What is QR codes and how to use

What is a QR-Code, in which the framework can be used, how to create them and how to read them

qr-code-intro

The QR-Code is older than we might think. It was created in 1994 from the hands of the japanese Denso Wave, and had the purpose of tracking the pieces of the cars of the factories of Toyota. As soon as it was discovered that the code had ability well above the normal bar codes, began to be used by different industries. Started an amazing development of the usage of these codes in the mobile area, throughout Japan began to appear these codes in its advertising, to allow users to capture the internet link from the phone for a moment, instead of having to write to the user those links are long and uncomfortable.

In a newspaper, a blog, an advertising paper, which explains the ability to download content to the mobile phone free of charge, but the link for download it can be, for example, so

http://m.sigis.com.ru/link/2293752ssaakj12213h

(the link is invented)

At first glance, the reaction of a user would be to leave it alone and not go to the link suggested, losing to the operator a possible customer, and it is here that comes into play in the QR code.

If the same code had to be represented in QR-Code in this way

ZZ535B397E

the user should only read the code with the camera of his smartphone in order to access the content. This means more simplicity, more customers, more publicity.

The applications are many, we can use them:

  • On the blog, as a link to a mobile version of that article
  • Put it in one corner of the photo to describe the date, event, special
  • Catalog your cds, dvds, books
  • Categorize medicines by writing what is, expiration date, directions for use
  • On the card of your private club for more detailed information on the individual
  • Put it on your business card to allow the recipient to add you to their address book in a moment
  • etc… etc…

The capacity of a QR-Code

This code is able to store up to a maximum of 7089 numeric characters, and up to 4296 alphanumeric characters, is able to store text, urls, phone numbers, access codes to Wi-Fi network and even sms ready to send.

Read a QR-Code with a smartphone

Just go to the store and search for an app that will allow you to read them. With regard to Apple I don’t know to recommend anything, but for Android I use QR Code Reader, which is free, has no advertising and is able to read any kind of code.

Create a QR code

We come to the point: generate a QR-Code. Also in this case, it is sufficient to search on Google to find a myriad of program for each type of platform, or online service.

I use QR Code Generator from the ZXing Project, that allows you to create free QR codes containing:

  • Events for the calendar
  • The full card of a contact to the address book
  • A link to your email address
  • A geographical location
  • A phone number
  • A sms preset in both the number of the recipient, both in the text
  • Free text
  • The url of an internet site
  • The wireless setup of a modem

We periodically check the functioning of the links in our articles. If you notice any links that do not work, please let us know in the comments. If you enjoyed the article consider supporting the blog with a small donation. Thank you. Patreon / Ko-fi / Liberapay / Paypal

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *