QR code generator

What is a QR code?

A QR code is a type of barcode that can be easily read by digital devices. Like standard barcodes, it stores information, but its aesthetics are different to the typical black bars you’d typically find on product packaging.

QR codes are made up of a series of pixels in a square-shaped grid, making them instantly recognisable. This is useful because if you’re entering a building or looking at a menu and you see a QR code, you know to scan it for further information. As most modern mobile phones have a built-in QR code scanner, everyone has access to scan QR codes.

What does QR stand for?

QR stands for Quick Response, which is fitting for modern technologies. As software advances, users of digital devices have become used to fast response times. QR codes allow for quick transmission of data; you don’t have to worry about manually typing in a website address, just scan the QR code and you’re good to go!

What are QR codes used for?

QR codes were invented in the mid-90s in Japan, where they were used to track components in car production assembly lines. Compared to a regular barcode’s 43 numeric characters of storage, QR codes have a capacity of up to 2,500! This huge amount of data storage makes them extremely useful in many situations.

QR codes are commonly used to:

• Take you directly to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download an app
• Verify login details
• Authenticate online accounts
• Access Wi-Fi by storing encryption details such as SSID, password, and encryption type
• Send and receive payment information

While these are typical uses, there are many more ways QR codes are used. One innovative example is art galleries and museums. Many have taken to using QR codes to provide further information for visitors who want to know more about the artist, the piece or the time period. The QR code can also be used to show them other work by the artist or even take them to the shop where they can buy a print of the image on a mug or t-shirt. Pretty cool, right?

Creative uses for QR codes

When it comes to new and exciting ways to use modern technology, the possibilities really are endless. Here are some of our very own creative uses for QR codes.

• Grind is a coffee subscription service based in Shoreditch, which deliver delicious organic coffee in combustible and plastic-free packaging. They have added a QR code to their coffee tins, which allow consumers to change, skip or cancel their subscriptions at a moment’s notice. This makes it easy for people to alter their subscription without having to make a phone call or spend time trawling through the website.

• We all know how boring the lockdowns have been over the past couple of years, and from Zoom quizzes to home workouts, we’ve tried to find ways to entertain ourselves at home. James Veitch created a fun lockdown card game to provide us with amusement during the long lockdown months. And instead of including a physical copy of the instructions, he made them accessible through a QR code. This means we got the same experience, but he saved plenty of paper in the process.

QR codes during COVID-19

During the coronavirus pandemic, you may have seen QR codes used more frequently in shops, restaurants and bars. Due to their speed, ease of use and contactless nature, they became more popular very quickly. It’s not just retailers who have benefited; public health agencies have also adopted QR codes, allowing them to make the track-and-trace process easier for everyone.

QR codes are being used all over the world in all sorts of situations, showing how useful they are on a large scale. The ability to store important information such as names, locations, website addresses, menus and forms etc provides endless opportunities that are particularly welcome during such a difficult time.

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, businesses worldwide have looked for ways to minimise contact with customers for the sake of health and safety. Another example of how they have been used is within hospitality environments. QR codes eliminate the need for physical menus or leaflets and allow customers to order food and drinks to their table without coming into close contact with staff. It’s no wonder they’ve been such a big hit!

The benefits of a QR code subscription

The effects of the coronavirus pandemic will be long-lasting, and many of the new ways of life we have adopted, such as working from home and increased sanitisation are likely to stay with us for a long time. QR codes have also emerged as a mainstay of the modern world. Who has time to write their name, email address and phone number down every time they enter a shop?

Generating a QR code may be simple, but it’s not something you can do once and then leave forever. The information you link to using the QR code might change over time. Whether you’re updating your menu or changing the domain the code takes you to, you never know when you’ll need to make a change.

With a QR code subscription, you’ll have ongoing technical support from a dedicated team. Furthermore, with our tool, you’ll be able to get far more creative with the design of your QR code. Whether you want to add a call to action, change the colour of the code or add your logo to boost brand awareness, you’ll be able to customise your QR code to get your desired look.

How do you generate QR codes?

It’s easy to get your phone out and scan a QR code, but does that mean setting one up is easy too? The short answer is yes. By using a QR code generator, you can set up a customised QR code for business or personal use.

Our QR generator tool will require you to input the data you wish the code to store. This is quite a straightforward process where you will be able to choose which webpage you want the QR code to link to.

There is plenty of choices out there when it comes to QR code generators, but we wanted to put our own spin on it. By building one that is simple and well-designed with a focus on user experience, we hope to stand out from all the alternatives out there. We’ve also integrated flexible payment options for some added versatility.

Ready to make the switch?

If you’re looking for ways to adapt your business to the post-COVID world, then QR codes offer an excellent solution. They allow you to save time, reduce contact on your site and provide customers with a quick and easy way to access important information.

Our QR code generator does more than just reel off basic codes. You can get creative and design your own bespoke QR code to help you stand out from the competition. If you get stuck or need more help, our team is on hand to explain how to generate a QR code for your business or personal use.