What is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can store various types of information, including URLs, text, contact information, and more. Created in 1994 by Denso Wave in Japan, QR codes have become ubiquitous in our digital world due to their ease of use and versatility.
QR codes can be scanned using a smartphone camera or dedicated QR code reader app, instantly providing access to the encoded information. They can hold significantly more data than traditional barcodes and include built-in error correction, meaning they can still be read even if partially damaged or obscured.
Why Use QR Codes?
- Instant Access: Users can access content with a simple scan - no typing required
- Versatile: Can encode URLs, text, contact info, WiFi credentials, and more
- Trackable: Great for marketing campaigns - you can track scans and engagement
- Cost-Effective: Free to generate and can be printed or displayed digitally
- Durable: Error correction allows codes to work even when partially damaged
- Contactless: Perfect for touchless interactions in modern environments
How to Use QR Codes
QR codes have countless applications across different industries and use cases. Here are some of the most popular ways businesses and individuals use QR codes:
📇 Business Cards
Add a QR code to your business card linking to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio website, or digital contact card (vCard). Recipients can save your contact information instantly without manual entry.
📢 Marketing & Advertising
Place QR codes on posters, flyers, billboards, and product packaging to drive traffic to landing pages, promotional offers, or product information. Track campaign performance through scan analytics.
🍽️ Restaurant Menus
Create contactless digital menus by placing QR codes on tables. Customers can scan to view the menu on their phones - easy to update and eliminates the need for physical menus.
🎫 Event Tickets & Check-in
Generate unique QR codes for event tickets, allowing for quick and secure check-in. Can also be used for attendee badges, conference schedules, and venue maps.
🏪 Product Information
Link to detailed product specifications, user manuals, tutorial videos, or warranty information. Great for retail displays and product packaging.
📱 App Downloads
Direct users to your mobile app download page in the appropriate app store (iOS or Android). Much easier than asking users to search for your app.
📍 Location Sharing
Encode GPS coordinates or Google Maps links to help people find your business, event venue, or meeting location instantly.
💳 Payment Processing
Enable quick mobile payments by encoding payment links or digital wallet information. Popular for peer-to-peer payments and small business transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are QR codes free to use?
Yes! QR codes are completely free to generate and use. There are no licensing fees or restrictions. Once you create a QR code, you own it and can use it however you like - print it, share it digitally, or use it commercially without any cost.
What's the difference between PNG and SVG downloads?
PNG is a raster image format that's great for digital use (websites, social media, emails). SVG is a vector format that can be scaled to any size without losing quality, making it perfect for print materials like posters, banners, and large signage. Use PNG for most digital applications and SVG when you need to print at large sizes.
What error correction level should I choose?
For most uses, Medium (M) is sufficient. Choose Low (L) only for clean, protected environments where the code won't be damaged. Choose Quartile (Q) or High (H) if the code will be displayed outdoors, on uneven surfaces, or where it might get dirty or partially covered. Higher error correction means the code can still be scanned even if up to 30% is damaged or obscured.
Can I change the content of a QR code after creating it?
No, static QR codes (like those generated by this tool) permanently encode their content. If you need to change the destination, you'll need to generate a new QR code. However, you can use URL shorteners or your own redirect links to change where the QR code points without regenerating it.
Will my custom colored QR code still work?
Yes, as long as there's sufficient contrast between the foreground and background colors. The foreground (pattern) should be darker than the background for best scanning results. Avoid light foregrounds on light backgrounds or very similar colors, as this reduces scanability. Black on white remains the most reliable combination.
How do people scan QR codes?
Most modern smartphones (iPhone and Android) have built-in QR code scanning in their default camera app. Simply open the camera, point it at the QR code, and a notification will appear with the encoded content. Older devices may need a dedicated QR code reader app from the app store.