You've seen them everywhere: on posters, in restaurants, on product packaging, and in marketing materials. But what exactly is a QR code, and how does it work?

What Does "QR" Stand For?

QR stands for Quick Response. As the name suggests, QR codes are designed to be read quickly by a scanning device, like your smartphone's camera.

How It Works

A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode. Unlike a traditional barcode that stores information horizontally, a QR code stores information in both horizontal and vertical patterns of black and white squares. This allows it to hold significantly more data.

When you scan a QR code with your phone, the camera and a QR reader app (often built into the camera app itself) interpret these patterns. The patterns are decoded into a string of text, a URL, contact information, or other data, which then prompts an action on your device, such as:

• Opening a website
• Connecting to a Wi-Fi network
• Showing text
• Displaying a map location
• Creating a pre-addressed email or SMS

Ready to Make Your Own?

Now that you know what what QR codes are, why not try making one yourself? Head over to our QR Code Generator to create your own QR code for free!