Invented by Denso Wave Inc. in 1994, quick-response (QR) codes are a form of two-dimensional bar codes that contain digital data. When scanned with a smartphone, they can display information stored online. QR codes make communication more effective by connecting the real world with the virtual world. You can create your own QR code with a smartphone in very simple steps and then use them in advertising campaigns, use QR-Codes for Non-Profit Organizations , to engage your team or office staff and many other uses.
Before you start using the QR codes, you need to find a code generator so that you can encode the information. We have reviewed one below.
Please note: we have provided a selection of different tools but there are many others available that provide equal level of best usage.
QR Code Generator by Kerem Erkan
This QR code generator is written in PHP and is a web application. This means that you do not have to download anything. You can simply use the input text boxes on the page to enter the information that you want to be coded. You can also select a code action on this page. The codes created using this tool are excellent. You do not have to worry about even checking these codes. Thousands of people are generating codes using this easy-to-use tool.
Pros:
• Easy to use
• Allows you to create different code actions from a drop down list
• It is a web application. You do not have to download anything at all.
• Different error correction levels
• Generator gives the output in a format of your choice. The available formats are PNG, SVG, PDF and EPS.
• Also offers a phone app to decode the codes
Cons: None to speak of but…
• Generator does not have its own domain
• Cannot be accessed from the external websites
NB: The developer has recently updated saying that he will be moving the generator to a dedicated domain and will be adding the API to make it accessible from external websites. This will be an even better service. Also don’t forget to check our Kerem’s new development the Qrafter that enables Safari users to open vCards. Genius.
Final Verdict:
If you really need a simple and easy to use generator, this is the tool for you. It does the job quickly and without any downloads and installations.
Also worth trying:
QR Code generator by Mobile-Barcodes.com
If you want to encode something quickly without needing many options, then this generator will do the job and very quickly. However, it is not as feature-packed as the other ones. This is well worth looking at as well.
QR Code Readers
You will need a QR code reader to read the codes. These simple applications can be installed on most Smart phones. Once installed, you can scan any QR code image to decode the information that it contains.
i-nigma Reader
The i-nigma reader is easy to download and use. The good thing about this reader is that it can be installed on almost any phone with a camera. You will find a long list of supported mobile phones to choose on the website.
Pros:
• Supports more mobile phone models than any other code reader
• Quickest scan on the market
• It is the most widely used barcode reader around the world
• The reader has a simple interface and everyone can use it without having to learn anything
• Two-step operation i.e. scan and read
• You can download it directly on your mobile phone using the mobile version of the website
Cons:
• Nothing major identified as a negative with this nifty barcode reader but the re-direct is sometimes somewhat slow.
NeoReader
NeoReader is another excellent option. It is easy to use and requires just a click to get started. You can use this reader to scan images from anywhere. It is instant and works like a charm. It is a universal barcode reader that means it will read any codes that falls under standard code type. The standard code types are QR codes, Data Matrix, Aztec, EAN, Code 128 and UPC.
Pros:
• Supports many Smart phones
• Very quick re-direct
• Simple interface
Cons:
• Can sometimes be slow at reading codes
Also worth considering:
Kaywa Reader
This handy code reader also supports Java, Windows and Symbian phones. It is simple to use and provides enough features to link anything within a QR code. Kaywa also provide a good Generator.
Don’t forget that there are hundreds of ways of using QR-Codes, like using QR-Codes for estate agents marketing property to producing dynamic business cards.
You say that these are the ‘best’ QR code readers. Can you tell us how many you have tried to come to that opinion?
Hi Steve,
Thank you for commenting. We have tried a selection of various tools but our findings are not based on long-term scientific research so we understand why you asked and have included this in the post.
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[...] these codes is not difficult. You only need a camera phone with a QR code reader installed (see Top Tools for QR Codes: review of the best QR-Code Generators and Readers for details more details). The QR-Code readers can be installed on any phone running Java, iOS, [...]
[...] Top Tools for QR Codes: review of the best QR-Code Generators and Readers [...]
[...] Top Tools for QR Codes: review of the best QR-Code Generators and Readers [...]
[...] Top Tools for QR Codes: review of the best QR-Code Generators and Readers [...]
[...] Top Tools for QR Codes: review of the best QR-Code Generators and Readers [...]
Great list. I created a subject guide for my library where I have these and other QR code generators/readers:
http://guides.boisestate.edu/qrcodes
Bit.ly is the one QR code generator I use consistently for their simple analytics, something I hope Kerem develops soon
[...] Top Tools for QR Codes: review of the best QR-Code Generators and Readers [...]
Try also QR generator(decoding, tracking, API) at http://qrcode.good-survey.com/
What is the best way to store contact information in a QR code?…
You are likely to get a lot of responses to this question from various businesses. Simple solution: use a free generator (like Kerem Erkans own) to create it, see this link for suggestions for excellent QR-Code Generators: http://www.squarecode.biz/201...
[...] to http://keremerkan.net/qr-code-and-2d-code-generator. There are many other generators available. You will create a code that, when read, will give your clients a promotional message, such as a [...]
[...] Best Tools for QR Codes for specifics about very good [...]
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[...] can use QR Codes without a license fee as they can be freely created by an online QR Code generator. The QR Code is a registered trademark of Denso Wave Japan but the company does not claim rights [...]
[...] became extended to the public where they became an extremely popular marketing tool as they can be decoded by a range of online QR Code readers. QR Codes can help increase a company’s profits if used [...]
[...] Best Tools for QR Codes for specifics about very good [...]
[...] QR Codes Readers have many strengths and weaknesses depending on which device they are being used on, which reader is installed and the variety of functions they are designed to offer. For example, the GoQR.com Reader sends URLs, text, email, calls a phone no. and downloads vCard info as some of its functions but Kaywa can do all except the last one. Qrafter, praised for its quickness also understands vCard QR Codes besides plain text, links etc. Some Readers will send you directly to a scanner through toggle settings whereas others will ask for permission or click on a link before doing so. So there is a variety of QR Code Readers available online, however many stumble when they are fitted into a device where they are not perfectly compatible. Filed Under: Reviews and Showcase Tagged With: apps, mobile scanning, News, QR Code App, QR Code Reader, qr-code, qr-code news [...]
[...] currently use static QR Codes, these are those you can create by yourself using freely available QR Code generators. These static Codes will only display one website or one message on the users’ mobile phone. [...]
What are some of the best QR code generators?…
What is exciting is that new ways of developing the use of QR Codes has emerged which enables the owner of the product or ad to control what is shown an when the message is displayed. The SQUARE:CODE Generator create the Code which has 30% error correc…
[...] Visit SQUARE:CODE for suggestions about good free QR COde Generators. You will create a code that, when read, will give your customers with a promotional message, like a voucher code in your business or eshop. [...]