What are QR Codes, Uses of QR Codes, and Types of QR Codes

QR codes have become more and more popular since they were created in 1994, from which time they have been with us and are an almost essential part of logistics as we know it today.

In the same way as barcodes, QR codes serve to facilitate storage tasks, helping operators to carry out inventory faster and have complete traceability of products, which means that tight follow-up can be done on items for each of the processes they go through in the supply chain.

What are QR codes

The acronym QR refers to Quick Response in English, which could be translated into Spanish as “quick response”. Therefore, QR codes are a coding system created so that they can be read as quickly as possible.

These methods are responsible for carrying out the storage of different kinds of data: numerical codes, text, links, and even small binary files. They have a 3KB limit.

Uses of QR codes

As we have commented, like barcodes, a QR code is in charge of storing and gathering certain information about a certain product or activity. The difference is that QR codes are capable of storing and displaying this information through a device with a specific reader for this type of code and we will immediately have access to the information.

To read or see this information, we will read the QR code with the device and a link will automatically appear on which we must click (usually it goes to a website, map, etc.) to access said information.

In this sense, the main uses of QR codes are:

• Addresses such as personal, business, etc.

• Personal or business email addresses.

• URLs to specific websites or pages.

• Personal or business phone numbers.

• Simple texts such as conferences or welcome messages.

• Links directed to APPs such as the Apple Store or Google Play.

• Authentication of online accounts for automatic logins, among others.

• Wi-Fi Authentication stores wireless network authentication details such as SSID, password, and encryption type.

• Payments by storing your bank account or credit card details.

• Two-step verification and double-factor authentication are used in an increasing number of websites and applications.

• Other utilities include marketing activities, viewing a restaurant menu, and managing virtual currencies.

How QR codes work

QR codes are made up of rectangular codes with small black and white squares, which are called modules. In this way, the structure of a QR code would be as follows:

• Version information: Identifies the version of the QR code.

• Format information: It is the first thing that the system reads when it deciphers the code and thus is able to know the size of the symbols that are inside the body (number of bytes available). Stores information about the level of error correction.

• QR Code Data: The black and white modules are arranged alternately and are used to store the data.

• Location pattern or position detection: They identify the rotational orientation of the symbol. These are some squares that are in the three corners and that are in charge of allowing the reading to be carried out at high speed.

• Alignment pattern: These squares are smaller than the previous ones and are responsible for detecting the coordinates of the code, making it possible to read them on curved surfaces.

• Timing pattern: Re-synchronizes the coordinates in case of a small distortion.

• Silent zone: Helps isolate a QR code from its surroundings.

Types of QR codes

The most common is the “Model 2”, which is an improved version of the initial model made by Denso Wave. However, there are different kinds of QR codes:

• Model 1 and 2: The first model is the initial version of the QR code developed by Denso Wave and the second model is the improved version of the first and is capable of storing more data.

• Micro QR: It is the code in its reduced version. It can have up to four different sizes depending on the content and the level of error correction it has.

• SQRC: This has a restriction on reading data, so it is used to manage private and internal company information.

• FrameQR: Illustrations or photographs can be added to this code without damaging its content. It is usually used in companies, which add their logo to enhance their corporate image.

Differences between QR codes and BIDI codes

QR codes and BIDI codes are apparently similar, so it is common to confuse them, but they have many differences. First of all, the BIDI code is closed in nature, which means that you have to pay to use them, contrary to what happens with QR codes.

For its part, the QR code is an international standard (ISO/IEC 18004) and is open source, that is, anyone can use it without having to pay for it, since its creator has decided not to exercise their patent rights. This free factor has caused BIDI codes to become increasingly obsolete.

In summary, QR codes and BIDI codes are similar technologies that allow information to be stored and shared quickly and efficiently, although they have some differences in terms of design, storage capacity, reading, applications, and security.

Are there different versions of QR codes?

QR codes come in different versions, each characterized by their size and capacity to store data. The smallest QR code can store 14 numeric characters, while the largest can store up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters.

Additionally, there are different types of QR codes optimized for specific uses, such as URLs, business cards, and payment information. It is important to note that not all QR code readers may support all versions and types of QR codes, so testing your QR code with multiple readers is recommended to ensure it works properly.

What is 2D QR code vs 3D QR code?

A 2D QR code can store information in both horizontal and vertical directions, making it capable of encoding more data than traditional bar codes.

It is commonly used for advertising, product packaging, and payment systems. To scan a 2D QR code, you need a smartphone or mobile device with a camera and a QR code scanning app.

A 3D QR code is designed to be read by a 3D scanner, rather than a 2D scanner. It can be embedded in physical objects like sculptures or buildings and is used in marketing, augmented reality, and industrial design.

Unlike 2D QR codes, 3D QR codes can be read from multiple angles and can store more complex information like three-dimensional models or animations.

Which QR code is best?

There is no definitive answer to which QR code is best as it depends on the specific needs and application.

2D QR codes are more widely used and recognized by most smartphones and scanning devices. They are suitable for encoding information like URLs, contact details, or payment information in a small space, such as on business cards, product packaging, or advertisements.

3D QR codes, on the other hand, are designed for more complex applications that require three-dimensional data. They can store more detailed and advanced information like 3D models or augmented reality experiences, making them ideal for industrial design, architecture, or marketing purposes.

Ultimately, the choice between 2D and 3D QR codes will depend on the specific use case, the type of information that needs to be stored, and the medium in which it will be displayed or embedded.

What are the types of QR code data?

There are several types of data that can be stored in a QR code. Some of the most common types of QR code data include:

• URLs: QR codes can store website URLs, allowing users to quickly and easily navigate to a website by scanning the code.

• Text: QR codes can also encode plain texts, such as contact information, a product description, or a message.

• Payment information: QR codes can be used to store payment information for mobile payments, such as a Bitcoin address, a PayPal link, or a Venmo username.

• Geolocation data: QR codes can contain location data, such as GPS coordinates, allowing users to quickly navigate to a specific location.

• Wi-Fi credentials: QR codes can store Wi-Fi network information, such as the SSID and password, allowing users to easily connect to a network.

• App deep links: QR codes can be used to link to a specific location within an app, allowing users to quickly navigate to a specific feature or screen within an app.

• Email addresses: QR codes can store email addresses, making it easy for users to quickly send an email to a specific address.

These are just a few examples of the types of data that can be stored in a QR code. The specific type of data that is stored will depend on the intended use of the QR code.

What is the difference between QR and micro QR codes?

QR codes and micro QR codes are both types of two-dimensional barcodes, but there are some key differences between them.

The main difference is in their size and capacity. Micro QR codes are smaller and can store fewer data than standard QR codes. They can store up to 35 numeric characters, while standard QR codes can store up to 7,089 numeric characters.

Another difference is in the number and size of the modules. Micro QR codes have fewer modules and are typically only square, whereas standard QR codes can be rectangular and have more modules.

Micro QR codes are generally used in applications where space is limited, such as on small products or in labeling and identification systems. They are also used in some mobile payment systems and on transportation tickets.

Standard QR codes are more widely used and recognized. They can store much more data and are used in a variety of applications, including advertising, product packaging, payment systems, and inventory tracking.

To summarize, micro QR codes are smaller and can store fewer data than standard QR codes. They are used in applications where space is limited, while standard QR codes are more widely used and recognized and can store a larger amount of data.