You are probably seeing QR codes everywhere! They are so commonly used these days, and they are very useful. But, what are QR codes?
In this post we will answer that question, and also show you ways to generate your own unique code.
What is a QR code and how do I use it?
A QR, or Quick Response, code, is a graphic that can be scanned and decoded to result in a link to a web page. It is technically a type of bar code, similar to what we have been using in retail stores for decades.
QR codes were created in the mid 1990s for use in vehicle manufacturing. They have since been adopted as tools for advertising, inventory and other uses.
Most smart phone cameras now include software to read and decode QR codes automatically. Specifically all iPhones can access QR codes with the camera app, but certain androids may not be able to with their native camera app. In this case downloading a QR code scanner off the Google Play Store may be required.
To check, open your camera and try to scan one. If you don’t see a bubble or a link pop up then you will need to download a 3rd party option.
What do I do if I see a QR code?
Let’s say you go to your local diner and in the middle of the table is a QR code for viewing the menu. What do you do?
Open your smart phone. Go into the camera app. Point the camera at the QR code as though you are going to take a picture of it. Don’t take the picture, just wait a couple seconds.
A link should pop up, like the yellow in this photo. Tap on the link and a web page will open in your browser and display the menu.
This same process works whether the QR code is for a menu, an ad for a product, or a link to information of another kind. It could bring you to a product manual or a conference paper. The uses are almost unlimited.
The code itself might be on a flyer, on the TV, or in a store window. The process is the same for all of them.
Other uses for QR codes
QR Codes are also used for contactless payments, digital business cards, connecting to Wi-Fi, sharing contact information, opening websites, viewing PDFs, playing music, watching videos, storing images, and authentication.
MA made Covid vaccination information is also available from smart phones using QR codes for those who still need it.
This allows others to scan the code and see your vaccination status. Keep your personal code in your photos, your health app, or your wallet. You can show the code to prove your vaccination status.
Make Your Own
There are also many free QR code generators like QR Code Monkey or QR Code Generator.
These could be useful for a small business that wants to use QR codes to direct people to their website or products. You can even add a logo or a frame to certain ones.
Here is one we created to bring you to our homepage.
This Wikipedia article might be interesting if you want to know more about the actual structure of a QR code and how it all works.
If you would like help with QR Codes, just call or email and we’ll be happy to assist you! If you have specific questions, or if our terminology isn’t clear, please use our contact form to send us a message. Thank you!