Quick Response (QR) codes were first developed to be used in the automotive industry but today, QR codes of all shapes, sizes, and colors are used in advertising, inventory control, and asset management – you can spot them printed on packages, inside stores, at event booths, in magazine ads, on clothes, etc.
Looking for your own QR code? Get a custom QR code in no time with this easy-to-use form.
- Select the information that you want to be stored within the code: a URL, an email, text messages, telephone numbers, SMS, Wi-Fi information, or vCard.
- Fill in the corresponding form and select the error correction level (the higher the level, the less storage capacity of the QR code).
- Your QR code is now ready! Simply tap the “Generate QR Code” to download the graphic as PNG or SVG to print.
Error correction level
Error correction capability allows to successfully scan a QR Code even if the symbol is dirty or damaged. Four levels are available to choose according to the operating environment.
Higher levels offer a better error resistance but reduce the symbol's capacity.
If the chances that the QR Code symbol may be corrupted are low (for example if it is showed through a monitor) is possible to safely use a low error level such as Low or Medium.
Possible levels are shown below:
| Level | Error resistance |
|---|---|
| L (Low) | ~7% |
| M (Medium) | ~15% |
| Q (Quartile) | ~25% |
| H (High) | ~30% |
The percentage indicates the maximum amount of damaged surface after which the symbol becomes unreadable.
QR Code Applications
QR codes were first designed in 1994 to track vehicles during manufacturing. However, the fact that QR codes contains locator, identifier, or tracker points, can be read faster than standard UPC barcodes, and features a greater storage capacity have all propelled the QR code to popularity over the past 25 years.
QR codes are extremely versatile and can be printed on business cards, product packaging, billboards, inventory tags, or even t-shirts! They can be scanned from your average smartphone and will scan at whatever angle you are holding the device. Some examples of how a QR code could be used includes:
- Link/URL: Once someone scans the code, their internet automatically redirects the user to a specific URL.
- Wi-Fi: By encoding the SSID, encryption type and password, the QR code will automatically log the user in to the Wi-Fi.
- Text: Load messages onto the QR code that will appear once scanned, great for events or conferences.
- Email: Add personal or business email addresses that will be added to the user’s contact list after being scanned.
- Other: QR codes are still reliably used in manufacturing and inventory tracking, and QR codes have been used around in the world from gravestones (in Japan) to train tickets (in China) and on coins (by The Royal Dutch Mint).