What’s a QR Code?
July 25, 2011 Leave a comment
Image via Wikipedia
A QR Code (abbreviation for Quick Response Code) is a specific barcode that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. 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 in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. The QR code was the created to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed. In essence, it allows a consumer to quickly connect to a designated web page on their mobile device without spending a lot of time typing in characters on a keypad or touchscreen.
How does your smartphone read a QR Code? Whether you know it or not, many brands of smartphones are now including a QR Reader app with their products. Don’t have one on your smartphone? You can download one for FREE at:
“OK, but how do I create one of those black and white squiggly squares?” There are a variety of QR Code generator web sites but the one that allows you to generate the code AND track who is scanning your code can be found at:
Once you create the QR Code, right click on the image and save it as a picture to your computer. You can then use the image in a wide range of software applications.
QR Codes are starting to pop up all over and be embraced by consumers. Your promotional materials are a great place for QR codes. Place them on marketing flyers, business cards, t-shirts, photographs, yard signs, letterhead and newsletters.
Related articles
- 15 Beautiful and Creative QR Codes [PICS] (mashable.com)
- What QR codes are and do you have a QR Reader on your smartphone (wiki.answers.com)
- QR codes? Like it! (trytotakeover.wordpress.com)
- Dumb Marketers Could Be the Demise of QR Codes (theaaroncraig.com)
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