QR Code Tutorial & Guide - QRcode 88

Complete QR Code Tutorial

Learn everything about QR codes from basics to advanced techniques

Choose Your Learning Path

QR Code Basics
Learn what QR codes are, how they work, and their history
QR Code Types
Explore different types of QR codes and their specific uses
How to Generate
Step-by-step guide to creating your own QR codes
Customization
Learn to customize QR codes with colors, logos, and styles
Best Practices
Tips and guidelines for creating effective QR codes
Troubleshooting
Common problems and how to solve them

QR Code Basics

Understanding the fundamentals of QR codes

1

What is a QR Code?

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can store various types of information. They were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, to track automotive parts during manufacturing.

Key Features:

  • Can store up to 7,089 numeric characters
  • Fast scanning and decoding
  • Error correction capability
  • 360-degree readability
  • Works with any smartphone camera
2

How QR Codes Work

QR codes use a pattern of black squares arranged on a white background. The pattern is read by an imaging device (like a smartphone camera) and processed using Reed-Solomon error correction.

💡 Did you know? QR codes can be read even if up to 30% of the code is damaged or obscured, thanks to error correction.

QR Code Anatomy:

Finder Patterns
Three squares in corners for positioning
Timing Pattern
Alternating modules for coordinate system
Data Area
Contains the actual information
Quiet Zone
Empty border around the code
3

QR Code vs Traditional Barcodes

While traditional barcodes can only store information horizontally, QR codes store data both horizontally and vertically, allowing for much more information in a smaller space.

QR Code

  • Up to 7,089 characters
  • 2D data storage
  • Error correction
  • Multiple data types
  • Any orientation

Traditional Barcode

  • Up to 20 characters
  • 1D data storage
  • No error correction
  • Numbers only
  • Specific orientation

Types of QR Codes

Different QR code formats for various use cases

URL/Website
Direct users to websites, landing pages, or specific web content.
https://example.com
Plain Text
Store any text information, messages, or instructions.
Welcome to our store! Show this code for 10% discount.
Email
Pre-compose emails with recipient, subject, and message.
mailto:contact@example.com?subject=Hello&body=Message
Phone Number
Allow users to call a number directly by scanning.
tel:+1234567890
SMS
Pre-compose text messages with recipient and content.
sms:+1234567890?body=Hello there!
vCard (Contact)
Share complete contact information for easy saving.
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
FN:John Doe
ORG:Company
TEL:+1234567890
EMAIL:john@example.com
END:VCARD
WiFi
Allow automatic connection to WiFi networks.
WIFI:S:NetworkName;T:WPA;P:password;;
Location
Share GPS coordinates or addresses for navigation.
geo:37.7749,-122.4194?q=San Francisco, CA
Cryptocurrency
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrency addresses.
bitcoin:1A1zP1eP5QGefi2DMPTfTL5SLmv7DivfNa?amount=0.01

Try Different QR Code Types

Select a type and see how the QR code changes

How to Generate QR Codes

Step-by-step guide to creating your own QR codes

1

Choose Your Content Type

Decide what type of information you want to encode. This determines the format and structure of your QR code.

💡 Tip: URLs are the most common type, but consider using vCard for business cards or WiFi codes for guest access.

Content Selection Checklist:

2

Enter Your Information

Input your content accurately. For URLs, include the full address with https://. For contact information, use proper formatting.

Examples 
✅ Good URL: https://www.example.com/page
❌ Bad URL:  example.com/page

✅ Good Email: mailto:contact@company.com?subject=Inquiry
❌ Bad Email:  contact@company.com

✅ Good Phone: tel:+1-555-123-4567
❌ Bad Phone:  5551234567
3

Configure Settings

Adjust size, error correction, and other parameters based on your intended use case.

Recommended Settings:

Print Use
Size: 300x300px+, High error correction
Digital Use
Size: 200x200px, Medium error correction
Small Prints
Size: 400x400px+, High error correction
Outdoor Use
High contrast, Maximum error correction
4

Generate and Test

Create your QR code and always test it with multiple devices and apps before using it publicly.

⚠️ Important: Always test your QR codes on different devices and apps before printing or sharing them widely.

Live QR Generator

QR Code Customization

Make your QR codes stand out with colors, logos, and styles

1

Color Customization

Change foreground and background colors to match your brand, but maintain good contrast for readability.

💡 Contrast Rule: Ensure at least 3:1 contrast ratio between foreground and background colors.

Color Customization Demo

2

Logo Integration

Add your logo to the center of the QR code. Keep logos small (max 20% of total area) to maintain scannability.

⚠️ Logo Guidelines: Use high contrast logos, keep them under 20% of QR size, and always test scanning after adding logos.
Do: High Contrast Logo
Use logos with clear, distinct colors that stand out from the QR background.
Don't: Complex Details
Avoid logos with fine details or text that might interfere with scanning.
Size Matters
Keep logos under 20% of the total QR code area for optimal scanning.
Test Everything
Always test on multiple devices and scanning apps after adding logos.
3

Error Correction Levels

Higher error correction allows more customization but creates larger QR codes. Choose based on your needs.

Low (7%)
Fastest generation, minimal customization
Medium (15%)
Recommended for most uses
Quartile (25%)
Good for outdoor/harsh conditions
High (30%)
Maximum customization possible

QR Code Best Practices

Guidelines for creating effective and scannable QR codes

Mobile-First Design
Design QR codes with mobile users in mind. Test on various devices and ensure the destination is mobile-friendly.
Appropriate Size
Minimum size should be 2x2 cm (0.8x0.8 inches) for print. Larger is better for distant scanning.
Quiet Zone
Always include a white border (quiet zone) around your QR code - minimum 4 modules wide.
High Contrast
Use dark patterns on light backgrounds. Avoid low contrast color combinations.
Error Correction
Use higher error correction for codes that may get damaged or need customization.
Clear Instructions
Include simple instructions like "Scan with your phone camera" for better user experience.
Short URLs
Use URL shorteners for long links to create simpler, more reliable QR codes.
Print Quality
Use vector formats (SVG) for print to ensure crisp edges at any size.
📱 Testing Checklist: Test your QR codes on different phones (iOS/Android), various lighting conditions, and multiple scanning apps before going live.

Troubleshooting QR Codes

Common problems and their solutions

1

QR Code Won't Scan

The most common issue. Usually caused by poor contrast, size, or damaged codes.

Solutions 
✓ Check contrast ratio (dark on light background)
✓ Ensure minimum size (2x2 cm for print)
✓ Clean the camera lens
✓ Improve lighting conditions
✓ Check for damage or distortion
✓ Verify quiet zone (white border)
✓ Try different scanning apps
❌ Common Mistake: Using colored backgrounds or low contrast color combinations makes QR codes difficult to scan.
2

Wrong Content Opens

QR code scans but opens incorrect content or shows error messages.

Debugging Steps 
1. Verify the encoded content with a QR reader app
2. Check URL spelling and format
3. Ensure website is accessible and mobile-friendly
4. Test links in a browser first
5. Use URL shorteners for long links
6. Check for special characters that need encoding
3

Print Quality Issues

QR codes that work digitally but fail when printed.

Use Vector Format
Always use SVG or PDF for print to ensure crisp edges at any size.
Higher Resolution
Use at least 300 DPI for print quality. Larger is better for small prints.
CMYK Colors
Convert RGB colors to CMYK for professional printing to avoid color shifts.
Test Print Size
Always print a test copy first to verify size and scannability.
4

Browser Compatibility

Some older phones or browsers may have trouble with certain QR code types.

⚠️ Compatibility Tip: Stick to basic URL QR codes for maximum compatibility, especially for older devices.
Compatibility Guidelines 
• URLs: Universal support ✓
• Plain text: Universal support ✓
• Phone numbers: 95% support ✓
• Email: 90% support ✓
• WiFi: 80% support (newer devices)
• vCard: 85% support
• SMS: 90% support ✓

Frequently Asked Questions

QR codes can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. However, for practical use, shorter content is recommended for better scanning reliability.
QR codes themselves don't expire, but the content they link to might. If a QR code points to a website that goes offline or a URL that changes, the code will appear broken. Static QR codes with embedded content (like text or contact info) never expire.
Most modern smartphones (iPhone and Android) have built-in QR code scanning in their camera apps. Simply open the camera and point it at the QR code. For older devices, you may need to download a dedicated QR scanner app.
The minimum recommended size is 2x2 cm (0.8x0.8 inches) for close-range scanning. For codes that will be scanned from a distance, use the formula: Distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR code size. Always test before mass printing.
Static QR codes cannot be tracked. To track scans, you need dynamic QR codes that redirect through a tracking service, or you can use URL shorteners with analytics (like bit.ly) for URL-based QR codes.
Common issues include: insufficient contrast between foreground and background colors, logos that are too large (over 20% of total area), damaged or distorted codes, or insufficient quiet zone (white border) around the code.
QR codes themselves are just data containers and cannot contain malware. However, they can link to malicious websites. Always be cautious when scanning unknown QR codes and check the URL before visiting any website.
Static QR codes contain fixed information that cannot be changed once created. Dynamic QR codes redirect to a URL that can be updated, allowing you to change the destination without reprinting the code. Dynamic codes also offer tracking capabilities.