A Guide to Generating QR Codes
If the idea of creating your very own QR code seems a bit mind-boggling, you are not alone! Often times beginners feel overwhelmed with the thought of how to create QR codes. The process, however, is actually quite simple. With the use of QR code generators, also known as QR code makers or QR code creators just about anyone can generate QR codes of their very own for just about any item imaginable. The use of QR code technology can give a huge boost in advertising for both small and large businesses with very little cost.
1. Pinpoint the information that you wish to share.
The use of technology will not have much of an impact if the content is not accurate or useful. Carefully plan out the information that you wish to share with users whom will use the QR code. The information should be related to the object that the finished QR code will be placed.
2. Locate a user-friendly QR code generator website.
There are huge varieties of free QR code generator websites. The best one will depend mostly upon skill level or personal preference. The forms are very easy to understand and complete, even as a first time user. Many of these generators offer the option of linking the QR code to a website, phone number, a text-message or even a picture message.
- Kaywa
- Zxing
- Delivr QR Code Generator
- QR Stuff
- Sparq Code
- QR Code Generator
- Azon Media Code Generator
- Online QR Lab
- Beetagg Generator
- Tagginn Generator
3. Fill in appropriate content and information.
Each of the previously mentioned linking options will automatically open up on a smart-phone after the QR code is scanned on the phone. The type of content link chosen will depend on the information that the creator has decided to share, if it is contact information for a business, text messaging or a phone number may be best. If the QR code is intended to give more information about an object or business, it may be best to link to a website with descriptive content. In instances where QR codes may be used for contests or user-interactive features, the SMS picture message choice may work the best. However, again, this is solely up to the creator based on the direction they wish to take the QR code.
4. Test the QR code.
As with most links, the QR code should be tested to ensure that there are no errors with the code before it is shared with the public. The code would not be very effective with a minor flaw that prevented the QR code from linking to the intended information. A creator can test their code by simply scanning the code on their own smart-phone. If the content that was entered within the QR code generator form appears upon scanning the code, the QR code is ready to begin the process of going public.
5. Save the QR code image on your computer.
Saving the QR code image is just as important as saving any other important file after creation. This will ensure that the QR code will not be lost. Saving the code image also makes the process of inserting the QR code into other files, to prepare for sharing, is much simpler.
6. Share your QR code with the world!
Once the QR code has been created, tested and saved, it is ready to be shared with the public. QR codes can literally be placed on just about anything. They can be placed on t-shirts, hats, dishes, store signs, magazines, business cards; the possibilities are endless. If a logo can be placed on an item, a QR code can also be placed on it. For paper objects, all that is needed is printer and the creator is set to share the code. Other objects may require a special paper photo paper or sticker paper to ensure that the QR code will stick to the item but this kind of paper does not require much extra effort. Most at-home printers handle the use of specialty papers, so all that’s left to do is print the QR code, apply the paper to the object and the QR code is completed!