You’ve probably heard of QR codes. If you haven’t you should know QR (Quick Response) code is a specific matrix/2D barcode which usually consist of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background (colors can vary though). The information encoded can be text, URL or other data, and is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera phones.
You can make a QR code to link to your website, your email address or something else. There are quite a few mobile apps that can read QR codes, as well as some other codes. One of the most popular apps is ScanLife, which comes preloaded with a number of devices and is also available for multiple platforms, including Android, BlackBerry, iOS, Palm OS, Symbian and Windows Mobile.
Ok everyone knows to scan codes, but how do you actually make them? It’s actually pretty easy, too. Popular URL shortener Bit.ly automatically creates QR codes for every URL. In order to see it, simply add “.qr” at the end of your shortened URL.
Google’s own URL shortener, goo.gl, can also do the job – you can see the QR created for every URL from the stats page for that particular URL. Moreover, it also allows anyone to easily embed a QR code in a web page. In order to do it, simply load this image (with <img> tag) on your web page:
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=100×100&choe=UTF-8&chld=H|0&chl=http://intomobile.com
- 100×100 – dimensions of the code, and
- http://intomobile.com – URL of the web page (where user will be redirected upon scanning the code).
In addition, ScanLife has its own service for making and managing QR codes and corresponding marketing campaigns. Then there’s ma.rs as well as many other services.
For personal use and *really* quick QR creation you can use a browser extension. I’ve found QR-Code Tag Extension and Instant Goo.gl URL Shortener + QR Code in the Chrome Store and I’m sure there are similar add-ons available for other (than Chrome) browsers.
Final test – try scanning the code on the left and see if takes you to IntoMobile.com. 😉