How to create or decode a QR Code in 5 seconds

What is a QR code?

QR codes are those squares you see on a lot of products, services, and advertisements. Here's what they mean:

QR stands for quick response, which means that the code will respond quickly to your smartphone or laser when you scan it.

R stands for redundancy, which means that there is an error-checking system built into the code so that if one part of it gets damaged or lost, you can still access all of its information.

C stands for capacity, because each QR code can hold up to 7000 characters. This means that you can use them to give out coupons and special offers, link to websites with more information about a product or service, and even include photos or videos!

This is an example of QR code link to our site

QR Codes vs. Barcodes

Barcodes and QR codes are similar in that they're both visual representations of data. But there's an important difference between them.

Barcodes are one-dimensional, meaning the information stored within them is read horizontally. QR codes are two-dimensional, so the information stored in them is read both horizontally and vertically.

Both barcodes and QR codes can be scanned using a laser or a smartphone as long as the tool being used has the correct capabilities of reading vertical and horizontal data. Although most smartphones scan QR codes automatically, many won't scan barcodes so easily — you'll need a special app for that.

Does this mean traditional barcodes are a thing of the past? Of course not! Traditional barcodes are still a common way for businesses to identify consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and manage their product inventory.

QR Codes Are Shaped Differently

Barcodes are often rectangular-shaped, with the barcode's data being read horizontally. QR codes are often square-shaped, with the data on the QR code being read vertically and horizontally.

QR Codes Hold Different Data

QR codes can hold more data because they are square-shaped and can therefore hold more information than a barcode.

QR Codes Hold More Data

Both barcodes and QR codes have different uses, but they can also be used in similar ways. For example, both can be used to provide product information at the point of sale, although QR codes may offer more passive and intangible information, such as location data and URLs to promotions and product landing pages.

QR Codes Tools

You can use our qr code generator or qr code decoder