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Last Updated: May 27, 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.
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.
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?
QR stands for Quick Response. QR Codes are capable of being scanned within a couple of seconds, and hence the name.
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.
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
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 –
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 –
Read how to create a custom QR Code + 9 design tips
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 |
Once QR Codes are created, only dynamic QR Codes can be edited. Static QR Codes cannot be edited once they are created.
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.
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.
Bulk QR Codes are created by the following these simple steps –
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.
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.
There are four main elements in a QR Code –
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.
This basically helps a QR Code with its alignment to be able to be scanned without any errors.
This basically helps the QR Code scanner to gauge the size of the data matrix in the QR Code.
This is a vital part of a QR Code. A QR Code’s quiet zone helps differentiate the QR Code scanner from its surroundings.
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 –
Read how to fix a QR Code that isn’t working
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Smartphones these days are equipped with the most advanced QR Code readers. Nevertheless, these mistakes should be avoided before creating a QR Code –
Read in detail about what mistakes should be avoided before creating 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.
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.
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 –
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 –
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
There are several use-cases to a QR Code. Here’s a list on how to use a QR Code –
A QR Code can be used for any and every possible function.
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 –
Considering these vital features, Beaconstac’s QR Code generator is the best option in the market for creating all kinds of QR Codes.
Read more on how to select the right QR Code generator
To create a QR Code an app,
Read more about App QR Code here
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
To create a QR Code for a contact,
There are different types of QR Codes –
Here are some of the QR Code examples to know more about the types of QR Codes available
To create a QR Code for a video,
The URL should contain a video or must redirect the user to YouTube to start playing the video.
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.
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.
iQR Codes are very similar to the normal QR Codes. But iQR Codes do have some differences –
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.
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 –
Read more about how to leverage QR Codes for events
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.
Read more on how to create and use QR Codes on Google Services QR Code generator
Smartphones with Android 9 and above have an in-built QR Code scanner in their cameras, thanks to Google Lens.
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.
Read more on how to scan QR Codes with an Android smartphone without an app
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 –
Read more about the best QR Code scanning apps leading the pack in 2020
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.
Read more about iOS 13 update here
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.
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.
Read more about NFC Tags and QR Codes here
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.
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.
Although QR Codes were designed to track automotive manufacturing parts, popular car manufacturers such as Cadillac, GM Motors, and Mercedes have adopted QR Codes for more than just tracking. Read this blog post to know other unique use-cases of QR Codes in the automobile industry.
With Google announcing their plan to phase out third-party cookies by 2022 completely, first-party data will be the go-to for brands henceforth. Read this blog post to know how CPG brands can build first-party data.
Although NFC is widely used in peer-to-peer payment systems and for data transfer, NFC has evolved dramatically over the years. Read this blog post to learn about the latest trends of NFC technology.
With major players such as Google and Apple kickstarting beacon-based apps in 2020, this year might be the technology comeback for several use-cases ranging from contact tracing, remote ordering, and even to help with indoor navigation.
Read this blog post to read about the latest beacon technology updates.
While the idea of proximity marketing is not new, the fact that 92% of smartphones are compatible with geofencing has allowed marketers to explore this technology in various industries for broader advertising campaigns. Read this blog post to learn about geofencing use-cases in various industry verticals.
Learn how to set up QR Codes for virtual tours and how to adapt them for various industry verticals in this blog post.
This blog was originally published on February 7th, 2020 at 11:30 am
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