QR Codes 101
Ranked #543 in Internet, #26,096 overall | Donates to Squidoo Charity Fund
All About Quick Response (QR) Codes
QR Codes, also known as "Quick Response" codes, similar to the one displayed in this picture to the left, are starting to appear all over. They are a type of 2D barcode and can be decoded using QR code readers.
You have probably seen Quick Response codes around, if not, be prepared to see them at the malls and subways, on magazines and billboard ads, on coupons and business cards, restaurant menus and cereal boxes.
QR codes have been around for almost two decades and have been widely used in Japan as well as Europe. They are now starting to increase their presence in North America, especially in the world of smartphones.
This web page is dedicated to helping people learn more about QR codes, how they work, where to get QR code readers, how to scan QR codes, how to generate your own QR codes, using QR codes for business, QR code safety and much more.
QR Codes & Mobile Marketing: Buy at Amazon.com
QR Codes Overview
What are QR Codes?
Example of a Quick Response (QR) Code
QR Codes, as mentioned earlier, are a type of 2D barcodes that can be decoded using QR code readers and camera phones or smartphones. From the above image, you can see the basic structure of a QR code which is made up of black modules arranged in a square pattern, generally on a white background. A standard QR code usually holds around 7,089 characters of information.
I'm not going to get too technical about QR codes, but essentially, they are encoded with information to direct recipients to text messages, website URLs, maps, etc. QR codes are decoded at high speed using QR code readers as well as through smartphone cameras like Apple's iPhone, Google's Android and most others.
QR codes were first developed, in 1994, by a Japanese company called Denso-Wave which is a member of the Toyota Group of companies. They were mainly used to track parts in the vehicle manufacturing industry, but have now found their way in mainstream media and mobile marketing.
QR Code Image: Wikipedia Commons
Overview of Quick Response (QR) Codes
Video: How to Use QR Codes?
This is a short and sweet video showing you how to use QR codes by scanning them and accessing the information contained in them. Basically, you place your smartphone to capture the QR code through your smartphone camera; the code is automatically scanned; and you're directed to the destination website URL, text message, video, contact details, map, event promotion, etc. They are quite innovative!
Poll: Quick Response (QR) Codes
Take a Poll on QR Codes
QR Code Readers
QR Code Generator
How to Create Your Own QR Code?
Generating your own QR code is fairly simple and there are various software applications as well as free online websites that allow you to create a QR code.
Some QR code generators are basic, in the sense that they allow you to create QR codes for only URLs. Whereas, others are a more extensive and provide the capability of generating QR codes for maps, YouTube videos, Vcards, and even add your own graphics.
I generated this QR code, in the image to the right, at BeQRious. It's a very user-friendly website and allows more than just the basics for generating QR codes. Below are a list of websites which offer online applications to generate QR codes:
BeQRious.com | QRStuff.com | Kaywa.com | GoQR.me | QuikQR.com
QR Code Generated at: BeQRious
QR Code Readers for Smartphones
Download QR Code Readers for Your Smartphones
Below is a list of QR Code Readers you can download to your smartphone (if you don't already have one). You can visit the respective website by clicking the link below and following the instructions. Before you download the QR Code Reader to your smartphone, please ensure to check compatibility and system requirements.
i-nigma QR Code Reader
The i-nigma QR code reader works for mobile phone more...2 points
Kaywa QR Code Reader
The Kaywa QR code reader supports Motorola, Nokia, more...2 points
UpCode QR Code Reader
The UpCode QR code reader is supported by the foll more...1 point
BeeTag QR Code Reader
The BeeTagg QR code reader is compatible with over more...1 point
NeoReader QR Code Reader
The NeoReader QR code reader is compatible with a more...1 point
SnapMaze QR Code Reader
The SnapMaze QR code reader is compatible with all more...1 point
TapMedia QR Code Reader
The TapMedia QR code reader for iPhone for iPhone more...1 point
MobileTag QR Code Reader
The MobileTag QR code reader is available on iPhon more...0 points
QR Codes for Business
Marketing Your Business Using QR Codes
Video Examples of QR Codes for Business Use
QR code mobile technology is a great tool for businesses to stay competitive and reach a greater customer base. As popularity of QR codes increases, more and more businesses will start using this technology to promote their products, services, events, and stay in touch with their customers. The short videos below provide a good snap-shot of how various types of businesses are leveraging from QR code technology.
Some of the ways to leverage QR codes in business are: using QR codes on business cards to promote your company website; including QR coupon codes in direct-mail flyers and magazines for special discounts; promoting your social media sites like Facebook and Twitter; including QR codes in menus to provide additional information like nutritional facts; and the list goes on.
Using QR Codes on Promotional Gifts
Customizing Promotional Gifts for Customers with QR Codes
QR codes can be used as an effective advertising tool for promoting your business. Giving away useful and practical promotional gifts to your potential customers like promotional calendars, water bottles, and pens can help attract new customers. Also, it can help maintain brand loyalty with existing customers. PromoDirect has a wide variety of Online Promotional Gifts, that can be customized, at great prices.
Online Promotional Gift Images used with permission from: PromoDirect.com
Books on Marketing Using QR Codes
Mobile Marketing Books at Amazon.com
With the increasing popularity and usage of mobile technology, it's becoming evident that businesses need to become more creative in order to gain competitive advantage. With online advertising on the rise, businesses need to become innovative in their approach to enhance their customer experience and increase customer base.
QR code mobile technology is still quite new and remains relatively untapped, so it's a great way for companies to use this technology to remain in the forefront. The resources below will provide you valuable and timely information and advice on how to leverage QR code technology in your business.
Poll: Leveraging QR Codes for Business
QR Code Technology for Marketing Your Business
QR Code News 2012
Latest News on QR Code Technology
Keep Up with the World of Mobile Tagging in 2012
- Security pro warns smart-phone users about QR codes
- What he didn't know was whether customers understood that scanning a QR code is an act of trust equivalent to opening a locked door before checking the peephole. The design of QR codes makes it impossible to distinguish one from another with the human ...
- Tech 3.0: Packing data in a QR code
- QR codes are used by many businesses to help promote products, but they may be enjoyed by individuals for personal use as well. Above, a QR code links to some of my favorite photographs I posted to the web site 500px.com. They're called QR ? quick ...
- “Branded” Trailer Uses QR Codes To Warn of Conspiracy
- A trailer for the film came out this week, and it is laden with QR Codes that are more than just show. Get the details after the break. Watch the trailer below from Yahoo, and pay attention to the multitude of QR codes throughout.
- New Scan QR code marketing landing pages increase their value for businesses
- Google Ventures backed Scan.me has taken a new tack to try to bring greater value to QR code marketing for companies and brands alike. To do this, Scan Pages has been launched. These are very basic web pages that allow a consumer to scan a barcode ...
QR Code Technology Fraud and Security
How to Stay Safe When Using QR Codes?
As I was researching QR code technology, I also looked into potential QR code fraud and security issues. Surprisingly, I didn't find much reported or written on the subject other than this interesting paper written by SBA Research. This is probably, because QR code technology is still relatively new in the mainstream internet world, though QR code technology has been around for many years, as indicated earlier.
My main concerns, at first glance, would be that QR codes could be used by hackers in the areas of phishing, pharming as well as to spread viruses and things of this nature. Whatever the case may be, I would suggest that you use caution and your best judgment when scanning QR codes by sticking to trusted companies.
I'm sure as this technology evolves, we will hear more on QR code security. Currently, there are smartphones security apps which would help deal with the issue of scanning malicious QR codes. So it would be a good idea to have a security app installed on your smartphone if you intend using QR code technology.
Twitter Buzz on QR Codes
What are Tweeple Saying About QR Codes?
-
- TheQRplace
- RT @QRCode_News #QRcodes Security pro warns smart-phone users about QR codes - http://t.co/0jt439qn: CBS LocalSec... http://t.co/vfj2UwVD…
-
- qrpower
- RT @QRCode_News #QRcodes Security pro warns smart-phone users about QR codes - http://t.co/aCMGzJJr: CBS LocalSe... http://t.co/Di18zPHv
-
- QRCode_News
- #QRcodes Security pro warns smart-phone users about QR codes - http://t.co/0YAQGntr: CBS LocalSec... http://t.co/aX2boP76 #TeamFollowBack
-
- roxy_pi
- Superama lanza tienda virtual en Antara http://t.co/32gnRu56 vía amie... QRcodes @xereb :D
-
- lisamerhi
- New Jersey Herald - Security pro warns smartphone users about QR codes http://t.co/FTI2VAxF #PRINT #QRCODES
Guestbook
Guestbook: Have You Used QR Codes?
Do You Think QR Codes are Beneficial?
-
-
Tammie
May 13, 2012 @ 11:20 am | delete
- Yes I think they are very helpful and fun, but how do you remove them from your IPhone 4S?
-
-
-
ajgodinho May 13, 2012 @ 1:33 pm | delete
- Yes, you can delete QR codes from your iPhone 4S. How you delete it depends on which QR code reader you have installed. The QR codes are scanned by you iPhone camera. Once you launch the app, check the options, settings or history menus.
-
-
-
domyeadon
Apr 7, 2012 @ 2:55 pm | delete
- You might like to add http://www.freeqrcodetracker.com to your list. Have you visited my lens on QR Codes where you can see my take on how important tracking is? I would really appeciate your feedback, thanks. Dom.
-
-
-
- I did take a brief look at your QR Code tracker website and watched the video on your lens. I'll check it out in more detail later.
-
-
-
Michey Apr 4, 2012 @ 12:25 pm | delete
- Great info, I feature your lens on my mobile Marketing lenses. Thanks
-
-
-
veryirie
Apr 1, 2012 @ 5:15 am | delete
- My cell phone doesn't have that capability; it's pretty outdated. ha
-
-
-
Learniply
Mar 29, 2012 @ 11:36 pm | delete
- The free web application offered by www.learniply.com uses QR Codes placed in public locations such as art galleries, museums, zoos and nature parks, to allow anyone with a smartphone to locate information related to their current location. This information is created through your free learniply account, and can include anything from information about a nearby exhibit to interpretive or way finding information.
-
-
-
LavishlyHip
Feb 7, 2012 @ 4:13 pm | delete
- I am looking to use one for my biz and this article was very helpful. Thanks!
-
-
-
- All the best as you start using QR codes in your business. We are starting to see them used more and more.
-
-
-
crystalwriter
Dec 30, 2011 @ 12:25 am | delete
- I'm okay to use a QR code for going to,or learning, new information, but I'm uncomfortable with it wanting to get information from me. I visited a Cracker Barrel the other day and saw the table tent with their QR code, but it said scanning it would allow them to send you text messages with specials. That would mean they would have your number and could then sell or rent it. They probably would not do so, and it may have required me to give that info after I scanned as I'm not sure the QR code itself could work two ways. I will say however, for any who use these for your own marketing, please make sure the consumer knows your complete intentions if you want more scans.
-
-
-
- I agree, it's important for the consumer to know the intention of those marketing using QR codes. They are very handy tools and should be used appropriately. At the same time, consumers need to ensure that they don't scan just any QR code, but ones from reputable companies because like anything else on the internet, QR codes are open to fraud.
-
-
-
JollyvilleChick
Oct 29, 2011 @ 10:15 am | delete
- I included a QR code on my most recent resume. It links to my website which makes it easier, faster, and more fun that having to type in a url. I am also putting a QR code on the back of my new business cards.
-
-
-
- Those are good ideas on using QR codes. With smartphone technology becoming increasingly popular, we will continue to see the rise in QR code usage.
-
-
-
Wtrombly Aug 7, 2011 @ 1:07 pm | delete
- Currently I use QR codes as a promotional gift, to ad value to articles and business pages. So how does the new mobile marketing going to fit into this. I am sure there is a way.
http://www.squidoo.com/houston-mobile-marketing
A new lens, would like some suggestions, and comments are helpful and will be accredited to the article by promoting you and your articles.
-
-
-
- I checked your lens on mobile marketing and as requested, I sent you an email with my observations and suggestions. Hope it helps.
-
-
-
ElleDeeEsse
Jul 21, 2011 @ 5:36 pm | delete
- I am just learning about QR codes now. I think they offer a huge potential for promoting businesses. Thanks for filling in some of the gaps for me
-
-
-
ReluctantAuthor
Jul 3, 2011 @ 3:15 am | delete
- Yes, I have used QR Codes. Here is how - QR: An Experiment In Poetry http://www.squidoo.com/qr-poetry
-
-
-
Macman
May 14, 2011 @ 9:35 am | delete
- I am a high school yearbook adviser, and my yearbook staff added QR codes in our annual publication with the help of Yearbook Unlimited (www.yearbookunlimited.com). It is a great addition to the book and unlike a DVD really keeps our readers in the moment. I have written a lens on our experience to help other yearbook advisers and staffs who want to add Quick Response codes to their yearbooks.
-
-
-
- Good use of QR codes in yearbooks.
-
-
-
hlkljgk May 9, 2011 @ 12:46 pm | delete
- i use a google places qrc code for my photography business. really well done page.
-
- Load More
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence
Info Source Credit: Wikipedia
Updated: June 4, 2012
by ajgodinho
Hello, I'm AJ Godinho, Human Resources professional, Trader & Entrepreneur with a passion for healthy living and philanthropy.
At Squidoo I get a chance...
more »
- 105 featured lenses
- Winner of 32 trophies!
- Top lens » Truth About Energy Drinks
