Table of contents
- What is a QR code and how does it work
- How to read a QR code
- How to create a QR code
- Custom QR Codes: branding and creativity
- Areas of application of the QR code
- QR Code security: what to know
- How to integrate a QR code into your website
Born in Japan in the 90s to optimize the traceability of components in the automotive sector, the QR code has now become an integral part of our digital daily life.
From digital menus to concert tickets, from payments to online promotions, this two-dimensional barcode allows immediate access to complex information quickly and easily.
In this article we will discover what a QR code is, how it works, how to read it, how to create a personalized QR code using a free QR code generator, and its numerous practical uses on websites, business cards, mobile applications and much more.
What is a QR code and how does it work
The QR code (short for Quick Response code ) is an evolution of the classic barcode. Its black and white square structure contains data that can be read by a QR code scanner or any smartphone camera equipped with specific features or apps such as those available on the Play Store.
The main difference compared to traditional barcodes is the ability to contain much more data, such as:
- URL of a web page
- Phone number
- Email or text
- Geographic coordinates
- Wi-Fi Credentials
- Information for digital payments
A QR code can be static or dynamic. The static one is not editable, while the dynamic one allows you to change the content (e.g. URL) even after it has been generated, which is especially useful for marketing.
How to read a QR code
To read a QR code. On almost all modern smartphones, you simply open the camera and frame it: a notification will open the link or information contained therein.
Alternatively, you can use a QR code scanner app downloadable from the Play Store or App Store, such as:
- QR Code Reader
- QR & Barcode Scanner
These applications also allow you to read QR codes saved as images, for example in PNG or SVG format, that you may have received via email or downloaded from a website.
How to create a QR code
Creating a QR code is an operation that anyone can do, even for free. Just use an online QR code generator. Among the most reliable sites we point out:
- QR Code Monkey
- QR Code Generator
- GoQR.me
Here’s how to create a QR code in just a few steps:
- Go to a free QR code generator
- Enter the content (e.g. your website URL, phone number, text message, Play Store link, etc.)
- Choose the export format ( PNG, SVG, PDF)
- (Optional) Customize the design with colors, logo and shapes
- After you have done everything click on generate QR or create QR codes
- You can download the file to use it immediately
These tools create ready-to-use QR codes, also suitable for printing on business cards, packaging, brochures, billboards and much more.
Custom QR Codes: branding and creativity
A custom QR code increases your chances of engagement. Many generators offer options to create a QR code with your logo, brand colors, frames, and internal form shapes. This is especially useful for businesses and professionals who want to integrate the QR code into their visual identity .
Practical examples:
- Adding your company logo to the center of the QR code
- Brand colors instead of black and white
- Creative forms of modules (dots, diamonds, circles)
This approach is ideal for business cards, product packaging, point-of-sale signage, or interactive event content.
Areas of application of the QR code
The QR code can be used in many contexts, including:
Websites and marketing
Website page allows users to easily save or share content. In marketing campaigns, QR codes are used to:
- Promotions and discounts
- Access to exclusive content
- Event Registrations
- Newsletter subscription
Business cards
Business cards with QR code allow you to:
- Save a phone number with just one tap
- Visit the online portfolio
- Connect to company social media
- Open office location in Google Maps
Education and training
Many schools and universities use QR codes to:
- Share teaching documents
- Quick access to educational platforms
- Attendance control
Events and ticketing
A QR code can contain information about:
- Digital Tickets
- Access to a location
- Self check-in
Payments and fintech
In contactless payment systems, the QR code replaces physical cards for:
- Paying in stores
- Instant Donations
- Peer-to-peer transfers
QR Code security: what to know
Although they are convenient tools, QR codes can be vectors of quishing (a particular form of phishing), especially when they lead to fraudulent web pages. Some precautions:
- Check the URL before clicking
- QR code scanner app with security filter
- Do not scan codes found on the street or posted on unofficial flyers
Some QR generators also offer trackable scans, so you can see how many times your code has been read and from where.
How to integrate a QR code into your website
Embedding a QR code into a web page can provide cross-device interaction. A practical example:
<img src="https://api.qrserver.com/v1/create-qr-code/?data=https://iltuosito.it&size=150x150" alt="QR Code">You can also generate it dynamically on the backend in PHP or Node.js, or use JavaScript libraries like:
- QRCode.js
- kjua
This feature is useful for newsletters, e-commerce and product sheets.
To conclude
The QR code is today a versatile, immediate and powerful tool. With just a few clicks you can create a personalized QR code, you can download it in various formats such as PNG or SVG, print it on business cards or integrate it into websites to improve the user experience and conversion.
Knowing how to read the QR code, how it works and how to generate it allows you to fully exploit it for personal, business or educational needs. And this is just the beginning: with the evolution of IoT and mobile technologies, the potential is destined to expand more and more.
Questions and answers
- What is a QR code?
It is a two-dimensional barcode that allows rapid access to digital information via smartphone. - How to read a QR code?
Frame the code with your phone’s camera or use a QR code scanner app. - Where can I create a free QR code?
On sites like QRCode Monkey, QR Code Generator and GoQR.me. - Can I customize a QR code?
Yes, with colors, logos and shapes other than the classic black and white. - What data can I include in a QR code?
URLs, texts, phone numbers, emails, geolocations, Wi-Fi, links to Play Store. - Is it safe to use QR codes?
Yes, if created and read by reliable sources. Beware of unknown codes. - Do QR codes expire?
Static ones don’t, dynamic ones may have limitations if you use free platforms. - Can I embed a QR code into my website?
Yes, via HTML, JS libraries or API services. - Can I use a QR code on business cards?
Sure, it’s a great tool for sharing contacts and professional profiles. - What formats can I use to download a QR code?
The most common are PNG, SVG and PDF.
