50 FAQs on QR Codes and QR Code Generator

Apoorva Hegde
Last Updated: February 14, 2020

QR Code usage is more than ever on this day.

If you have any queries about QR Codes, we have compiled QR Code FAQs to answer all your queries and showcase the potential of QR Codes so you can start using QR Codes like a pro.

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Basics
The technology of QR Code
Types of QR Code
Use-cases of QR Code
Scanning ability
Bonus QR Code FAQs

QR Code usage globally has multiplied in folds ever since its inception. By research, an estimated 11 million households will scan a QR Code in 2020 in the USA alone.

PART 1 – Basics

1. What is a QR Code?

A QR Code is a 2-D square-shaped black and white barcode that can be read by smartphones. QR Codes store information that can be used to make a call, send a message/email, open a website, or even redirect to a location.

A QR Code can store up to 4296 characters or 7089 digits in a single code making it viable to hold large amounts of content.

Want to know more about QR Codes?

2. What does a QR Code stand for?

QR stands for Quick Response. QR Codes are capable of being scanned within a couple of seconds, and hence the name.

3. How does a QR Code work?

A QR Code works in a similar fashion to that of a barcode. It is a machine-scannable image that can be read by smartphones either via its native camera or third-party apps. Every QR Code contains small data packets in the form of dots that hold a certain piece of information.

When a smartphone is directed at a QR Code, it displays the user information that is easily understandable.

4. How do I generate a QR Code?

QR Codes can be generated online in a hasslefree and inexpensive method. Use a free QR Code generator like Beaconstac to create any kind of QR Codes.

Watch how to generate a QR Code –

Step 1 – Select a QR Code generator (How to select a QR Code solution)

Step 2 – Choose between static and dynamic QR Codes (What’s the difference?)

Step 3 – Select the type of QR Code to be generated

Step 4 – Enter the relevant information

Step 5 – Customize the QR Code (Tips to create a custom QR Code)

Step 6 – Generate and test the QR Code

Step 7 – Download it in any of the formats (JPG, SVG, EPS, or PNG)

Read our detailed guide on how to create QR Codes for Android, iOS, and desktop

5. What is the size of a QR Code?

The minimum size of a QR Code should be 2cm x 2cm. However, the size of the QR Code depends on the medium of the outlet chosen.

For best results use this formula,

Size of the QR Code = Distance between the QR Code and the scanner / 10

For instance, if a QR Code is 33 cm, it can be read from as far as 3m.

The size of the QR Code is determined by the size of its modules and the version of the QR Code. The module refers to the black and white dots that make the data pattern and the version to use depends on the data to be encoded.

There are two versions namely –

Version 1 – This type of QR Codes has 21 modules on its sides. For one version larger QR Code, the number of modules on the side increases by 4, and the largest version is 40.
Version 2 – This type of QR Code has 25 modules on its sides. If the size of the module is 0.5mm, the size of this QR Code will be 12.5 mm x 12.5 mm (although a white space of 4 modules must be placed around the code to use it)

6. Can QR Codes be customized?

Yes, QR Codes can be customized to any desired color, pattern, and template depending on the requirement. However, remember that only dynamic QR Codes can be edited after creating it.

Static QR Codes can be customized but there is no opportunity to edit them after downloading them.

A QR Code can be customized with the following options –

Color/Gradient
Logo
Change data pattern and eye shape
Add background image
Add a call-to-action (CTA) frame

Read how to create a custom QR Code + 9 design tips

7. What is a static QR Code and dynamic QR Code?

To put it simply, static QR Codes are uneditable after creating them; dynamic QR Codes are editable. Not just that, dynamic QR Codes can be tracked, analyzed, set landing pages, and can be customized as and when required.

Here is a table to simplify the differences –

STATIC QR CODES	DYNAMIC QR CODES
Once created, the destination URL cannot be changed	Have the flexibility to change the URL linked to it – even after printing and distributing
Stores the data directly in the QR code graphic	Stores a short dynamic URL on the QR code graphic
QR codes that store complex data look extremely dense	These QR codes are less dense and are more reliable to scan.
One cannot track the performance of a static QR code	The performance of a dynamic QR code can be tracked

8. Are QR Codes editable?

Once QR Codes are created, only dynamic QR Codes can be edited. Static QR Codes cannot be edited once they are created.

9. How do I create a free QR Code?

There are several free QR Code generators in the market to create a free QR Code. Beaconstac’s free QR Code generator offers robust experience and multiple features to create the best quality free QR Code.

QR Codes are free up to a certain extent. If choosing a static QR Code, they are free for unlimited use. If choosing a dynamic QR Code, they are free as long as the free trial period persists.

Beaconstac offers dynamic QR Codes starting from $5 to create beautiful customized QR Codes.

10. Are QR Code generators safe?

Yes. Creating and downloading QR Codes on a suspicious website could lead to downloading malware. However, Using safe QR Code generators such as Beaconstac can prevent this from happening.

It is best advised to use an online QR Code generator to avoid downloading any kind of malware in any case.

11. How do I create QR Codes in bulk?

Bulk QR Codes are created by the following these simple steps –

Open the dashboard and click on ‘Bulk QR Codes’ on the left panel
Click on ‘Upload Now’ and choose the type of QR Code to be created
Upload a CSV file or copy the online link and paste it in the dashboard
Customize the QR Code. The customization will apply to all the QR Codes generated
Download the ZIP file to access the QR Codes

12. Can QR Codes be tracked and analyzed?

Yes. However, only dynamic QR Codes can be tracked and analyzed. Static QR Codes cannot be tracked and analyzed.

These dynamic QR Codes are tracked and analyzed to gauge the marketing campaign, assess the number of scans, location and device of the QR Code scans, retargeting, and rebranding purposes.

13. Can a damaged QR Code still work?

Yes, a damaged QR Code can still work. However, there is only up to a certain level that a QR Code reader can read the code correctly. Although today’s smartphones are equipped with the best technology, a 90% damaged QR Code is still not readable.

Always make sure that the QR Code is between levels M and H, and never H.

14. What are the elements in a QR Code?

There are four main elements in a QR Code –

1. Positioning marking

This indicates the direction in which the QR Code is printed. This insinuates that even if your camera is tilted at an angle, it will still scan the QR Code.

2. Alignment marking

This basically helps a QR Code with its alignment to be able to be scanned without any errors.

3. Timing pattern

This basically helps the QR Code scanner to gauge the size of the data matrix in the QR Code.

4. Quiet zone

This is a vital part of a QR Code. A QR Code’s quiet zone helps differentiate the QR Code scanner from its surroundings.

15. How can I make my QR Codes more beautiful?

QR Codes can be made more beautiful by customizing the QR Code accordingly. Change the color of the data pattern, add a frame, CTA, logo or a background image and change the modules accordingly to make the QR Codes more beautiful.

Avoid the following protocols in order to deem it as unscannable –

Always use contrasting colors for the background and foreground. Keep the foreground dark and background light
Do not add a lot of elements at once to avoid overcrowding
Use a short URL in place of a lengthy URL to minimize the data pattern on the QR Code
Add a CTA to make the QR Code distinct and let the users know what they are expecting
Use colors that suit your brand to keep it in line with the branding and a logo so users know what they are scanning
Change the modules if required

Read how to fix a QR Code that isn’t working

16. Can QR Codes be white?

A QR Code can be white as long as the background is dark. Always remember to use contrasting colors when customizing a QR Code.

For best results, always keep the foreground 40% darker than the background.

Read how to design a customized QR Code

17. How does a dynamic QR Code work?

Dynamic QR Codes cannot be differentiated from static QR Codes, in terms of looks. However, the functionality differs drastically.

For a dynamic QR Code to function as a dynamic QR Code, a short URL is assigned to the QR Code and separate landing pages are created based on the time, location, and device to be used.

These dynamic QR Codes redirect the user to different landing pages based on the protocol set by the user on the dashboard.

18. What is the cost of a QR Code?

Static QR Codes are absolutely free of charge. Dynamic QR Codes are free until the free trial period is over and once it is over, they are chargeable.

At Beaconstac, dynamic QR Codes start from as low as $5.

19. Do QR Codes ever expire?

In the case of dynamic QR Codes, there is no limited scan-life and they do not expire. However, static QR Codes do expire, thus making it non-functional. When a static QR Code expires, it won’t redirect the user to a landing webpage, negating the entire purpose of a QR Code.

Dynamic QR Codes also expire. However, they can be configured to point to another destination once the campaign is over. They are editable, retrievable, and can be used for multiple purposes with no expiration.

With static QR Codes, that is not the case.

20. Who invented the QR Codes?

The QR Codes were invented by the Japanese company Denso Waves in 1994 to track vehicles during manufacturing for a unit of Toyota automobiles. They were designed to permit high-speed component scanning.

21. Are QR Codes free for commercial use?

Yes. Once the QR Codes are downloaded, they can be used for any purpose, including commercial use.

Using a dynamic QR Code will also be helpful in changing the data as and when required to suit the requirements of the company.

22. What is a QR Code vector?

A QR Code vector is a type of QR Code that is used for high-quality print materials, tech uses, flyers, or large print materials such as billboards that can be scalable without losing its resolution.

QR Code vector comes in the format of EPS, PDF, or SVG.

23. What is a QR Code reader?

A QR Code reader is a tool that has the ability to scan and read a QR Code to unveil its contents. A good quality QR Code reader can read a QR Code of all sizes and quality, including any wear and tear.

24. How do I create a QR Code with my logo?

To create a QR Code with a logo, go to Beaconstac’s free QR Code generator with logo select the type of QR Code to be generated and while customizing it, click on Upload Logo to upload the logo from your image gallery or select from the provided gallery to choose any of the icons to represent the accurate action.

25. What mistakes should be avoided before creating a QR Code?

Mistakes to avoid when creating a QR Code

Smartphones these days are equipped with the most advanced QR Code readers. Nevertheless, these mistakes should be avoided before creating a QR Code –

Make sure the quality of the QR Code downloaded is of good quality. For best results, download the QR Code in PNG format
Make sure not to use inverted colors for the QR Code
Do not print the QR Code in an extremely small size deeming it to be unscannable
Make sure the colors used are contrasting. Always use a dark foreground and a light background
Do not include a lot of details in the URL overcrowding the QR Code. Instead, use a short URL to make it look neat and precise
Do not create the QR Code using a poor quality QR Code generator
Do not use a broken link. Always test the URL before generating the QR Code
Avoid over customization of the QR Code

Read in detail about what mistakes should be avoided before creating a QR Code

PART 2 – The Technology of QR Code

26. Can you reprogram a QR Code?

Yes, you can reprogram a QR Code. Reprograming a QR Code is nothing but changing the contents of the QR Code. However, only dynamic QR Codes can be reprogrammed and not static QR Codes.

27. Can a QR Code be rotated?

Yes, absolutely. QR Codes are omnidirectional and can be scanned without any trouble from any angle.

This is because QR Codes are included with a position detection pattern which helps the QR Code reader to recognize the correct orientation of the code.

Each QR Code comes with three-position patterns (finder pattern) that are positioned at the three corners and one small square that is the alignment pattern. The alignment pattern helps QR Code readers to align and read the code without any difficulty.

28. What is QR Code standardization?

QR Codes are standardized by Denso Wave to ensure that every QR Code created is interoperable. Below is a history of the standardization of QR Codes –

October 1997 – QR Code was approved as AIM International (Automatic Identification International) standard (ISS-QR Code)
March 1998 – Approved as JEIDA (Japanese Electronic Industry Development Association) standard (JEIDA-55)
January 1999 – Approved as JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) – JIS X 0510
June 2000 – Approved as ISO international standard (ISO/IEC 18004)
November 2004 – Micro QR Code was approved as JIS (Japanese Industrial Standards) standard (JIS X 0510)
December 2011 – Approved by GS1, which is an international standardization organization as a standard to all mobile phones

29. Are QR Code patterns the same for identical data?

Even if two QR Code stores identical data, the pattern might or might not be different depending on the QR Code generator used.

The primary reason for the change is due to the internal expression of the QR Code (numeric code, alphanumeric code, and so on). If this expression varies, then the data pattern also varies.

A QR Code stores data by following four kinds of modes –

10 characters – 0 to 9, in numeric mode
JIS characters 8140h-9FFCh and E040h-EAA4h in kanji mode
10 characters – 0 to 9, in 26 characters, A to Z and 9 symbol characters (space, %, :, $, /, “) in alphanumeric mode
00h-FF h in 8-bit byte (binary) mode

30. Can a QR Code store an image?

Yes, a QR Code can store an image or an image gallery. An image gallery QR Code allows users to open up an image gallery upon scanning the code. This type of QR Codes are lesser-known but are an extremely useful way to explain a product to enhance cross-selling.

Image gallery QR Codes can be used in retail, real estate, automotive industry, and other marketing purposes.

To create an image gallery QR Code for Pinterest, Instagram, and image sharing sites,

Step 1- Copy the link from the above-mentioned sites

Step 2 – Paste it on the QR Code generator

Step 3 – Customize the QR Code

Step 4 – Generate and test the QR Code before downloading it

Step 5 – Download it in the required format – JPG, PNG or EPS

31. How to use a QR Code?

There are several use-cases to a QR Code. Here’s a list on how to use a QR Code –

Add contact details
Make a call
Reveal discounts and coupon codes
Send predefined texts
Navigate to any location
Send preset mails
Add calendar events
Download apps
Connect Wi-Fi without a password
Engage with social media
Leverage it to start a marketing campaign
Use it a method for customers to leave reviews
Payments

A QR Code can be used for any and every possible function.

32. What are the best free QR Code generators available in the market?

There are several parameters to follow when it comes to the best QR Code generators.

The top six features to look for in a QR Code generator are –

Types of QR Code available
Cost flexibility
Feature add-ons with paid QR Code subscription – Analytics, preset campaigns, tracking tools, and so on
Customization options
Robust experience
Security

Considering these vital features, Beaconstac’s QR Code generator is the best option in the market for creating all kinds of QR Codes.

Part 3 – Types of QR Code

33. How do you create a QR Code for an app?

To create a QR Code an app,

Open Beaconstac’s QR Code generator
Under dynamic QR Codes, select App Download
Enter relevant details under Setup
Customize the QR Code and assign a short URL
Generate and test the QR Code
Download the QR Code in your desired format

34. What is a vCard QR Code?

A vCard QR Code is nothing but a business card. Businesses of all sizes can leverage QR Codes on their cards instead of the traditional method of showing their work-related details.

vCards offer a plethora of options ranging from saving the contact details directly in the smartphone to redistributing the details to retargeting.

vCard Plus can also be edited and customized as and when the user needs it.

Read how to design a vCard QR Code here

35. How do I create a QR Code for a contact?

To create a QR Code for a contact,

Open Beaconstac’s QR Code generator
Choose between static or dynamic QR Codes
Click on vCard or vCard Plus depending on the type of QR Code chosen
Enter relevant details
Customize the QR Code
Generate and test the QR Code
Finally, download the QR Code in the desired format

36. What are the different types of QR Codes?

There are different types of QR Codes –

vCard QR Code
Website QR Code
E-mail QR Code
Call QR Code
SMS QR Code
YouTube QR Code
Facebook QR Code
Video QR Code
Coupon QR Code
Location QR Code

Here are some of the QR Code examples to know more about the types of QR Codes available

37. How to create a QR Code for a video?

To create a QR Code for a video,

Go to Beaconstac’s QR Code generator
Select between static or dynamic QR Code
Select the Website QR Code to redirect the user to the video upon scanning the QR Code
Customize the QR Code and make sure to include a video sign as the logo
Generate and test the QR Code
Download the QR Code

The URL should contain a video or must redirect the user to YouTube to start playing the video.

38. What is a PDF QR Code?

A PDF QR Code is a type of QR Code that can be downloaded for any PDF that is either online or offline. This PDF QR Code upon scanning opens up a PDF and does not require an additional app to be downloaded.

PDF QR Codes can be created for menus, educational purposes, books, image galleries, and manuals.

39. What is a micro QR Code?

Micro QR Code is a smaller version of the standard QR Code for applications where space is limited. There are four versions of the micro QR Code, the smallest being 11 x 11 modules, whereas the largest can hold up to 35 modules.

40. What is an iQR Code?

iQR Codes are very similar to the normal QR Codes. But iQR Codes do have some differences –

iQR Codes hold a lot more data
iQR Codes do not look dense even if they hold a lot of data
iQR Codes also support a smaller minimum size

Part 4 – Use cases of QR Code

41. What is QR Code payment?

QR Code payment is a type of contactless payment method where a transaction is done by scanning the QR Code displayed from a smartphone.

QR Code payment is an alternative and easy way to electronic fund transfer during POS using a payment terminal. This type of payment method is secure, avoids clashing of other infrastructure involved such as carrying of the card, payment network, and payment terminal.

QR Code payment is largely seen in retail, eCommerce, transportation, and logistics. Some of the brands leveraging QR Code payments are Amazon, Walmart, and Macy’s.

42. Can I use QR Codes for events?

Yes. In fact, event QR Codes serve as an excellent tool for events.

QR Codes can be used in multiple ways for events such as –

To keep a track of attendees
For swift entering of an event by avoiding long queues by accepting QR Code tickets instead of regular tickets
To keep the attendees up to date with the event
To serve food and beverage
To accept payment by installing QR Code-enabled payment systems
To allow artist following
For discount and coupons

Part 5 – Scanning ability

43. Can Google scan QR Codes?

Google can scan QR Codes.

There is more than one method to scan a QR Code using Google –

Method 1 – Open Google Assistant and click on the Google Lens option located on the bottom right of the screen. Open Google Lens to scan QR Codes.

Method 2 – Open Camera and point it at a QR Code to scan a QR Code and open its contents.

Method 3 – Open Chrome and click on scan QR Code from the Settings option to scan a QR Code.

44. How to scan a QR Code on an Android phone without an app?

Smartphones with Android 9 and above have an in-built QR Code scanner in their cameras, thanks to Google Lens.

Scan QR Codes on an Android phone without app

To activate Google Lens, open the camera app and click on settings to activate Google Lens suggestions to scan QR Codes.

For smartphones with Android 8, point the camera at a QR Code and long-press the home button and click on ‘What’s on my screen?’ to see the contents of the QR Code.

For smartphones with Android 7 and below, a separate third-party app is required to scan QR Codes.

Pixel smartphones come with an in-built Google Lens option in their cameras.

To scan with the camera, simply point the camera at a QR Code and click on the URL displayed by the QR Code.

To scan a QR Code with Google Lens, open Google Assistant and click on Google Lens symbol to activate it.

45. How to scan a QR Code with an app on Android and iOS devices?

Smartphones with the latest OS do not need a separate app to scan QR Codes. However, if your device isn’t updated, here are some of the best QR Code scanning apps for both Android and iPhone –

Kaspersky’s QR Code Reader and Scanner
NeoReader Barcode Scanner
Bar-Code Reader
QR Code Reader by Scan
i-Nigma

46. How to scan a QR Code with an iPhone?

With iOS 11, Apple introduced native QR Code readers in their range of smartphones in the camera expelling the need to download a third-party app to scan QR Codes.

With iOS 12 and 13, Apple added the QR Code reader in its Control Center for easy accessibility.

To scan a QR Code with an iPhone, simply point the QR Code with the camera or click on the QR Code reader from the Control Center to read the contents of the QR Code.

47. Can I scan QR Codes on a desktop?

Yes, QR Codes can be scanned on a desktop. Some desktops such as Microsoft have an in-built QR Code scanner.

In case your desktop does not have an in-built QR Code scanner, download a separate QR Code reader exclusively meant for desktops.

Windows – To scan a QR Code using a desktop, open the webcam and point it at a QR Code. Make sure the QR Code is placed in the middle of the screen.
Mac OS – Mac does not come with an in-built QR Code scanner and thus a QR Code can be scanned either via an app or an online QR Code scanner.

Part 6 – Bonus QR Code FAQs

48. How is a QR Code different from NFC Tags?

Although both the technologies store data, the use-case of QR Codes and NFC Tags differ along with the ability to open them.

A QR Code must be scanned from a smartphone or a third-party app to open it whereas NFC is a smartphone-enabled feature that has to be tapped on another NFC-enabled product to open its contents.

QR CODES	NFC TAGS
iOS and Android introduced an in-built QR Code scanner with its iOS 11 and Android 9, respectively	NFC Tags were recently introduced in smartphones with iOS 12. However, Android phones have always had NFC built into them
QR Codes are age agnostic. All age groups use this technology extensively	NFC Tags also age agnostic. All age groups use this technology extensively
QR Codes can be tested out free initially. With Beaconstac, dynamic QR Codes starts from $5	NFC Tags have to be purchased to test them out. With Beaconstac, NFC Tags starts from $6
QR Codes can be customized based on the purpose of the campaign	NFC Tags cannot be customized

However, both QR Codes and NFC tags are used heavily for marketing.

49. Are QR Codes a thing of the past?

No. In fact, QR Codes are more on the rise now due to its hasslefree creation, versatile use-cases, and multi-purpose qualities.

QR Codes are ubiquitous. They are used on billboards, flyers, menus, payments, ticketing systems, in airports, and healthcare. Name the industry and technology have penetrated.

QR Codes are here to stay. The technology is easily read by all smartphones, easy to use, and is everywhere.

50. Why are QR Codes so popular?

QR Codes are very popular because they are very easy to create and they can be used anywhere for any purpose.

QR Codes over the past couple of years has gained maximum traction and are being used everywhere, but heavily for marketing.

In addition to that, almost every smartphone is equipped with an in-built QR Code reader which has further propelled brands and businesses to leverage QR Codes all kinds of uses.

Read why 2020 is the year of QR Codes

Want to create a QR Code to leverage it for a marketing campaign or a vCard or for any other purpose? Buy them here.