What is a QR Code?

QR Code(Quick Response Code- Hızlı Yanıt Kodu) The QR Code is a next-generation 2D (two-dimensional) barcode developed by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, in Japan. The content of a QR Code can be any text, website link (URL), or any other information. With QR Code reader applications, a mobile phone can easily scan a QR Code and open the relevant product page in the phone's browser. In iOS 11, you can easily scan QR Codes using the camera of your iPhone or iPad. If you have a mobile device with iOS 11 or later installed, you no longer need to download an additional app to scan QR codes.

QR Code - Barcode Data Comparison

Barcode:

• It contains only one-way data.

QR Code:

• Contains data both vertically and horizontally.
• An average sized QR Code contains more data than a barcode.

QR Code Data Capacity

Small Output Size : QR Code has the ability to encode the same amount of data in approximately 1/10 of the space compared to a traditional one-dimensional barcode, as it can carry data both horizontally and vertically. This means that with QR Code, you can store much more data in a much smaller space.

QR Code can be scanned in 360 degrees in any direction: QR Code has high speed readability. QR Code achieves this through the reference points placed at the three corners of the symbol. Position detection forms in QR Code are guaranteed to scan faster than barcode. A QR Code can be divided into multiple smaller QR Codes, and conversely, a certain number of QR Codes can be combined into a single QR Code (with an increase in QR Code size, of course). A QR Code can be divided into a maximum of 16 small QR Codes. This allows for the use of multiple smaller QR Codes placed side by side in narrow spaces where there is not enough printing area, such as at the bottom of a page.

Margin of Safety

A QR Code needs a "silent zone" (an empty space) around which there is no data. This area is an open space surrounding the QR Code. Nothing can be printed in this area. QR Code needs a '4 modules' wide free space around it. This process is necessary for the QR code to be read accurately and without any issues.

QR Code Error Correction Capacity

QR codes have error correction capabilities, allowing for successful scanning and data retrieval even if the code is partially dirty or damaged. Even if up to 30% of the data within the QR code is damaged, it can still be read. When selecting an appropriate QR code error correction level, various factors such as the working environment and required QR code size need to be taken into account.

In environments where data corruption is likely, vector or high-level QR codes are recommended, as they can handle higher amounts of data while maintaining consistent image density.

​What needs to be done to create a readable QR Code;

1-Empty Space; Make sure to leave approximately 4 modules of empty space on each side of the QR Code.

2- Color; Generally, black and white codes are easier to read. However, if you create a colored QR Code, make sure that there is high contrast between the background color and the QR Code body color, ensuring that they can be easily distinguished from each other.

3-Design; You can create your QR Codes in different colors and designs, and even incorporate your logo into them if desired. However, keep in mind that if the color contrast cannot be adjusted properly, it may not only make it difficult to read, but also make it impossible for users to even recognize it as a QR Code.

4- Size: A QR Code should never be smaller than 2 cm. As the amount of data encoded in the QR Code increases, the size of the code also increases. To ensure seamless scanning, you should allow the QR Code to grow in size as the data capacity increases. Trying to shrink a QR Code containing 200 characters of data to 2 cm would make it unreadable.

QR Code Anatomy;

QR Codes are designed to tolerate a 30% error margin, taking into account poor image quality and inadequate scanning conditions. Before making any modifications to a QR Code, it is important to understand its anatomy and which areas can be modified and which areas should not be tampered with.
 

• Finder Pattern: It is used to identify and enable 360-degree scanning of the QR Code. In case of deformation, scanning may not be successful.
• Format Info: When decoding the QR Code, the scanner reads the information in this area first. It contains details such as error correction level, mask pattern, and other formatting information.
• Timing Pattern: The timing pattern consists of small squares between two finder patterns (larger squares at the corners). It carries coordinate information.
• Version Info: It indicates the version of the QR Code, which determines the data storage capacity and error correction level.
• Encoded Data: This is the data that will be read by the QR Code scanner.
• Alignment Pattern: In case of QR Code bending or distortion, the alignment pattern allows the QR Code scanner to detect and make necessary corrections. It is not recommended to modify this area.
• Quiet Zone: It is the empty space that should be left around the QR Code to achieve optimal readability. The recommended width for the quiet zone is 4 modules. A module is the smallest single-pixel element within the QR Code. To ensure smooth scanning, it is advised to leave a 4-module-wide empty area on each side of the QR Code, which corresponds to four of these small pixels/nodes.

What Can QR Codes Contain?

A QR code can contain up to 7089 numeric or 4296 alphanumeric characters, including special characters and punctuation marks. In addition to numbers and characters, you can also add sentences and words (such as web addresses). The more data you add to a QR code, the more complex its structure becomes and the larger its size.

How Can I Generate a QR Code?

You can generate your QR codes in a few seconds. First, go to qrcodematic.com. Select the type of QR code you want to create, adjust the design options for the data, and then click on the "Create QR Code" option. You can download the generated QR codes in image format and use them as you wish.

What are the Uses of QR Codes?

• Business Brochures
• Product Packaging
• User Manuals
• Proposal Documents
• Business Cards
• Posters
• Real Estate Industry
• Advertising Billboards
• Video Advertisements
• Gift Vouchers
• Descriptions of Historical Artifacts in Museums
• Phone Calls
• Email Sending
• Advertising Campaigns
• Website Promotions
• Signboards and many more. The uses of QR codes are only limited by your imagination.

How Do I Scan a QR Code?

To scan a QR code, you will need an application on your smartphone. You can download a free app from your mobile device's app store, depending on your operating system. If you have an iOS device running iOS 11 or later, you can simply enable the QR code scanning option in your phone's camera settings. Then, all you need to do is open your camera and point it at the QR code.