QR codes have been gradually trickling into use over the past decade or so. But it’s really in the last year, during the pandemic, that we’ve seen a surge in their everyday use.
While in the past, QR codes were commonly used in marketing campaigns and product tracking systems, more recently, they have been broadly used for everyday actions such as “checking in” at certain venues and viewing menus at restaurants. They are also a key component of many vaccine passport systems being adopted by certain regions.
QR codes work similar to a bar code and can be scanned using a smartphone or tablet, as well as other specialized scanning devices. While its use is increasing, QR code technology can seem intimidating to many users, particularly those who are relatively new to smartphone or tablet use.
In this article, we explain exactly what QR codes are, how they work, and the value they offer. We also reveal how to use your device to scan or present a QR code.
What Is a QR Code?
QR stands for quick response, which gives a clue as to the purpose of the QR code. Essentially an evolved barcode, the QR code was originally developed in 1994 by a car parts manufacturer to help with inventory tracking. The codes are designed specifically to be scanned from any angle and to be read as fast as possible.
New technology means that most people now carry around a QR code scanner integrated into their smartphones. There are also apps available for users whose devices don’t come with a built-in scanner. These include Kaspersky's QR Scanner and NeoReader, and QRbot.
At first glance, a QR code looks almost like a pixelated image of a standard barcode. Its unique pattern contains a set of key features designed to optimize readability and information-sharing. For example, the positioning detection markers (highlighted in red below) help a scanner recognize and read the code. Other features may include alignment markings that allow curved QR codes to be read and a timing pattern that indicates the size of the code’s data grid.
There are two main types of QR codes: static and dynamic. Static codes contain fixed information that can’t be edited. Example uses include business cards, employee IDs, Wi-Fi connection details, and product information.
Dynamic codes provide information that may be updated. These are the codes you’ll see most often utilized by businesses for things like marketing campaigns or event management. They can direct the person scanning the code to something like a business page, an app, a PDF, a coupon, or a social media page. Dynamic codes can be used to track information such as when and where a code was scanned.
The Benefits of Using QR Codes
QR codes have gained most of their popularity in the age of the smartphone. They are very versatile and a single scan can provide users with a ton of information. When used for marketing, businesses can utilize QR codes to engage with customers, share information, and gather feedback. You’ll often see codes on billboards, in magazines, and even on TV.
For users, the key functions of QR codes are accessing information or providing information.
Accessing Information
Users can utilize their device to scan a QR code to access information, such as on a company website or social media page. For example, QR codes are becoming widely used in restaurants for providing guests with menus and ordering systems. This practice has seen a surge in popularity during the pandemic as businesses try to limit face-to-face interactions and the handling of items by multiple people. QR codes can also be found on many signs and posters, enabling users to easily access information about events, initiatives, and more.
Many restaurant QR codes enable you to pull up menus and order and pay for your food, all using your mobile device.
Providing information
In other cases, QR codes can offer effective mobile solutions for providing information. For example, a QR code stored on your phone can be used in place of a boarding pass or event ticket. Most recently, we are seeing QR codes being used as vaccine passports to provide proof of vaccination when entering certain establishments. In Canada, this practice is already in place in BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, and is set to be rolled out in Ontario in mid-October. QR codes have also been widely used to quickly “check in” to venues as part of COVID-19 tracking and notification systems.
How to Use a QR Code
We’ve discussed what QR codes are and why they’re useful, but how exactly do you use them in everyday life? As discussed, QR codes can either be used to access information or provide information. In the former case, you need to scan a provided code. In the latter, you’ll need to present a code. Let’s look at each of these in turn.
Scanning a QR Code
Scanning a QR code can sound intimidating, but it’s as simple as taking a picture. That said, you will need a mobile device (smartphone or tablet) that has QR code scanning capability.
To scan a code, access your device’s camera as though you’re about to take a picture. Hold the device up to the code so that the entire code is in view. Once your device recognizes the code, you may see small borders show up on the screen around the corners of the QR code. You should also see a popup that contains a descriptor for the code. Tap the popup to access the webpage or other item that the code is linked to.
Want to give it a try? Use the QR code below to access the Tech Coaches homepage.
Providing a QR Code
It’s rare that presenting a QR code is mandatory and there are usually alternative options for things like travel and event access such as presenting a paper boarding card or ticket. That said, utilizing QR code options where available can make things simpler. And there’s a good chance that in the near future, they will be mandatory for certain activities. Thankfully, providing a QR code is relatively simple.
If QR codes are in use for an activity, you will usually receive yours through a method of digital communication, for example, in an email or text message. To retrieve the QR code when required to present it, all you need to do is locate that email or text message and present the code.
However, if that sounds like a lot of hassle, there are other options. We find that the simplest solution is to take a screenshot of the QR code you need to present and save that image on your device. This way, it’s accessible even if you don’t have access to the internet. When you need to present the QR code, locate the screenshot you took.
If a person is scanning the code, simply present the image on your device for them to scan.
In some cases, you’ll need to scan the QR code using a machine. In this case, pull up your QR code and hold your phone with the screen pointing toward the scanning tool.
QR code technology is everywhere and it can seem overwhelming to the uninitiated. But the practice of scanning and presenting these codes is likely going to continue ramping up for the near future at least. And once you get used to using QR codes, they really can make some everyday activities a lot simpler. For example, as long as you have your device with you, you won’t have to worry about printing your boarding pass or remembering those tickets.
Do you have any questions about QR code use? Let us know in the comments section below.