How to Read a QR Code
If you’ve never scanned a QR code
before, now’s a perfect time to try it.
You will need a mobile device with a
camera, internet access, and a QR code
reader app. The type of device doesn’t
really matter, as long as it has a camera
and an internet connection. You could
use a smartphone of any kind, a tablet,
a PDA, or even a laptop with a web-
cam. The readers are usually free, and a
simple search online or in the app store
of your choice will bring up many op-
tions. QR code reader sites will usually
automatically download the version of
the reader that your device uses.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Search for and install a QR
code reader. The screenshots
here feature i-nigma.
Open the application.
Scan the code, making sure
the entire code is inside the
red box.
QR Code Readers
A few of the most popular QR code reader apps are Bee Tagg, i-nigma, KAYWA, Quickmark,
and ScanLife. You can find them in the Apple App Store or Android’s Google Play marketplace.
QR Code Generators
While it’s usually easier to scan codes using
a mobile device, you can create them with
any computer that can access websites like
the ones below. Some programs, such as
Bee Tagg, can both generate and read codes.
Bee Tagg:
www.beetagg.com/en/beetagg-qr-generator
BeQRious: http://beqrious.com/generator
Delivr: http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator
KAYWA: http://qrcode.kaywa.com
Maestro: www.sparqcode.com/static/maestro
Mobile-Barcodes: www.mobile-barcodes.com
QR Stuff: www.qrstuff.com
How to Create Your Own QR Code
Say you want to create a QR code that directs
people to your school’s website. Just follow
these five simple steps:
1. Find a QR code generator.
2. Choose the type of code you want
to create.
3. Enter the information.
4. Click Submit.
5. The QR code should appear on your screen.
Copy and paste it, or save it to your computer as an image file for future use.
Easy, right? Just the same, here are
a few tips to help you avoid problems:
Print QR codes at least an inch square.
You can create QR codes in any size
you want, but keeping them at an inch
or bigger will ensure that all devices
will be able to scan them. Newer smartphones have higher-resolution cameras
that can read much smaller codes, but
not everyone has the latest model.
Don’t crop too closely. A thin white
border must remain around the QR
code so the scanner can discern the
code from other information around
it, such as text or pictures on a page.
Use a URL shortener. Long URLs can
make a QR code more complicated,
as it has to hold more information.
Shortening the URL with a program
such as bit.ly will result in less complex QR codes.
Stick to flat surfaces. You can place
QR codes on many different items—
bookmarks, posters, T-shirts, mugs—
or even 12 feet high on the side of a
building. But if the area is too curved,
it will be difficult for a scanner to get a
good read.
Test it first. If it’s the first time you’re
using a particular QR code generator,
you should test at least one code on
as many different devices as you can
before going public with it.
