What is a QR code?
(Definition coutresy of Wikipedia)
A QR Code is a matrix barcode (or two-dimensional code), readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with camera, and smartphones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.
Common in Japan, where it was created by Toyota subsidiary Denso-Wave in 1994, the QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes. QR is the initialism of Quick Response, as the creator intended the code to allow its contents to be decoded at high speed.
Example QR Code
The QR code above links to http://myqr.co/
How to Generate QR Codes
Well, that's what myQR is all about. Head over to the Generate page and you can generate customized QR for free. Plus, if you Sign Up,
you get access to enhanced analytics, API access and more.
How to "Scan" QR Codes
To scan QR Codes, you need a QR scanner App on your mobile device. There are many QR scanners out there, these are just a few of our favorites:
iPhone
QR Scanner (free)
Click here to download from the iTunes Store
Android
Barcode Scanner (free)
- Run the 'Market' App on your Android-powered device.
- Tap the 'Menu' button and select 'Search'.
- Enter 'Barcode Scanner' into the search field.
- Once you've found the 'Barcode Scanner' App, tap it and tap install.
- Follow the onscreen instructions to proceed with the installation.
Nokia
Nokia Barcode Scanner (free)
Some Nokia handsets already have Nokia Barcode Reader installed by the manufacturer. If not, Click here to download it from the Nokia website
Blackberry
Blackberry Messenger (free)
Blackberry Messenger (BBM) can read QR codes and open the web site for you. If you do not already have Blackberry Messenger on your phone, Click here to download it from the Blackberry website.
- Open BBM and then click "Scan a Group Barcode"
- When the image is in focus, BBM will prompt you if you would like it to open the site
Other options for Blackberry include NeoReader and i-nigma (we have not personally tested these - they come recommended by Blackberry users.)
QR Scanners to Avoid
AT&T Code Scanner (free - but with a catch...)
Despite being one of the best looking (and one of the more popular) QR scanners out there, the AT&T code scanner passes EVERYTHING you scan through their website where they are undoubtably collecting data on what is being scanned. We therefore place it in the Evil category - avoid this one unless you want old AT&T to see what you are scanning.
AT&T
Please don't give these guys your data...
Ok, I have an app, now how do I "Scan" these things?
To scan QR Codes, start your QR Scanner App and follow the on-screen instructions. You may see a frame in which to focus the QR code. Align the QR code in this box, and the application will scan and read the QR code data. myQR codes work as URLs. You may have to click or tap the URL to continue to the site which, depending on the type of myQR code, may redirect you to a website, or allow you to download a vCard file.
About myQR
myQR was created to help users generate and track QR codes quickly and easily, without complicated software downloads, and without requiring registration. Our system lets anyone create and track QR codes and place them anywhere - even via an API. There are no limitations, you may use QR codes generated here in any way you like.
When you generate a QR code with myQR, your content is stored on our database, and a QR code is generated that points to a permanent, unique link on the web. This enables us to offer some unique features among other QR generators:
- All myQR codes are uniform in size, regardless of the size or type of content being encoded.
- myQR allows users the option to password-protect sensitive QR code content, such as Contact Information.
- Passing QR scan-through traffic through the web enables powerful analytics and reporting capabilities.
We feel that it is these additional capabilities that make myQR the perfect QR generator. We have more cool features coming soon, but we want to hear from you. What do you think we should add next? Send us your feedback!
FAQs
Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions.
Expand each question to see the FAQ answer for that item.
What is a QR code?
A QR code is a kind of two dimensional bar code, often used with
mobile phones and devices with a camera.
Why do I need one?
You can use QR codes to instantly exchange all sorts
of information with mobile users. For
example, you can share a URL of a website, or
an appliction, or even your contact
information directly to a mobile user.
Why should I use myQR?
myQR was designed to help users generate
small QR codes, and (optionally) protect their
information with a password. No other QR Code
generator combines the features of a URL
shortener with a QR Code generator in quite the
same way we do.
I have generated a QR code with myQR. What can I do with it?
Share it! Here are a few ideas of ways you can get your QR code out there:
- Print decals. Stick your Contact QR code to the back of your phone to share your vCard with others, instantly.
- Include them on your business card. We even have a minimal business card with nothing but the QR code itself! So trendy!
- Customize your social website backgrounds. Add your website's QR code to your Twitter profile for extra nerd bonus points!
- Add them to your mobile phone's gallery app - others can share your QR codes right from your mobile phone display!.
Is my information safe with myQR?
We're not in the business to spam anyone.
Under no circumstances myQR will not sell or
distribute your personal information to
anyone. That's the short version - check out
our Privacy Policy for more details.
That said, QR Codes generated
here are visible to the public - unless
protected with a password. So if you are
sharing something private, please make use of
this feature.
Can myQR Codes be modified or deleted?
No. We believe that changing or deleting links on the web is a bad thing.
404 pages, "page has been deleted" errors, and so on are the bane of the internet.
We will only remove links if compelled to do so for legal or safety reasons.
If you feel that your case meets these criteria, please contact us to have your case reviewed.
Does myQR support EZCodes, Aztec Codes, or UPC Codes?
No. We are strong believers in open source technologies. While these other formats are somewhat open, there are certain
advantages and disadvantages for each. The adoption of QR codes is accelerating rapidly for commercial and social purposes -
while these other technologies have remained relatively static in their niche.
Some advantages of QR codes over these technologies are:
- A strong, active open-source community - many active 3rd party development projects and libraries are available
- The use of the QR Code technology is free of any license.
- The QR Code is clearly defined and published as ISO standard
- Denso Wave owns the patent rights on QR Code, but has chosen not to exercise them. [citation]
- QR codes are not tied to any central point of control
- Content may be placed directly within the QR code, or it may be referenced through another mechanism (such as myQR.)
It is our belief that a strong community and ecosystem depends on open standards and a format free from control by any one company or individual. QR codes are may be centralized or decentralized - depending on the application and its purpose. It is unlikely that we will be able to support these other technologies without being limited by these restrictions.
Your Privacy Matters to Us
myQR is committed to protecting your privacy. We only use the information we collect about you to create and track QR codes.
What information do we collect? How do we use it?
When you create a QR code using myQR, we collect and store that data for the purpose of retrieval by your friends and contacts. We also collect information about your IP address to track QR code impressions and usage. This information is not shared with anyone - it is only displayed (to you) on the "Track" page.
Some features, such as the "Contact" QR codes request information about you, your address, phone number, etc. This information is only shared with persons with whom you share the QR code with. If privacy is a concern, please make use of the "Password" feature on these pages.
How does myQR protect customer information?
Data security is a primary concern for myQR. We make use of various industry standard security practices to secure and harden our servers against data theft.
What about "cookies"?
"Cookies" are small pieces of information that are stored by your browser on your computer's hard drive. myQR makes use of cookies to store references to QR codes created by anonymous users to power our "Tracking" features. The information stored refers to IDs of QR codes, not the content of the QR code itself.
Will myQR disclose the information it collects to outside parties?
myQR does not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to others. myQR may provide aggregate statistics about our customers, sales, traffic patterns, and related site information to reputable third-party vendors, but these statistics will not include personally identifying information.
myQR may release account information when we believe, in good faith, that such release is reasonably necessary to (i) comply with law, (ii) enforce or apply the terms of any of our user agreements or (iii) protect the rights, property or safety of myQR, our users, or others.
In Summary...
myQR is committed to protecting your privacy. We use the information we collect on the site to make generation and consumption of QR codes simple for all of our users. We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to others.
Your Consent
By using our Web site, you consent to the collection and use of this information by Blue Mango, LLC. If we decide to change our privacy policy, we will post those changes on this page so that you are always aware of what information we collect, how we use it, and under what circumstances we disclose it.
myQR also provides links to affiliated sites. The privacy policies of these linked sites are the responsibility of the linked site and myQR has no control or influence over their policies. Please check the policies of each site you visit for specific information. myQR cannot be held liable for damage or misdoings of other sites linked or otherwise.
Questions and Feedback
If you have any questions or feedback related to our Privacy Policy, Contact Us
