From restaurant menus to bathroom stall doors, you can find QR codes just about anywhere these days. In fact, they’ve become so ever-present that 45% of shoppers use marketing-related QR codes. There’s no denying the popularity and convenience of the QR code. But, what exactly is it and how can you create one for your next marketing campaign? Keep reading to learn the magic behind QR codes and how to create your own.
What is a QR code?
QR code is short for ‘quick response’ code. It’s a square-shaped black-and-white symbol that is scanned with a smartphone or laser to learn more about a product or service. These encrypted squares can hold content, links, coupons, event details, and other information that users want to see. QR codes typically look like this:
<img src="qr_code.jpg" alt="QR Code">
Not every QR code is shaped like a perfect square. Sometimes they have unique patterns, colors, and logos displayed inside. You’ll find them in non-digital spaces like direct mail, signage, billboards, and even TV shows where you can scan the code on the screen using your phone.
QR Codes vs. Barcodes
QR codes and barcodes are similar in that they are both visual representations of data, but how the information stored within them is read sets them apart. Barcodes are one-dimensional and the data stored in them is read horizontally. QR codes are two-dimensional and the data stored in them is read horizontally and vertically. Both barcodes and QR codes can be scanned using a laser or a smartphone as long as the tool being used has the correct capabilities of reading vertical and horizontal data. Although most smartphones scan QR codes automatically, many won’t scan barcodes so easily — you’ll need a special app for that.
Does the rise of QR codes mean traditional barcodes are a thing of the past? Of course not. Traditional barcodes are still a common way for businesses to identify consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and manage their product inventory.
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However, there are several differences between barcodes and QR codes — both in their uses and their characteristics. Below are three important differences.
QR Codes Are Shaped Differently
Barcodes are typically rectangular, which requires scanning devices to read the barcode’s data horizontally. QR codes are often square-shaped, displaying their data vertically and horizontally.
QR Codes Hold Different Data
QR codes are often used differently than barcodes. Barcodes hold key product information at the point of sale, such as the price and name of the manufacturer. QR codes offer more passive and intangible information, such as location data and URLs to promotions and product landing pages.
QR Codes Hold More Data
Due to a QR code’s square shape, it can hold much more data compared to a barcode. QR codes can hold hundreds of times more encrypted characters than a barcode can.
We learned a little bit about how barcodes and QR codes differ, but how exactly do QR codes work?
How do QR codes work?
Originally designed in Japan for use in the automotive industry, marketers adopted the QR code because of its large storage capacity and ability to translate additional information to consumers beyond what the packaging or advertising of a product could display.
Let’s say a consumer sees a QR code. They can take out their mobile device, download a free QR code scanning app, or simply use their phone’s camera, and scan the QR code to gain more information about what they saw. If you wanted to create, say, a bus stop advertisement promoting your podcast, you could display a QR code on that printed ad that brings people right to your iTunes page when they scan it with their phones. Pretty simple, right?
How To Make a QR Code
Access a QR code generator on any browser. Insert your URL into the generator. If applicable, customize your QR code. Download your QR code. Use your QR code for marketing and promotion.
The QR code creation process is pretty straightforward, regardless of the device you’re using. Here’s how to get started.
How to Create a QR Code on Any Device
Step 1: Access a QR code generator on any browser.
Using any browser on any operating system, head to a QR code maker. We’ll be using qr-code-generator.com for this tutorial. Keep in mind that you don’t necessarily need to use this tool; you can choose any web-based QR code generator. If you need some ideas, check out our list.
Step 2: Insert your URL into the generator.
For most QR codes, you’ll want to redirect users to a URL. In that case, enter the URL in the tool. You can also choose from other content types, including contact cards, PDFs, and MP3s. At the bottom, you also have the option of creating QR codes for Microsoft Word and PowerPoint files. The exact content options will vary by tool.
After you select the content type, a field or form will appear where you can enter the information that corresponds with your campaign. For instance, if you want your QR code to save contact information, you’ll see a set of fields where you can enter your email address, subject line, and associated message. Once you enter your URL or upload your file, it will immediately create a QR code that’s ready for download. However, we recommend customizing it to strengthen your brand identity.
Step 3: If applicable, customize your QR code.
The fun part of creating QR codes is customizing the design of the codes to fit your brand. Want your code to contain your logo? Go for it. Want it to reflect your website’s design scheme? No problem. The front-end generator on qr-code-generator.com offers limited frame, shape, and color options that allow you to customize your QR code. If you want more options, we highly encourage you to sign up on the website and edit your QR code through the tool’s creator portal. Here’s one example of how you can customize your QR code once you sign up for a QR Code Generator account:
<img src="custom_qr_code.jpg" alt="Custom QR Code">
Keep in mind that not every QR code maker offers these design options either before or after signing up. Depending on the QR code you’re looking to generate, you might find some tools limited in their functionality.
Step 4: Download your QR code.
If you’re just trying to quickly create a QR code, don’t worry about signing up. Instead, click the Download button. Your download will start immediately, but the website will try to trick you into signing up. Ignore this message unless you truly want to sign up. At the top, you’ll see a message that says your QR code is getting created and that you shouldn’t refresh the window. A pop-up download window will come up within 2 minutes.
Step 5: Use your QR code for marketing and promotion.
A QR code won’t be able to do its job unless people see it. So make sure you add the code to any materials that will help you market your business. This could include displaying it in print ads, on clothing, or in physical locations where people can take out their phones to scan it. Scroll down for more tips on properly displaying a QR code.
As for how you’ll add the JPG or vector file to print collateral, you can do so with a variety of tools, including:
Canva: Canva is an online design tool that lets you import JPG files and add them to your design. It offers flier and brochure templates for easy creation.
BeFunky: BeFunky is a similar tool to Canva and also allows you to add JPG files to a design. It also offers templates for you to choose from.
Adobe Illustrator and InDesign: If you’re a more advanced user, you can use a dedicated graphic design tool to add your QR code to pamphlets and brochures. Illustrator is a good fit for one-page designs; InDesign is a better fit for multi-page brochures.
If you’re on a mobile device, good news: You can easily create a QR code that you can share with colleagues and prospects on-the-go. You’ll need the Google Chrome app to do so.
How to Create a QR Code on Android
Creating a QR code on an Android device is simple with the Chrome app. You can only make QR codes for URLs, but this is a handy feature nonetheless.
Here’s how to create a QR code on an Android device:
1. Open the Chrome app.
2. Visit the website or page you want to create a QR code for.
3. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the screen.
4. Tap “Share”.
5. Tap “QR Code”. A QR code will appear on the screen.
6. Tap “Save” to save the QR code to your device or tap “Share” to share it with others.
That’s it! You’ve successfully created a QR code on your Android device.
Now that you know how to create a QR code, you can start using this powerful marketing tool to drive engagement and conversions. Whether you’re promoting a product, sharing contact information, or directing people to a website or social media page, QR codes can help you effectively communicate with your audience. So go ahead, give it a try and see the magic of QR codes in action.
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