What is a QR Code?

February 26, 2025

QR codes mean Quick Response Codes. They are two-dimensional barcodes storing information in a pixelated square pattern. Scanning a QR code on a smartphone or other mobile device will take the user right to the information tied to that QR code, whether it's a link, app icon, menu item, or RSVP form.
QR codes are usually black and white, although many people customise them with colours and designs so that brands can use them everywhere. Whether customising colors (brand colors), logo placement, or an incredible shape, these options make the QR code directly associated with your brand.
But it is not only about how it looks; QR codes have become a potent engagement tool with many applications. You can drive your customers to timed offers, make them your social media followers, or give them instant access to crucial information that makes for a fast and intuitive experience, boosting customer engagement.

The Magic Revealed: How QR Codes Work

Quick Response (QR codes) are two-dimensional barcodes that pack information into a small, scan-able representation. They are unique because they can contain much more data than standard barcodes and are usually almost immediate to access.
Scanning a QR code with your smartphone or using a QR code reader to replicate the information in the code on your device will allow you to use it. This information can be a link, ready text, phone number, or even a payment request for checkout. QR codes are magic because of their elegant yet practical design and operation.

From Design to Function: The QR Code Structure Explained

A QR code is a black-and-white grid arrangement of squares that make up the recognizable design we are all familiar with. To the uninitiated, this will appear like some squares are just randomly scattered around the other squares; each plays its role in determining how good this code is.
The significant elements in a QR code include:

Data Cells:

• The little black boxes in which information is stored.

Position Markers:

• The three larger squares at the corners of the QR code help scanners determine the code's orientation.

Quiet Zone:

• The blank space around the QR code helps the scanner easily differentiate the code from its background.

Finder Pattern:

• The square markers that help the scanner quickly locate the code.

The scanner reads the pattern, decodes it, and interprets the data contained in the QR code, making it quick and efficient for accessing information.

What You Should Know: Static and Dynamic QR Codes

Among other QR codes, static and dynamic codes are popular classifications. The differences between them relate to how they handle data.

Static QR Codes:

• The static ones should be able to be saved for later, so they're not editable. That encoding lies in those specific codes is persistent, meaning you need a fresh QR code to change the content.

Dynamic QR Code:

• Dynamic QR codes are more actionable because they mean you can change the content even post-generation. They tend to collect little data for a bounce to a more significant page, as slight as a link. Dynamic QR codes are something you can see, as they will be traceable, and you can update them immediately.

Business entities usually want dynamic QR codes to ensure better control and flexibility in tracking scans, including the chance to alter the destination without issuing new codes.

Modern Business Strategies: The Power of QR Codes

Today, every business relies on QR codes for seamless, innovative customer engagement. From marketing to payment processing and customer service, QR codes revolutionize how companies communicate with consumers.

There are many things businesses can do with QR codes:

Marketing Campaigns:

• Easily create QR code ads, posters, and brochures to allow customers instant access to special offers or product details.

E-commerce & Payments:

• Recently, businesses have widely embraced QR codes as a new digital payment method. Customers could use them to pay for an item or transfer money with a quick scan of the code.

QR code payment:

• Event Ticketing QR codes solved all the boredom related to event tickets, with the receiver receiving a ticket digitally and scanning at the door.

Customer Reviews:

• You can put QR codes on a receipt, package, or anywhere to make customers answer a survey or leave a review.

QR codes act as frictionless entry points into digital content, turning a consumer experience into an interactive one.

Scanning and Accessing QR Code Information in a Simple Way

Scanning and getting a hold of QR code information is very simple; it is user-friendly for all technical backgrounds. So, here is how it works:

Open a QR Code Scanner:

If your device doesn't have an inbuilt scanner, you can get one from the app store. Many smartphones even have a QR code scanner integrated into their camera apps.

Scan the Code:

Hold your device's camera towards the QR code. The camera should automatically detect the code and present you with the information decoded within.

Nick the Information:

Once scanned, the QR code sends you to a web page, shows product details, or sends you a message. All you need to do is follow the prompt that comes up.

This quick, direct way of getting information has made QR codes incredibly popular and fruitful in many industries.