What is a QR Code?

A QR code is a two-dimensional code designed to be read by an electronic scanner. You can think of it as a descendant of one-dimensional bar codes such as the Universal Product Code (UPC). But because it contains information in two dimensions (horizontal and vertical) rather than just one, it can carry much more information than a standard bar code of similar size.

Who invented the QR code?

The QR code was developed in 1994 by Denso, an auto parts manufacturer and subsidiary of the Toyota Group, originally for the purpose of tracking auto parts through the manufacturing process. You may have only seen them recently in North America, as portable scanning technology has become more popular in the form of smartphones with built-in cameras.

Different QR code versions

QR codes come in many different sizes - 40 in fact - though only a handful of these appear commonly in marketing and promotional material. The size is measured in "modules," which are the square pixels containing the code data. The "version 2" code, which is a 25 x 25 square, or the "version 3" which is 29 x 29, are generally large enough to hold a web address (URL), email or v-card information. The largest QR code is 177 x 177 modules, and can hold up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or about 750 words.

QR code features

QR codes all have some features in common. The three larger squares in the corners provide orientation information, telling the scanner which way is up. Smaller squares provide alignment cues. And all QR codes have a certain amount of error correction built in, so that if part of the code is missing or damaged it still has a good chance of being readable.

Uses for QR codes

While most of the QR codes you see every day contain URLs that direct the user to a web page, a QR code can contain just about any kind of information. You could even send someone an entire text message in a QR code. But with so many people carrying scanners in their pockets, your code won't be much of a secret!

What Next?

If you can see a use for QR codes with your business, find out how to maximize the use of a QR code marketing campaign. Or get started immediately on creating your own QR marketing campaign by getting started with pbSmart™ Codes.

Finally, you can learn about all the different ways Pitney Bowes can help you communicate better with your customers.