Have you ever seen those square barcodes on products or flyers and wondered what they were? Those are QR codes, and they have become increasingly popular in recent years. But did you know that you can easily create your own QR codes for free?
QR codes, short for Quick Response codes, are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned by smartphones to quickly access information or websites. They are a great marketing tool for businesses and can also be used for personal use, such as sharing contact information or event details.
If you’re a beginner and want to create your own QR codes for free, you’re in luck. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating QR codes step-by-step. From selecting the type of information you want to encode to choosing a design, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s dive in and create your first QR code!
How to Make a QR Code
QR (or Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that scan with a smartphone camera and direct users to an online destination. QR codes came into widespread use in the early 2010s, and since then they’ve become ubiquitous as a marketing tool. You can find QR codes in all sorts of places—from restaurant menus, to product packaging, to billboards and in store windows.
Thanks to their versatility and simplicity, QR codes make it easy for consumers to access detailed information about a product or service quickly. When scanned by the user’s camera, these codes link out to websites, images, audio files, videos – or just about anything you can think of! Whether you want to provide customers with helpful information or encourage them to visit your website or buy products directly from your retail location, creating your own custom QR code is one of the most effective ways to do so. Luckily enough, it’s really easy too: just follow these 5 simple steps and you’ll be on your way!
QR Codes vs. Barcodes
QR codes and barcodes are similar in that they are both visually encoded forms of data. However, when it comes to how the information stored within them is read, there are some key differences. Barcodes are one-dimensionally designed, meaning the data stored in them is only read from left to right. In comparison, QR codes are two-dimensional, meaning the data stored in them is read from both vertical and horizontal points along its surface.
When attempting to scan either type of code, a laser emitting device or smartphone can be used assuming that the item getting scanned has the correct capabilities of reading vertically and horizontally. Moreover, many smartphones have automation built-in for quickly scanning QR codes; however, for barcodes a special app may be required to properly interpret the data present within it. With these features baked into our everyday devices at such an accessible level, one wonders whether traditional barcodes will become obsolete as time continues on due to their limited abilities compared to that of a much more powerful QR code.
How do I scan QR Codes?
QR Codes are becoming increasingly popular in our era and not being able to scan them can be quite inconvenient. Fortunately, most modern devices already include a built-in QR Code reader or scanner. To use it, simply open the camera application on your mobile device and hold it over the desired QR Code for a few seconds until you get a notification showing the information behind said QR Code. However, if this does not happen then check your settings and make sure that QR Code scanning is enabled.
If after checking your settings you still cannot scan QR Codes, all you have to do is install a third-party QR Code readers available on both your App store as well as Play Store (if you’re using an Android device). After installing such apps all you have to do is open them up and point them towards the desired code in order to access its contents. Moreover, in some cases these scanners come with extra features such as saving previously scanned Codes or generating new ones of your own preference.
If you have an Android device, then you’re in luck: most Android devices come with a built-in QR code reader or scanner. This means all you have to do is open the camera app on your phone and hold it over the code for a few seconds until a notification pops up. However, if this doesn’t happen, make sure that you check the settings of your phone or tablet in order to enable QR scanning. In case this choice isn’t available either, don’t worry because even then you can still easily install third-party QR code readers from any of your app stores. As mentioned before, these third-party apps are quick and simple to use as they will allow you to scan codes within mere seconds which makes them especially handy if you are ever out shopping.
Custom QR Codes help improve brand recall, garner interest, and add value to any marketing campaign. Marketers and advertisers all across the globe are now incorporating custom QR Codes or “designer codes” into their campaigns, proving that this new trend is here to stay; reshaping the appearance of QR Codes as a whole. A custom QR Code attracts more scans than a plain black-and-white QR Code.
