codes
5. Customize the QR Code
6. Generate and test the QR Code
7. Download it in PNG, SVG or EPS
8. Track scans and analytics

Types of QR Code

Dynamic QR Code

Dynamic QR Codes are a type of QR Code that is editable, trackable, can store a lot of information without taking too much space, can be quickly scanned, and even change the URL.

Some of the popular types of dynamic QR Codes include vCard QR Code, website QR Code, and PDF QR Code.

Dynamic QR Codes have the flexibility to be used anywhere without having to keep making new ones every time.

Static QR Code

Static QR Codes do not have the flexibility to change the contents of it as and when desired, like dynamic QR Codes.

Static QR Codes are not editable, have a fixed URL destination, has dense data patterns, and cannot be tracked. Static QR Codes do not leave room for mistakes and changes. Once created, they cannot be edited.

vCard QR Code

Say goodbye to lengthy business cards to fit in all the information on one single surface!

vCard QR Codes help with a variety of tasks -

1. Sharing contact details
2. Giving a missed call
3. Showcasing any website/portfolio
4. Directing the user to a business location
5. Explaining about business in detail

Embedding a vCard QR Code on your business card helps customers learn everything about you and your business with a single scan. Customize the QR Code in line with your business so customers can easily recognize it, and voila!

Location QR Code

Want to drive more footfall to your business location, retail, or even your restaurant? Help your customers get to your location easily by leveraging a location QR Code that opens up Google Maps after scanning it.

Typing out a location’s address physically on Google Maps or any other app is a tedious task and also, has a high chance of making errors. Avoid this by embedding location QR Code on your website, business card, or even on your social media accounts.