What is a QR Code?

For information about actual QR code creation, read our QR Code Creation and Best Practices web page.

The symbol to the right is called a Quick-Response Code (QR Code).

It is an easy way to load a web page on your phone without typing anything in. It has been popular in Japan for years and is now becoming popular in the US.

Most smartphones and many camera phones can use these symbols. On many phones you will need to install a QR Code Reader application, and some ship with the software already installed.

Free QR Code readers are available for many phones:

• iPhone
  • The most popular program is RedLaser, which can be downloaded for free.
  • For other options, search for "QR Reader" in the App Store.
  • There are plenty of free apps to choose from that work great
• Android
  • Some Android phones already include an app called ZXing
  • If not, search for "QR Reader" in the Android Marketplace
  • There are plenty of free apps to choose from that work great
• Blackberry
  • Search for "QR Reader" in the Blackberry App World
  • There are plenty of free apps to choose from that work great
• Other Phones
  • Check out the detailed list of mobile QR Reader applications. Find your phone's manufacturer on the right-side of the page and it will provide instructions on available software.
  • Phones supported by BeeTagg, a popular reader.

After downloading and running your own QR Reader application, try scanning the QR Code above to test it.

Here is a video featuring a simple demonstation of a QR Code being used with an iPhone.

Further Resources

• QR Code Creation and Best Practices
• Wikipedia's QR Code Information

QR Code is registered trademark of DENSO WAVE INCORPORATED.