Read and easily create a QR code

THE QR codes only arise textual content and are indifferent to the real semantic meaning of data. The way the content is interpreted depends entirely on the scanner or the application of the scanner. This is very different from codes like Ean 13 where the format and content content is regulated by a standardization body (GS1).

QR code explained

Qr is a two -dimensional or matrix code that can code up to 4,000 characters or 7,000 figures. The code is easily recognizable by the three research patterns (“Finder Pattern”) characteristic in the corners of the symbol:

These models are quite voluminous, so the code needs more space than other 2D symbologies, at least with small amounts of data. The larger codes also include one or more models of alignment (“alignment pattern”).

What does QR mean ?

QR means Quick Response (“quick response”). Intended to be used in the manufacture and monitoring of parts by the automotive industry, QR design has given priority to rapid and reliable digitization rather than a smaller size.

What is QR for ?

In addition to applications in storage and logistics, the code is also widely used in advertisements, display panels, coupons, etc. Typical data content includes URL, email addresses or VCARDS, reduction codes, etc., See the examples below.

QR specifications

QR is standardized. The relevant standard is ISO/IEC 18004-2006 and can be obtained from ISO.

Maximum QR length

Like many other types of barcodes, QR offers several compaction modes. The maximum capacity or length for data data is as follows:

1. Digital content: 7,089 digits
2. Alphanumeric content: 4,296 characters
3. Binary content (8 bits): 2,953 characters (ISO-8859 page, less during unicode encoding)
4. Kanji content (Japanese): 1,817 characters

The respective barcode generator will select the compacting mode which gives the smallest possible symbol; It is common to switch between modes in a QR symbol for mixed content.

Content of the QR code data

THE QR codes only arise textual content and are indifferent to the real semantic meaning of data. The way the content is interpreted depends entirely on the scanner or the application of the scanner. This is very different from codes like Ean 13 where the format and content content is regulated by a standardization body (GS1).

However, in the past ten years, quasi-norms have been established to define how certain types of data should be encoded. Some examples :

• URL/Web address: The data starting with “http: //” or “https: //” are interpreted as an url. It can also be a shortened URL (for example, “Bitly”)
• Telephone number: The data starting with “Tel:” is interpreted as a telephone number; The phone number must be specified with a previous country code, e.g. “+33” for France
• E-mail : The data starting with “MailTO:” is interpreted as an email address, other fields indicate the object and content of the email, see here
• SMS: The data starting with “SMSTO:” is interpreted as a number/SMS destination
• Business cards/contacts: Data containing data in VCARD format is interpreted as contact information and can be used as a business card readable by machine
• WiFi / Wlan access: data containing the SSID of a wifi access point and possibly a password

QR code errors correction levels

QR uses a very robust error correction capacity. In the highest setting, a symbol can be recovered even if 30 % of the area is destroyed or missing. However, better error correction also means a larger barcode.

Here is a QR code with the content “https: // softmatic.com “with the error correction set to the lowest level (” L “):

Increase the ECC level to the best setting (“H”) gives a code almost 70 % larger:

If we erase the central part like that, the code remains readable (try with the “camera” application of your smartphone):

This functionality is used with so -called codes Vanity QR, Where parts of the code are replaced by a corporate logo, an emoji or other graphic elements:

This type of manipulation obviously goes against the very objective of error correction and must be avoided in serious applications.

Black and white QR vs color, style

By default, QR codes are created with black square points on a white background for an optimal contrast. The colorful codes are acceptable and will be digitized without problem provided that the leading colors and backgrounds have sufficient contrast. Likewise, the individual “points” of a code can have rounded or sharp shapes.

Here is a colorful QR code with rounded points:

An example with too little contrast that will not scan (or only with luck):

Note that “reverse” (or negative) codes are in principle authorized, but many scanner applications have problems to decode them. Test carefully before going into production.

Scan the QR codes

It is prudent to assume that all recent smartphones support the digitization of QR codes with the integrated “camera” application. See this article on scanner the QR codes (in English).

Example of QR bar codes

Example of QR code With letters and figures mixed, “ABCABC123”:

QR can directly encode the accentuated and diacritic characters such as German tremas. Example of Encode code “äöüäöü”:

Unicode content is also supported, for example non -Latin scripts like Japanese. Example of Encode code “äöü 日本語 ABC”:

All codes have been verified to scan properly on Mac and Windows PCs and various smartphones. Check the settings of your scanner if the scan result is different or if the code does not scan at all.

QR codes can also be read with an online reader, here is the result of the analysis of the previous QR:

Common problems when scanning QR with non -ASCII data:

• The scanner application does not support non -ascii data
• QR symbology is disabled in the scanner
• The scanning keyboard disposition parameter does not correspond to the regional setting of your computer

QR scanner with a smartphone

On iOS, the integrated “camera” application can natively scan the QR codes. On Android smartphones, a variety of barcode reading applications support QR reading, search for the respective app store. Our suggestion is the zxing barcode reader that reads QR and many other 2D and linear barcodes.

Create QR codes with logos, icons in Photoshop

Our QR designer for Photoshop CC creates matrix QR codes directly in your PSD file. Choose from a dozen styles, millions of colors and easily integrate logos, icons or images in the code.

Create QR codes in Illustrator, Indesign

Plug-ins and barcode extensions that are easy to use for Adobe Indesign and Illustrator. For more videos, see the YouTube SoftMatic channel

Plug-ins and extensions of SoftMatic barcode for Indesign, Illustrator and Photoshop are available on Adobe Exchange .

NEW Free online QR code generator

Create your QR codes online and in real time ! Our free online QR code generator works 100 % in your browser. No advertisement and no registration required. Guaranteed confidentiality: no cookies, no analytics, no follow -up.

QR code generator for Mac / Windows

Softmatic Barcodeplus V5 creates QR codes and exports the barcode in PDF / SVG format (independent resolution vector) or raster image (PNG, TIFF). The application will automatically format the data according to the specifications to create the smallest possible symbol:

• Mac: Download from the Mac App Store (French software, MacOS 10.15 or higher, before 10.15: here)
• Windows: Download from SoftMatic (Windows 10 or Supper)

Create QR codes en masse

For the mass creation of QR, consult the mass codes generator of softmatic, barcodefactory. Ideal for personalized 2D codes for tickets, events, mailings. The video shows the generation of QR codes en masse from email addresses:

• Mac: Download from the Mac App Store (French software, MacOS 10.15 or higher, before 10.15: here)
• Windows: Download from SoftMatic (Windows 10 or Supper)

© 1991-2022 Softmatic GmbH, Berlin, Germany. All Rights Reserved.

Read and easily create a QR code

You wonder what a QR code is, how to read or create it easily ? Here are the key concepts to understand everything about this little pictogram.

Read and create a QR code are two different things. The first allows you to easily consult a Internet page while the second is used to generate a directing pictogram to an URL link. This technology, which is not new, is more and more successful with the fluidity of the mobile networks of our smartphones.

1. What is a QR code ?

QR code means ” Quick Response Code ” Or ” Quick response code ” in French. A QR code is a pictogram, often having the appearance of a kind of labyrinth, that our smartphones and tablets objectives can translate into the URL page (or Internet link).

In other words, passing the camera of your mobile in front of a QR code, Your smartphone redirects you to a web page.

The main interest of this technology is the simplicity of consulting a web page: goodbye the endless entries of “https: //” on the tiny keyboards of our screens. Thanks to QR code, A simple passage in front of the lens allows you to display the desired content in a few seconds. A real time saving !

2. Read a QR code

As mentioned above, everything happens in front of the lens of your smartphone or tablet, provided that your device has an internet connection. If you need details on this subject, you can consult this course for Android devices and this for Apple devices.

2.1 with an iPhone or iPad

If you have an iPhone or iPad from Apple, then just open the application of your camera. Pass the goal in front of the QR code And press the tab ” Website code “Which is displayed at the top of your screen. You will then be automatically redirected to the corresponding web page:

2.2 with a smartphone or an Android tablet

On Android it is a little different: depending on the seniority of your device, the methods may change.

Your smartphone is recent

In this case, in the same way as for smartphones Apple, Go to apply your camera. Then choose the icon of Google Lens In your tools:

Google Lens is Google’s visual assistant. He helps you find the origin of certain photos but also, for once, to follow the links affiliated to QR codes.

Your smartphone is old:

On the other hand, if you cannot have the latest updates to your mobile operating system, no problem. You just have to download an application to scan the QR codes on your mobile.

For this, go to the Play store Then look for example the application QR scanner. Simple and quick, the process will be the same as with Google Lens. Guaranteed !

And There you go. You are now ready to read all QR codes which will stand in front of you: you just have to draw your smartphone !

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3. Create a QR code

Read a QR code is very practical for easily accessing a web page. But it can also be very useful to know how to create them in order to highlight the links of our choice: like a website, a contact form or an online menu for example.

To create a QR code is almost even easier than reading them. Depending on your web browser, you will have several possibilities:

3.1 on Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge

Whether you use one or the other of these two browsers, there is no difference: start by going to the website of your choice, click on the address you want to transform into QR code and click on the corresponding icon:

You will only have to download the image that your browser will have created for you, simply !

3.2 Mozilla Firefox

Firefox does not offer an integrated option to create QR codes. To overcome this, you will have to add an additional module (also called “extension”) to your browser. To save yourself time, click the button to directly access one of the extensions QR code browser:

Then click on Add to Firefox ::

Then select Add ::

Finally, activate the extension at the top right of your browser:

From then on, you just have to choose the link of your choice and click on the module icon to the right of your address bar:

Right click on the QR code generated, select QR generator Off-line code and click on Save QR code as an image ..

And There you go ! THE QR codes are now at hand. Simple to read and create, they will allow you to easily disseminate all the Internet pages of your choice. Up to you !

Tutorial written by Stéphanie Dumas

Good morning,
My name is Stéphanie, I am a website designer and independent computer trainer in Vendée. I have been creating great lessons and tutorials on xyoos since 2017, in joy and good humor ! I’m passionate about hiking, Roger Rabbit fan and my favorite work colleague is a big yellow labrador.

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