A Quick Response or QR code is a 2D bar code.
A standard UPC barcode only has 12 numeric characters but a QR code can store up to 7089 numerical characters, or 4296 alphanumeric characters. This means they can contain quite a lot of information in just one code. This information could be a string of text, a web address, or an increasing range of other things.
UPC Code |
QR Code |
 |
 |
What Can You Encode in a QR Code?
The types of data that you can encode are constantly evolving, but for a start here are some of the most common things you could put in a code:
- A website URL
- YouTube video
- Google or Bing Maps location
- FourSquare
- ITunes link
- Plain Text
- Telephone number
- SMS
- Email address
- Email message
- Contact Details
- Event
- Wifi login (Android only)
- Paypal buy now link
Reading QR Codes
QR codes can be scanned by smart phones, barcode readers, ipod touches, ipad, or any computer with a webcam. To read them you need some software or an app installed. There are many to choose from and most are free.
