What Are QR Codes?
According to Wikipedia, A QR Code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is a specific matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code) that is readable by dedicated QR readers, smartphones, and, to a less common extent, computers with webcams. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data.
Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso Wave in 1994 to track car parts, the QR Code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. The QR Code was designed to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.
Read the full Wikipedia description here.
How do you read the Code?
All you need is a QR Code reader for your camera-equipped cell phone and there are many apps out there that will work on nearly all smart phones. Most of the apps are free and you may want to have more than one as they have different features and some work better on certain QR Codes than others.
According to 2d-code.co.uk, the best of the available readers in alphabetical order are:
i-nigma is pre-installed by all of Japan’s major mobile manufacturers and reads QR Code, Datamatrix, EAN13, EAN8, UPC-A and UPC-E.
Compatability Download Instructions
Mobiletag scans 1D barcodes EAN 13 and UPC as well as the 2D barcodes Datamatrix, QR Code, Flashcode and Fotokody.
Compatability and download instructions
NeoReader supports a range of mobile devices and reads QR Codes, Datamatrix, Aztec Codes, EAN, UPC and Code 128.
Compatability Download Instructions
QuickMark supports a range of mobile devices and reads QR Code, Datamatrix and the proprietary code QuickMark.
Compatability and download instructions
ScanLife supports a wide range of mobile devices and reads and the proprietary code EZcode.
Compatability and download instructions
UpCode supports a range of mobile devices and reads the proprietary code UpCode, and in Symbian phones QR Code and DataMatrix.
Compatability Download Instructions
BeeTagg supports a wide range of mobile devices and reads QR-Code, Datamatrix and the proprietary code BeeTagg.
Compatability Download Instructions
Kaywa supports a range of mobile devices and reads QR Code and Datamatrix.
Compatability Download Instructions
Zxing has clients for Android, Java, and iPhone but not Windows mobile devices and reads QR Code, Code 39, Code 128, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN-8 and EAN-13.
Compatability and download instructions
How do I generate a QR Code?
QR codes are easy to create using a QR code generator. The number of QR Code generators out there is dizzying. Here’s a list of the best, again according to 2d-code.co.uk:
QR Code and 2D Code Generator
Kerem Erkan has produced an excellent QR Code, Micro QR Code, Datamatrix and Aztec Code generator with many interesting features including URL shortening.
QR Generator
Configure size, version, error correction etc., and save as PNG, TIFF, JPEG, GIF, XAML, SVG, EPS or all in a ZIP file.
Maestro
Create QR Codes for telephone, SMS, Maps, URL, MeCards and Raw data.
Jason Delport’s Create QR Code
User interface for the Google Chart API with 500px x 500px maximum size.
BeQRious
50px x 50px images can be inserted in the code and output can be saved as gif or pdf.
i-nigma
Foreign language versions available in Español, Português and Italiano.
Invx
One size but generates a QR Code and a Datamarix Code simultaneously.
Jaxo
Select encoding mode, multiple colors and upload background graphic.
Goqr.me
Any color background or modules and many other options.
Nokia
Includes full VCARD implementation.
QReate & Track
Includes iCalendar and vCard formats and an option for real-time reporting.
QR Stuff
Lots of options here including color, batch printing with Avery label compatibility and send by email.
Raco
Can specify error correction levels.
SnapMaze
One size but choice of six colors.
Unitag
Options to round the corners of modules and apply color gradients and shadows. Also an option to rotate the code in 45° units with output in PNG or SVG format only.
Winksite
PNG and JPG in standard sizes.
ZXing
Includes encoding in MECARD format.
Decoder/Encoder
Stand alone Decoder and Encoder
The only known online Micro QR Code Generators are Kerem Erkan’s and TEC-IT.
How do I use a QR Code in my MARKETING ATLAS ad?
There’s no shortage of ways to use QR Codes in your ad. The coolest aspect of the QR Code is that it allows you to keep your ad current even though the ATLAS prints once a year.
You can have your QR Code link to a special page on your website with a coupon just for the readers of the MARKETING ATLAS that you can update as often as you like! You can also alert our readers to new services or products or changes in your company. Or you can incorporate some or all of the things below:
- Product or service details
- Contact information. Electronic information that the reader application adds to user’s address list.
- Event information
- Contest participation
- Start an email message with subject line like, “Send me more information” or “Add me to your mailing list”
- A coupon
- Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn IDs
- A link to a YouTube video
Here are some samples of cutting-edge ATLAS advertisers who utilized QR codes in their 2011 ads! (And one Tag!! Way to represent, Jim and Betty!) Notice the different sizes of Codes used and the variety of emphasis put on them.
Looking for more information on QR codes?
As we run across useful sites and articles, we’ll provide links to them here.
- 2d-code.co.uk
- What Is A QR Code And Why Do You Need One?
- How To Use QR Codes In Social Media
- Microsoft Tag vs. QR Codes: The Debate Continues
- Microsoft Tags: A Compelling Alternative To QR Code Hyperlinks
- Close-Up With Google’s New QR Code Generator
- QR (Quick Response) codes
- How Big Should I Make My QR Code?
If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it!
28 Responses to QR Codes
Leave a Comment
Sponsor Specials
I’m glad you enjoyed them too. Good luck with your blog!
hassan Posted on You can name your blog on your own name like miror, one thing more, you should name it accnrdiog to your interest.
This has already been this kind of impressive blog website, even so tell ya for individuals the idea created into the task from nightmare.
Excellent article man.. Since terminator affirms .. i’ll be back !
Great Article! I wish sprint provided the samsung note, but i even now enjoy bbm on blackberry. I just discovered a excellent post on bbm iphone
This is fantastic news,please give all of us the monitor pictures.
I’ve got to build a great posts about and i feel your post Fits greatest with it.
whenever I took in or examine a piece of writing I came across some thing completely new to help me compose. Several thanks!
film educational program Now i’m attempting to find what to boost our site ! I assume their excellent enough to make use of a number of of your own tips !!
Can We have your facebook ? Hunting forward to the reply ! Prescription
My partner and i appreciated seeking over this post along with would agree with whatever you stated.
cupcake8million Posted on congrats- your linvig my dream since you won’t see your family/ friends for a long tie you could go cheesy- wish you were here or on the trail again or Where in the world is (your name)? Best of luck!
do the right thing and spread the truth please… 9/11 was an inside job, the war on terror is a big lie
please spread facts and honest truths , bush’s war on terror is huge fraud/hoax/scam sept 11th 2011 was an inside job
spot on stuff
Very good items, Our god Bless you!
not bad fancy renting banner ad space for a bit of cash?
nice site are you thiknin of putting it up for auction? i would definitely bit a certain amount (can’t say how much…)
We have a fantastic deal much more exact information about the post! In addition to really very best respect!
Intersting post and website. Very good that Google listed so i was able to get here. This web site will go no in my bookmarks from now.
In addition, it doesn’t matter how extremely you ought to be complete with treating a very platform, gradually you’ll discover an instance the places you need to want to do a number instruct care; and as a consequence influenced by your real age but also bodybuilding, therfore the inches of one’s caravan it could be a awfully excessive pastime. motor movers
Good informative content is written to target the thinking person. This content is brain-challenging yet straightforward. The viewpoints are written with a lot of thought and prep work behind them.
You made some good points there. I looked on the internet for the subject and found most guys will approve with your site.
may also be nice article. Concerning now left the rat race, to not ever seem back. You’re proper that this 1 make any the very best financial resources are by way of running your special enterprise!
I think that what the poster has posted is OK but you should see click on this link? I think might be a little bit more relevant.
I found Marketing NW | Blog | QR Codes on a Yahoo search this morning and I found the information to be very helpful. Thank u for a great post!
nice, good post
Really enjoyed this blog post, can I set it up so I receive an alert email when you write a fresh post?