How Do QR Codes Work and What Do You Need?

by | May 30, 2020

You know what QR codes are, right? If not, hop over to the first post in this three-part series for a very basic description.

You’re back? Great. Now, let’s get down to the fun part – how they work. How QR codes work depends on what you want to do with them. Typically, you have two options.

  1. Access the information associated with an existing QR code – or –
  2. Create your own QR code for sharing information

How do QR Codes Work

Let’s start with the first option – accessing information on an existing code.

Accessing Information

Imagine you’re flipping through a magazine. You come across a QR code with instructions similar to the illustration shown below. (P.S. Avoid frustration: it’s not an active QR code)

Because the article is about your favorite singer, you are definitely interested. But, how do you access the video?

When I first started this three-part series in 2011, I knew you scanned QR codes. But, I had no idea what you needed to do that. I pictured carrying a separate scanner. Hardly practical.

Fortunately, technology makes accessing the information much simpler. You have multiple options and it has only gotten easier.

A Phone That’s Smart

Doesn’t everything involve a smartphone? You know – those devices that used to be for phone calls.  If yours has a camera and/or QR reader/mobile application (app), you are ready to scan away.

The following are general instructions for scanning. Your process may be different, depending on your phone.

  1. If you do not already have one installed, download one of the many available QR reader apps.
  2. Launch the app and frame the QR code in the viewer.
  3. Voilà – you’re directed to the information (could be a website, video or some other data)

Digital Trends offered their list of The best QR code scanning apps for Android or iOS.

  • Make sure the apps are compatible with your phone
  • Like any software, your personal preference may be different from others

However, you may not need an app for scanning if you have certain newer smartphone versions. For example, in 2017 Apple released its iOS 11 version. Any iPhone running that version (or later) has a QR reader built into its camera.

So, you simply open your camera and frame the code. Depending on your phone, you’ll go directly to the source or receive a message, such as the one illustrated below.

 

 

This site offers a list of smartphones and apps with built-in readers.

Webcam

You can also load reading software to your computer. You’ll need a webcam for scanning.

  • You hold up the image to your webcam
  • It projects the information on your monitor

It beats that teeny, tiny smartphone screen. Not that this baby boomer would understand that problem.

Note: the webcam works with mail, magazines or other material with QR codes you receive at your home or office. We do not recommend stealing store posters and taking them home for scanning.

Try it for Yourself

Below is the live example of the above code. If you have a QR Reader (either built-in or through a third-party app), give it a shot. Did it work for you?

 

What You Need Summary to Make QR Codes Work

  • Smartphone? Check
  • Camera/Webcam? Check
  • QR code reader software? Check

Congratulations! You are ready to crack the code on those square mysteries of information.

But, what if you want to make your own QR codes? That’s simple, too.  My favorite word – simple.

Creating Your Own

I used the free resource, QR Code Generator, to create my own code shown in this post. I input my site’s URL and the site automatically created my code. It includes the following options.

  • Various frames for the code
  • Customized shapes and color (I used my brand color)
  • A sign-up option to use your logo, and manage and track usage

Numerous sites exist for creating these magic squares of information. Mashable recently updated their list of the 7 Best Websites.

Will it Work for You?

When I revisited this series in 2012, reports indicated usage of this technology was a mixed bag. For example, the United Kingdom had far greater usage than the U.S.

While more than one techie is predicting 2020 as the “Year of the QR Code,” the jury is still out. I’ll share more statistics in the third post of this series. However, at least one report claims twice as many users in Europe and the U.S. scanned a QR code in 2018 (as compared to 2015).

We’ll explore additional ways to use this tool in the final post of the series, highlighting the Good, the Bad & the Ugly.

What do you think so far?

  • Do you have a favorite reader software app?
  • Favorite code generator?
  • Share your experience in comments.

See you on Post #3 – coming soon to your favorite blog post feed.

This May 30, 2020 post updates the original post that published September 21, 2011.

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BigStock Photo credit

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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours

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9 Comments

  1. Sharon Hurley Hall

    Thanks, Cathy. I’d heard of some of these readers. I have a Nokia and haven’t yet identified the best one for it. I had no idea that bit.ly did QR codes; that could come in handy.

    Reply
  2. Cathy

    Hi Sharon: I thought it was cool about bit.ly, too. I use it all the time, now just one more step gets a QR code as well.

    Let us know if you find a reader that you like for your Nokia. Thanks, Sharon, for sharing your comments.

    Reply
  3. Anne Wayman

    I know I’m starting to feel way left out because I don’t have a smart phone to read these, but if it takes all those steps maybe I don’t want to know.

    Reply
    • Cathy

      That’s part of what I’ll talk about in the last post, Anne. Not everyone has smartphones and even if you do, does that mean this is a great idea? Since I am a fan of being unique, I totally understand not jumping on the bandwagon.

      Thanks for sharing your comments, Anne.

      Reply
  4. Lisa Kanarek

    I’m filing this under “you learn something new every day.” 🙂 You’ve saved all of endless hours of research time to learn this new technology. I’m going to find ways to apply it to my business and put my iPhone to work. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
  5. Nicky Parry

    So since I have an iPhone, there’s no excuse for me not to get more “with-it”! I did laugh, however, at the prospect of me actually making my own codes…..

    Reply
  6. Cathy

    Oh, there’s always room for excuses, Nicky. 🙂

    Reply
  7. HarperKarl

    No Nokia? i was hoping i’d get something for Lumia phone, Nokia or MS. it’d be nice if someone can actually comment or give me a link. btw, thanks for taking time out and posting this Cathy. thumbs up.

    Reply
    • Cathy Miller

      Probably time for an update after four years. 😉

      Reply

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