What are QR Codes?
Learn everything you need to know about QR Codes. How they work, who invented them and why they're essential for marketing. today.
QR Codes are transforming the way we share and collect information. Today, you can pay for a parking ticket without cash or cards, share business or personal information without typing it, and fly across the country without carrying a printed boarding pass. They make day-to-day activities much more convenient, but what are they and how do they work?
Much like barcodes, they store data and are scannable. The difference is that QR Codes can be scanned vertically and horizontally due to their square shape and are designed for more complex data at a larger scale.
Where did QR Codes come from?
Developed in 1994 by Denso Wave in Japan, these codes were first used to track auto parts during manufacturing. Over the years, innovations in QR Code technology have expanded beyond factories and can be seen in marketing, retail, healthcare, and education, to name a few. And while Denso Wave holds the patent, they chose not to enforce licensing, allowing QR Codes to be freely used around the world.
Quick Response, Endless Options
‘QR’ is short for Quick Response, which simply describes the instant information transfer. Most QR Codes today can store up to around 4000 characters which is perfect for detailed product descriptions or events. And unless you are creating your own QR Codes, no app downloads are needed - just open the camera on your phone to scan a code.
Which QR Code is best for you?
There are two types of QR Codes to choose from: static and dynamic. Each serves different purposes based on how store handle information. Static QR Codes store fixed data that can’t be changed once generated. It's ideal for simple, permanent uses like plain text or contact details. On the other hand, dynamic QR Codes are editable and trackable, which makes them perfect for marketing, live updates, and campaigns that require performance analytics. Both types come in URL format and can be used for anything from vCards and emails, to WiFi access.
Create yours
No tech skills needed. Just sign up and follow the prompts to create your first free static or dynamic code that never expires. It's a fun and easy way to promote products, share menus and collect feedback, among other things. Did we mention that it's measurable? You can see who and when people are interacting with your code.