For most of us, QR codes are a familiar sight whenever we are in the course of making a payment, registering on a website, or accessing social media websites. QR codes were originally developed in Japan in the 1990s to track automotive parts during the manufacturing process, but they have remarkably evolved to become an integral part of the business world. A QR is much more than a white-and-black pattern.
They can be understood as a two-dimensional matrix barcode that can be unlocked with a quick scan via your smartphone camera. QR codes are an easy-to-use and ingenious way of dealing with unprecedented amounts of information for modern businesses. This article is meant to take you into the world of QRS, QR code types, their formats, practical applications, and finally, best practices for using QR codes to help you understand these complex symbols.
What are QR Codes?
A brainchild of the Japanese engineer Masahiro Hara, a QR code first emerged as an alternative to the conventional bar codes to facilitate manufacturers in creating product inventories. QRs deployed cutting-edge 2-D barcode technology that enabled them to scan QR codes faster and store higher volumes of information than their barcode predecessors. You can create your very own QR code that fits your brand using Viral QR’s Dynamic QR Code Generator to maximize engagement. Typically, the best QR code is composed of high contrast to make it amenable for scanning by cameras and phones.
The conventional QR code consists of a large number of smaller dots surrounded by three conspicuous dots at the edges. Also known as the Quick Response Code, modern QR code technology has diverse applications that go beyond their traditional tracking functions to conducting market research to increasing website traffic. The hallmark of a QR code is its incredible versatility that derives from its distinct pattern or markings that allow it to act as a storehouse for bundles of information and data.
QR Code Types
On the surface, a QR code looks like a pattern of black and white, but in reality, each code is characterized by a unique format that determines the purpose for which it is used.
Here are the major formats or QR code variations:
Static QR codes
- Static QR codes are known as permanent QR codes. They are mostly used for static pages or contact details or any other information that stays unchanged.
- Static codes are of different types, such as SMS QR Code to redirect customers to a message with your phone number, Text QR Code to display text, serial, or coupon, and Wi fi QR Code for seamless internet access.
- Static QR codes can encode a wide range of data like numeric, alphanumeric, binary, etc.
- Static QR is a type of QR code that cannot be edited or overwritten once generated. A new QR code would have to be created to update the encoded information.
- It’s commonly used for one-off scenarios where straightforward data is involved and the information is likely to remain constant over time like website URLs, text, contact information, WiFi network details, and more.
Dynamic QRs
- Dynamic QRs offers you the flexibility to edit information as many times as necessary without having to reprint and redeploy the code.
- As compared to static codes, dynamic QR codes offer additional tracking and analytics capabilities.
- The editability of dynamic codes makes them perfect for creating custom QRs for diverse uses and updating contact details, links, or promotions effortlessly.
QR code Model1 and Model2
This is by far the most ubiquitous QR code format that is prominently used for marketing. Although both models are similar in structure, they differ in terms of their storage capacity and error detection and correction levels. The QR code Model 1 is the prototype on which other models have been designed, each of which suits a particular QR Code use case.
The largest version of Model 1 is marked by (73×73 modules) with a storage of 1,167 numerals, whereas the maximum Model 2 boasts 40 (177 x 177 modules) and a storage of 7089 numerals. There are more than 30 types of QR codes that can be used for various business and personal uses, including PDFS, Google Maps, URLs, image galleries, and vCards.
Micro QR code
As indicated by the name, this code is a smaller version of the original QR code, implying that it can store fewer characters or data than a regular code. The code can hold data modules in condensed form, whereby its largest version is said to be an M4 (17×17 modules) that can store up to 35 modules.
Having only a singular orientation, this code can easily be printed on smaller surfaces, hence its use in the production and inventory of small-sized items. This code is well-versed in encoding a wide range of information, including 8-bit graphic character sets, alphanumeric, and other special characters.
iQR Code
Think of this code format as the rectangular or square version of the micro QR code that stands out for its narrow and strip-like appearance. Its smaller size is compensated by its considerable storage capacity that includes 219 alphanumeric, 361 numeric, and 92 kanji characters, while its maximum version 61 (422×422 modules) can store up to 40,000 numerals. Its storage capacity makes it preferable to the linear barcode for product inventory, which allows sufficient leverage for businesses to provide product details and keep track of them.
SQRC Code
Standing for a Secret-function-equipped QR code, SQRC is a seemingly regular code that has been specially designed for utmost confidentiality to ensure the embedded information is impervious to a simple scan.
The code’s patterns and pixels are integrated with a reading restriction function to prevent unauthorized access or infringement of the underlying information that may include both public and private data. This QR code cannot be cracked by a smartphone device but requires a specific QR code scanner.
Frame QR
A frame QR is exactly what its name says- a pseudo picture frame where the frames take the form of a QR code image. At the code’s center is a blank canvas or space wherein you can place letters, images, or a company logo for promotional purposes. You can even create a custom frame QR code featuring your preferred shapes and colors for an elevated user experience.
HCC2D Code
This QR code is still in the testing phases and is aimed at preserving QR robustness in response to external distortions. Its highlight is an additional field called Color Palette Pattern that aims to optimize colors to increase the data density and thus improve the code’s ability to retain its integrity against chromatic distortions.
How many types of QR Codes are there?
Website QR Codes
These codes function to deliver online traffic to your website by embedding your Website URL into a QR code. Instead of manually typing in your web address, a QR code will directly transport users to your web page quickly and hassle-free and thus capture leads. With a simple QR scan, you can keep track of your website traffic, which is crucial for detailed data analytics.
Image Gallery QR Code
QR codes can also be placed next to physical prints in a gallery to direct users to your image gallery and sell products or prints. With a code QR generator like, you can create an image gallery QR code to give users access to exclusive content or a sneak peek into your latest work.
Social Media QR
Nearly all businesses have a social media presence, and with a social media QR code, you can link all your social media profiles, such as Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. This helps to engage with your customers through multiple social media platforms and thus provides a convenient way to promote business cards, takeaway bags, product packaging, or flyers and banners.
Image QR Code
Using a QR code, you can share various types of content, such as detailed product brochures, instructional manuals, case studies, and e-books in PDF format. These PDFs serve as an excellent resource to guide and inform users about your company and your products and services at low overhead costs.
Location QR Code
A Vcard QR code allows businesses to share their business location via a Google map to help customers locate their addresses easily. Combining this with the direction features of GPS apps is a great way to encourage foot traffic to your site or office.
QR Code vs. Barcode: What’s the Difference?
To the naive eye, a QR code and barcode may be one and the same thing. Indeed, a QR code and a barcode are technically related. Other than the fact that the two are examples of two-dimensional codes, they are themselves divided into various types that make them quite distinct from each other. Here are the key differences between them.
Design
A single QR code comes in the form of big black squares laid out over a white background, wherein three small squares lie in the corners.
In contrast, barcodes feature parallel lines of varying thickness and spacing.
Information Capacity
When it comes to storing potential, QR codes enjoy a distinct advantage over barcodes. QR codes are also well-equipped to encode a variety of data types encompassing special characters, alphanumeric characters as well as binary data.
0In contrast, barcodes can encode merely numeric or alphanumeric characters, which is why QR codes are preferred for encoding contact information, URLs, and multimedia content.
Data encoding
A single QR code is based on a matrix pattern, which maximises space for information storage in both vertical and horizontal dimensions.
Data is encoded in a linear format in barcodes represented by a set of parallel lines with variations in their width and spacing.
Readability
QR codes can be read from different angles, while a clear line of sight is essential to ensure accurate scanning of barcodes.
The scanning output of QR is of a higher quality even when the code is partially damaged or obscured, which is owed to its error correction capabilities. 2D barcodes can check for and rectify errors to a degree, but this doesn’t make them immune to damage or distortion.
QR Code Applications
QR codes have found a plethora of applications in the business arena where they have opened up whole new ways of interacting with audiences.
1. Share business information
With a single QR scan, businesses can readily share online video content and websites with their target audience. A custom QR code can be printed on product labels as well as business cards so that your business information can be shared right away on the user’s phone when they scan the code. You can create your very own QR code that fits your brand using Viral QR’s Dynamic QR Code Generator to maximize engagement.
2. Marketing initiatives
A QR code offers a simple yet effective way to embed links to your website to attract traffic directly to e-commerce sites. Similarly, QR Codes can be integrated with app sites to encourage users to discover and download your mobile application when scanning the code using a device camera or QR code reader.
Companies can also generate a unique code, which embeds coupons or links to special offers, and then add these codes to product packages or digital platforms. By simply scanning the code with their mobile device, users can avail of discounts which enhances your brand appeal.
3. Promoting your business
QR codes can be used to advertise upcoming business events and drive greater participation in your marketing activities.
Social media QR codes are a great way to build two-way communication with your brand via social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. This can not help in reaching out to customers with stories and images but works as a promotional strategy to advertise your products and services to a wider audience.
4. Contactless payments
Payment QR codes are specialized codes used by customer-facing businesses like restaurants as an alternative to traditional cash to help customers send or receive payments conveniently. A 2021 Statista survey revealed that 8 out of 10 respondents had made payments using QR codes.
Best Practices for Using QR Codes
➔ For Website URL QR codes, the URLs should be short and simple so that they can be scanned easily. Conduct a test run on multiple devices and QR scanners to ensure they are compatible with a QR code reader.
➔ Ensure your QR code contains the most relevant contact details for your business, such as phone number, email, name, and company name to facilitate easy access. Since users are likely to scan with a smartphone, the contact information should be optimized for mobile view.
➔ The payment method should be specified within the payment QR codes for accurate and credible transactions.
➔ The QR code should be of optimal size so that it can be scanned easily while maintaining print quality.
➔ Monitor dynamic Q codes regularly to ensure linked content provides accurate and up-to-date information.
➔ The QR code should be accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions that tell users how to scan QR codes and what they should expect. A clear call to action should be present near the QR code that links to a mobile-friendly webpage.
How to Choose the Best QR Code Type
Just like the broad range of QR types, the possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to creating QR codes. The choice of the QR code generator ultimately depends on whether you want a static or dynamic QR code that depends on your business needs or campaign type.
- Static QR codes are suitable for one-time campaigns or personal use that entails providing detailed information and where the stored information does not have to be updated.
- If you are running a full-fledged marketing campaign, dynamic QR codes are the way to go as they help you edit and redirect your codes depending on your business objectives. Unlike the fixed content of static QR’s, Dynamic QR’s give you greater control over content to deliver more personalized experiences to your customers.
- With dynamic QRs, you can even track how your marketing campaigns are faring based on key analytics like location, date, device, and time of the scan, as well as tweak the content during ongoing content. Simply integrate your Google Analytics account with ViralQR’s dashboard and track your dynamic QR code to get real-time insights into your customer’s demographics.
- Go beyond standard black-and-white QR Codes and instead go for dynamic QR codes if you wish to customize your code. With custom QR codes, you can infuse the code with your desired elements like design, logo, and colors that give your brand a distinct personality.
FAQ’s
Do I need a static or dynamic QR code?
Whether you need static QR codes or dynamic ones invariably depends on your user case. If you are looking to generate a WiFi QR code or website, static QR codes would work great. Dynamic codes enable you to track and download codes in different formats, which makes them well-suited for marketing.
How many versions of QR codes are there?
You can choose from more than 30 types of QR codes for your business including the basic Model 1 and 2 to advanced formats like micro QR code, iQR, and FrameQR. Create a variety of QR code types in merely minutes with ViralQR’s code generator that is easy to implement and cost-effective.
What type of QR code should I use?
The type of QR you should use depends on your purpose. If you have limited space, use a micro QR code, while coupon QR codes would be best for promotions.
How do I know what type of QR code I have?
In order to discern the specifics related to your QR code types, use a QR code reader or your IOS and Android smartphone with a higher operating system than iOS 11 or Android 8 to conduct a quick scan. Accessing the link that pops up will help to determine the QR code type in terms of patterns and encoding features.
