Question 1

What is a QR code and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

QR (Quick Response) code is a 2D barcode that stores data as black squares on white background. Invented by Denso Wave (Toyota subsidiary) in 1994 for tracking automotive parts. Uses Reed-Solomon error correction - works even if 30% damaged. Scanning with smartphone camera decodes the pattern into text, URL, or other data. Can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric digits. Widely used for: contactless payments, marketing campaigns, product tracking, authentication, WiFi sharing, digital menus. This tool generates standards-compliant QR codes in multiple formats (PNG, SVG).

Question 2

What types of data can I encode in a QR code?

Accepted Answer

QR codes support multiple data types: URL/website link (most common), plain text (up to 4,296 characters), contact information (vCard format - name, phone, email, address), WiFi credentials (SSID, password, encryption type - auto-connect on scan), email address with subject/body, phone number (click to call), SMS message (recipient + pre-filled text), geo-location (GPS coordinates), calendar events (iCal format), crypto wallet addresses. Best practice: URLs should be short (long URLs create dense, harder-to-scan codes). Use URL shorteners if needed. This tool supports all major QR code data types with format validation.

Question 3

What are QR code error correction levels and which should I use?

Accepted Answer

QR codes have 4 error correction levels that determine damage tolerance: L (Low) - 7% recovery, fastest scanning, smallest size. M (Medium) - 15% recovery, default for most uses. Q (Quartile) - 25% recovery, good for printed materials. H (High) - 30% recovery, best for damaged/dirty environments. Higher correction = larger QR code (more data cells). Use L for digital displays (screens, perfect quality). M for business cards, flyers. Q/H for outdoor use, stickers, products (wear and tear). This tool defaults to M (balanced), allows selection of other levels for specific use cases.

Question 4

How do I customize QR code appearance and colors?

Accepted Answer

QR codes can be customized while maintaining scannability: Colors - foreground (data modules) must be dark, background must be light. Ensure high contrast ratio (3:1 minimum). Avoid: light colors on dark background (scanners expect opposite). Size - minimum 2x2cm (0.8") for reliable scanning. Larger is better for distance scanning. Logo/image - can embed in center (up to 30% area with H error correction). Must not obstruct positioning squares (3 corners). Quiet zone - white border required (4 modules minimum) for scanner detection. This tool generates customizable QR codes with color picker and size options.

Question 5

What is the best size and format for QR codes in different use cases?

Accepted Answer

Physical print: 2x2cm minimum, 3x3cm recommended for business cards, 5x5cm+ for posters/signage. Use 300+ DPI PNG or vector SVG. Digital screens: 200x200px minimum on mobile, 400x400px for desktop. SVG recommended for responsive scaling. Packaging: 1.5x1.5cm minimum (depends on scan distance), high error correction (Q/H). T-shirts/fabric: 10x10cm minimum (curved surface + movement), H error correction. Billboards: scale to viewing distance (1cm per meter of distance). Vector formats (SVG, EPS) scale infinitely without quality loss. This tool exports optimized formats for each use case.

Question 6

How do I create a WiFi QR code for easy network sharing?

Accepted Answer

WiFi QR codes allow instant network connection without typing passwords. Format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;H:false;; where T = security type (WPA, WPA2, WEP, or nopass), S = SSID (network name), P = password, H = hidden network (true/false). Example: WIFI:T:WPA2;S:MyNetwork;P:SecurePass123;; Scanning auto-fills WiFi settings - user taps Connect. Best practices: use WPA2/WPA3 encryption, avoid special characters in SSID/password (causes encoding issues), test before deploying, print multiple copies for guests. This tool generates WiFi QR codes with automatic format validation and preview.

Question 7

Are QR codes secure and what are the privacy risks?

Accepted Answer

QR codes themselves are not encrypted - anyone can scan and read the data. Security risks: malicious URLs (phishing sites, malware downloads), QR code replacement (stickers over legitimate codes), data leakage (sensitive info visible when scanned), tracking (shortened URLs with analytics). Mitigation: preview URL before visiting, use QR scanner app with URL preview, don't encode sensitive data (passwords, credit cards), use HTTPS URLs only, implement link expiration for temporary access, monitor QR code analytics for abuse. For sensitive use cases, combine with authentication (password, 2FA). This tool highlights security best practices during QR generation.

Question 8

How do I track QR code scans and measure campaign effectiveness?

Accepted Answer

Direct QR codes (static data) cannot track scans. For analytics, use dynamic QR codes pointing to redirect URLs: create unique tracking URL (bit.ly, goo.gl, custom domain), generate QR pointing to tracking URL, redirect to actual destination, analytics platform logs: scan count, timestamp, location (IP geolocation), device type, referrer. Track with UTM parameters: ?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=fall2025. Services: Google Analytics, Bitly, QR code platforms with built-in analytics. A/B test different QR placements, compare scan rates across locations/materials. This tool generates QR codes compatible with any URL shortener or tracking platform.

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