You probably see them all over the place: in restaurants and viral marketing campaigns to Wi-Fi access points. QR codes were scanned by 94 million mobile device users in the US in 2023, according to Statista, and use is only going to rise going in 2025 according to their projections.
But what are QR codes? What are the different types and what are they used for? MyQRCode has got you covered with this definitive guide.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code is a type of two-dimensional barcode that consists of black squares arranged on a white background. You can scan them with a camera or smartphone to quickly access information such as URLs, text, or contact details.
QR codes are commonplace because of their ability to store a large amount of data and because they’re easy to scan — and generate!
This is a basic definition of a QR code but we can make it even simpler or more complex, depending on how technical you want to go.
Definition in Layman’s Terms
QR codes store digital information (most commonly links to websites), in a pixelated black-and-white grid. You can scan this grid with a compatible smartphone or digital camera, at which point the information stored in the QR code will be presented to the user almost instantly.
For example, scanning a QR code on the table at your favorite restaurant with your smartphone camera might bring up the menu. This means the restaurant doesn’t have to print out their daily specials and you don’t have to wait for somebody to hand you a physical menu. Win-win!
They’re incredibly popular, with about 8 QR codes generated every minute (ProfileTree).
How to Explain a QR Code to a Child
If you’ve got kids, they’ve probably come across QR codes on packaging for toys and their favorite snacks. For example, Lego instruction manuals now contain QR codes you can scan to claim loyalty points to spend on new sets inside their app.
With this in mind, your little ones might ask what these little boxes mean and how to use them!
Put extra simply: QR codes are black-and-white squares that store information you can unlock with a mobile phone camera. You can scan them to get info about some of your favorite brands, participate in mobile games, and more!
Technical Definition of a QR Code
If you really want to delve into the tech behind QR codes, here’s a more technical definition:
A QR code is a type of matrix (or two-dimensional) barcode that encodes data both horizontally and vertically. They function as machine-readable optical labels in which encoded data is presented as a grid of black-and-white squares.
QR codes use four standardized encoding modes (numeric, alphanumeric, byte/binary, and kanji) to efficiently store data.
Scanners can then process the encoded data using Reed-Solomon error correction until the image can be appropriately interpreted. In practice, this is achieved by breaking down the patterns into smaller grids and assigning them characters, before grouping them into larger grids where the data is compiled into usable information for humans.
What is a Static QR Code?
There are two types of QR code: static and dynamic.
Static QR codes can’t be edited once generated, so you won’t be able to update linked information without generating new QR codes. You also can’t track them with analytics, which makes them unsuitable for marketing initiatives.
Granted, they’re often free to generate, but if you’re printing QR codes, you could run into higher overhead costs, especially if you want to update your linked pages.
What is a Dynamic QR Code?
While static QR codes are fixed, dynamic QR codes can be changed.
This means you can alter links, web page information, and more without generating new QR codes. Plus, dynamic QR codes can be paired with analytics dashboards, allowing you to track scan numbers, location of completed scans, and even which devices are being used to scan.
Dynamic QR code generators are usually paid services, but as you don’t need to generate new QR codes whenever you want to update information, they’re often much more cost-effective than static codes for many use cases.
What Does ‘QR’ in QR Code Stand For?
The ‘QR’ in QR code is an abbreviation of Quick Response. As you might imagine, they’re called this because they provide information fast.
This is by design. When they were first implemented by the Japanese company Denso Wave in 1994, they were used to track auto parts, where information needed to be accessed quickly and efficiently. Back then QR codes weren’t standardized, and their anatomy has changed a lot since.
Breakdown of a QR Code
QR codes are instantly recognizable, especially as they now follow the standardized SPARQCode format. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice: each part of a QR code serves a purpose, as we’ll explain below.
- Positioning Detection Markers – Often referred to as ‘corner squares’, these help scanners recognize the code, and the direction in which the code is printed.
- Alignment Markings – These are smaller squares found within the QR pattern itself. These can help QR codes be read by scanners even when embedded onto curved surfaces. Plus, the more data a QR code stores, the more alignment markings are included.
- Timing Pattern – These are almost imperceptible to the human eye, but help scanners identify the size of data matrices. They’re black-and-white squares often formatted in an inverted ‘L’ shape around the center of a QR code.
- Version Information – These sections allow scanners to identify what QR code version is being used. Versions simply indicate the size of a QR code. There are 40 possible versions to choose from, though versions 1 to 7 are among the most popular.
- Format Information – The format information is where error correction levels and data masks are encoded. These help to maintain the integrity of a QR code, which allows data to be retrieved even if the QR code becomes damaged.
- Data and Error Correction Keys – Making up the vast majority of a QR code, this is where all encoded data is stored.
- Quiet Space – The white space around a QR code. This helps to distinguish the code from any visual elements around it.
Who Invented the QR Code?
2D barcodes have been around for a while. For instance, Code 1 barcodes entered the public domain all the way back in 1991. QR codes came just three years later in 1994, and were a step up from the rudimentary 2D codes used at the time.
They were invented by the Japanese company Denso Wave, by engineer Masahiro Hara. QR codes were originally designed to track auto parts, and thanks to their large data storage capacity and quick information retrieval, they were a perfect fit for the job.
QR code use began to pick up some steam in the years that followed, as they were adapted for industries outside auto manufacturing. But it wouldn’t be until the early 2010s that they saw widespread adoption across the globe, where they would be used for processes like contactless payments, physical URL links, and more!
What’s the Difference Between QR Codes and Barcodes?
QR codes are a type of barcode. The main difference between QR codes and barcodes is QR codes are 2D barcodes, which means they store information both horizontally and vertically. By comparison, ordinary barcodes only store data in one direction and are therefore considered 1D.
Another difference is that regular, 1D barcodes are only used by businesses. While businesses use QR codes for internal processes, like tracking inventory, they’re much more commonly used by consumers.
What are QR Codes for?
QR code implementations are almost limitless and they can be used in any industry to make some processes much easier. Let’s take a look at some examples:
- Marketing – QR codes have become incredibly important for marketing initiatives, with 14% of Fortune 500 companies utilizing them in their strategies (WiFiTalents). They can be implemented in physical ads like advertising banners, posters, brochures, and more, to connect physical promotional materials to digital web pages.
- Contactless Payments – As contactless payments become more popular, QR codes can be used alongside digital wallets and NFC (Near Field Communication) kiosks as a cashless payment option. This is especially important, as according to MasterCard, more than half of Americans are now making contactless payments.
- Inventory Tracking – As this process was key to creating QR codes, they’re still the perfect addition to streamline inventory tracking practices. They’re so good that 83% of logistics companies utilize QR codes to handle tracking and deliveries (Persuasion Nation).
- Information Access – QR codes are being implemented frequently in public spaces as a way for users to access important or supplementary information.
Examples of QR Codes
People use QR codes to suit any need and offer many ways to connect with consumers and individuals digitally. Take a look below at the full list:
- Link QR Codes – These are the most popular type of QR code and are used to transport users to a variety of web pages.
- PDF QR Codes – As the name suggests, these links contain full PDF files. These are useful for educational purposes, or for providing digital access to product manuals and warranties.
- vCard QR Codes – Perfect for any professional who wants to enhance their networking capabilities, QR codes can be linked to digital business cards.
- Restaurant Menu QR Codes – Digital menus are becoming increasingly popular, especially in the post-pandemic world. By placing a QR code on a restaurant tables, diners can browse all available options, without waiting for a physical menu.
- Social Media QR Codes – For the budding influencers out there, QR codes can be used to connect with profiles on Instagram, X, Facebook, and more.
- Business Page QR Codes – With a business page QR code, users can access crucial information like opening hours, services, and addresses at the drop of a hat.
- Wi-Fi QR Codes – If you’ve got plenty of guests over, or if you run a hotel, you can grant quick access to your Wi-Fi using a QR code. Plus, you won’t need to share security details like passwords, making connecting to Wi-Fi much more secure.
Are QR Codes Safe?
QR codes are generally safe, but that doesn’t mean you should let your guard down and scan QR codes for the sake of it.
QR codes are a popular tool in phishing scams (colloquially known as quishing). As a matter of fact, they’re used in 22% of all phishing scams, according to a report by The Hoxhunt Challenge. This is mostly because it’s difficult to check whether links and digital materials come from a reputable source when scanning QR codes.
There are ways to keep yourself safe when using QR codes, however. For links, many devices often allow you to preview the URL, which is crucial for identifying where the link leads to. If it’s somewhere you don’t recognize, don’t follow it! Additionally, if the QR code looks like it’s been tampered with, it’s best to stay away.
Pros and Cons of Using QR Codes
Now that you’ve got some information under your belt on QR codes, it’s time to look at the pros and cons of using QR codes.
Pros:
- Cost Effective
- Provide value to both consumers and businesses
- Can be encoded with any type of digital information
- Compatible with most modern-day smartphones and scanners without downloading apps
- Useful for multiple industries, including marketing, manufacturing, retail, etc.
Cons
- Not always secure
- User adoption rates aren’t as high with older age groups
Most Common QR Code Use Cases
Most QR codes are embedded with web links. These transport users to company websites, product and service pages, coupons… the list is limitless.
They’re often used by industries like retail, which utilize QR codes for coupons and special deals. Logistics companies are also heavy QR code users, as they’re implemented industry-wide to handle product tracking, deliveries, reorder rates, and more.
What is a QR Code Scanner?
QR code scanners are tools that allow users to scan QR codes. They can usually scan a variety of different 1D and 2D barcodes, which makes them perfect for industries using multiple barcode types. One thing to note is that most smartphone devices have built-in functions that allow them to scan QR codes. And if not, there are many QR code scanner apps available on app stores and across the web.
What’s the Best Size for a QR Code?
The best size of a QR code depends on what you’re using the QR code for, and the distance at which you’re expecting users to scan. The general rule of thumb between a scanner and a QR code is 10:1. So for a scanner to read a QR code 10 cm away, the QR code will need to be at least 1 cm in size, which is generally considered the absolute minimum QR code size.
How to Generate a QR Code?
Generating your own QR code is simple and only requires a few steps before you have your own shiny QR code. Check out our guide on generating a QR code, before giving one of our generator pages a visit!
By using MyQRCode, you can generate a dynamic QR code, which allows you to edit content, links, and much more at any time you need. Plus, you’ll have complete control over the design aspects, with the ability to change colors, add borders, select QR pattern and corner square presets, and add a logo. So what are you waiting for?
Use our QR Code Generator today!