What is a QR Code?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information in a pattern of black and white squares. Unlike traditional barcodes that store data horizontally, QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to hold significantly more information.

QR codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company, to track vehicles during manufacturing. Today, they've become ubiquitous in marketing, payments, authentication, and information sharing.

What Can QR Codes Store?

• URLs: Website addresses, landing pages, social media profiles
• Plain Text: Messages, notes, or instructions
• Contact Information: vCards with name, phone, email, address
• Wi-Fi Credentials: Network name and password for easy connection
• Email/SMS: Pre-composed messages with recipient and subject
• Geographic Locations: Coordinates for map applications
• Calendar Events: Event details for automatic calendar addition

How QR Codes Work

Understanding how QR codes work can help you create more effective codes. Here's a breakdown of their key components:

QR Code Anatomy

• Finder Patterns: The three large squares in the corners help scanners locate and orient the QR code
• Alignment Patterns: Smaller squares that help scanners read codes even when distorted
• Timing Patterns: Alternating black and white modules that help define the grid
• Format Information: Contains error correction level and mask pattern
• Data Area: The remaining space where your actual information is encoded
• Quiet Zone: The white border around the code (minimum 4 modules wide)

Error Correction Levels

QR codes have built-in error correction that allows them to be read even if partially damaged or obscured. There are four levels:

Creating Your First QR Code

Creating a QR code with QRBuild.app is simple. Follow these steps:

1. Enter Your URL

   Type or paste the complete URL you want to encode. Make sure to include "https://" or "http://" for web addresses. For example: https://yourwebsite.com/landing-page

2. Choose Your Size

   Select from four size options based on your intended use:
   - Small (200px): Digital use, emails, social media
   - Medium (300px): Standard print, business cards
   - Large (400px): Posters, flyers
   - Extra Large (500px): Large format printing

3. Add Your Logo (Optional)

   Upload your company logo to create a branded QR code. Supported formats: PNG, JPG, GIF, WebP, SVG. Maximum file size: 5MB.

4. Generate Your QR Code

   Click "Generate QR Code" and wait a moment for your code to be created.

5. Download and Use

   Click "Download QR Code" to save your image. The code is ready to use immediately!

Adding a Logo to Your QR Code

Branded QR codes with logos are more recognizable and trustworthy. Here's how to create effective branded codes:

Logo Best Practices

• Use High-Resolution Images: Blurry logos make QR codes look unprofessional. Use images at least 200x200 pixels.
• Simple Designs Work Best: Complex logos with many details may not display well at small sizes.
• Consider Contrast: Logos with transparent backgrounds work best. Dark logos on the black-and-white QR code pattern are more visible.
• Square or Circular Logos: These shapes integrate best with QR code aesthetics.
• Keep It Recognizable: The logo should be identifiable even at small sizes.

Supported File Formats

Sizing & Printing Guidelines

The size of your QR code matters significantly for scannability. Here are guidelines for different applications:

Minimum Size Rules

As a general rule, the minimum QR code size depends on the scanning distance:

• 1 inch (2.5 cm): Scanning from 4 inches (10 cm) away - business cards, labels
• 2 inches (5 cm): Scanning from 8 inches (20 cm) away - brochures, packaging
• 4 inches (10 cm): Scanning from 16 inches (40 cm) away - posters, menus
• 8 inches (20 cm): Scanning from 32 inches (80 cm) away - banners, signs

Print Resolution

For crisp, scannable QR codes in print:

• Minimum 300 DPI for professional printing
• Use vector formats (SVG) when possible for infinite scaling
• Avoid compression that creates artifacts around the code modules
• Maintain the quiet zone (white border) - don't crop it!

Digital Display Sizes

QR Code Best Practices

Design Guidelines

• Maintain High Contrast: Dark modules on a light background work best. Avoid low-contrast color combinations.
• Don't Invert Colors: White modules on a black background can confuse some scanners.
• Keep It Square: Don't stretch or distort your QR code - it may become unscannable.
• Preserve the Quiet Zone: Keep at least 4 modules of white space around the code.
• Use Appropriate Error Correction: Higher levels allow for more damage but create denser codes.

URL Best Practices

• Use Short URLs: Shorter URLs create simpler, more scannable QR codes. Consider URL shorteners for long links.
• Use Mobile-Friendly Pages: Most QR code scans happen on mobile devices. Ensure your landing page is responsive.
• Use HTTPS: Secure URLs build trust and are increasingly required by browsers.
• Add UTM Parameters: Track QR code scans with campaign parameters for analytics.
• Use Redirectable URLs: Services that allow you to change the destination later provide flexibility.

Placement Tips

• Make It Obvious: Place QR codes where people expect to find actionable content.
• Add a Call-to-Action: Text like "Scan for menu" or "Scan to learn more" increases scan rates.
• Consider the Environment: Outdoor codes need to be larger and more durable.
• Avoid Reflective Surfaces: Glossy materials can create glare that interferes with scanning.
• Test Lighting Conditions: Ensure the code is scannable in the actual lighting environment.

Common Use Cases

QR codes are versatile tools with applications across many industries:

Troubleshooting

Having trouble with your QR codes? Here are solutions to common issues:

QR Code Won't Scan

• Check the size: The code might be too small for the scanning distance
• Verify contrast: Ensure sufficient contrast between the code and background
• Inspect for damage: Look for smudges, tears, or printing errors
• Test the URL: The destination might be broken or redirecting incorrectly
• Check the quiet zone: Make sure there's adequate white space around the code
• Try different scanners: Some apps handle certain codes better than others

Logo Making Code Unscannable

• Reduce logo size: Keep it under 25% of the QR code area
• Center the logo: Off-center logos can obstruct critical data areas
• Simplify the logo: Complex logos may interfere with scanner pattern recognition
• Increase code size: A larger code can accommodate logos better

Print Quality Issues

• Increase resolution: Use 300 DPI or higher for print
• Avoid compression: JPEG artifacts can blur module edges
• Use vector when possible: SVG files scale without quality loss
• Check printer settings: Ensure the printer isn't adding unwanted effects