What are QR Codes
QR code stands for Quick Response Code. QR codes are 2-dimensional bar codes that can be used to embed data. The data can be any of the following:
- Numbers
- Alphabets
- Special Characters
- Kanji Characters
- FNC1 data
You can read the data contained within a QR code either with a QR code reader or with a mobile phone equipped with a QR code reader. There are two types of QR codes.
1. Micro QR codes: A micro QR code can hold only limited data. It has a single finder pattern (the black-white-black box) on the top left corner of the symbol. There are 4 versions of micro QR codes – M1, M2, M3 and M4.
2. QR code 2005 symbol: It can hold more data than the micro QR code and has the full range of capabilities. It has 3 finder patterns, one on the top left corner, one on the top right corner and the third on the bottom left corner. There are 40 versions of QR code 2005 symbols.
What can you do with QR Codes
1. One of the coolest things you can do with QR codes is embed URLs. Upon decoding the QR code, the user will be directed to the URL contained within the symbol. This way, you can provide quick information to the user regardless of where he is.
Other uses for QR codes include:
2. Encouraging quick action from a user in response to advertisements, promotions, events and shows. For example, a decoded QR code can direct users to a website for buying tickets to an event.
3. Executing specific instructions upon reading the code. For example, A QR code when decoded, can send an automatic e-mail to a specific address.