Over the past few decades, QR codes have become one of the most applied inventory tracking tools. They were first developed in 1994 to keep track of vehicles during the car manufacturing process in Japan. Ever since, their use has expanded to nearly every industry, no matter how big or small.
If your business requires a lot of daily QR code scanning, but you still haven’t developed your QR management system, this guide is for you. You’ll learn how to use online QR code generators and find a list of some of the most popular solutions.
- What Is a QR Code and How to Use One
- Best Websites for Generating QR Codes Online
- Devices for QR Code Scanning
- Contact Us
What Is a QR Code and How to Use One?
A QR code stands for Quick Response code and is a two-dimensional barcode. Its primary purpose is to store text, website addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and similar types of information. Most brands use QR codes for seamless information delivery to users or worker’s smartphones. Also, many warehouse, logistics, and similar sectors rely on QR codes for inventory tracking and identification.
How to Create a QR Code?
Creating a QR code is a relatively straightforward process that involves seven easy steps:
1. Choose a QR Generator
With tons of accessible and free options out there, you’ll have an easy time choosing one. Most QR generators today offer full compatibility across devices, so you won’t have to worry about the code not working on your handhelds.
Depending on your needs, you may want to choose a QR generator that includes QR performance tracking and analysis. Also, you may need a code that will fit your brand logo.
2. Choose the Content-Type
Usually, you can choose between various content types, including a URL, vCard, text, email, PDF, images, and more.
3. Enter the Data
After selecting the type of content to promote, most online generators will ask you to enter the information you wish to store on the code.
4. Download a Dynamic QR Code
Some sites will ask you to choose between a static and a dynamic QR code. The latter makes it possible to edit information on your code after printing. This is essential if you plan on upgrading the code or maybe removing some data.
Qr Code Generator, for example, lets you create and print dynamic QR codes with its free membership.
5. Customize the QR Code
This step may be one of the most fun parts, depending on the purpose of the QR code you’re generating. Maybe you’re using it for inventory management purposes, in which case, the standard design will do. If your main goal is to promote brand awareness or attract customers, you may want to customize the code to match your website’s design or company logo.
This part mainly involves changing colors, adding a logo, social media options, and so on.
6. Test the Code
Always make sure to check whether the QR code reads well on all devices. If you’re using a handheld device in the warehouse, make sure to run a test before launching it across the site.
7. Analyze QR Code Performance
This step is optional, and it’s primarily useful in marketing campaigns. You can track the levels of traffic change after launching the QR code or see if people are actually scanning it.
Best Websites for Generating QR Codes Online
Due to huge demand, there are dozens of websites offering free QR-generating services out there. We’ve handpicked a list of the top eight solutions to satisfy every business’s needs.
1. QR-Code-Generator
QR Code Generator lets you generate QR codes for various destinations, including Twitter, Facebook, Bitcoin, and MP3. It has an intuitive interface guiding you through the whole process. Its recent upgrade includes QR code customization options that let you design the shape and color. You can also add your brand logo.
The website lets you add a frame with a call-to-action such as “Scan me” to urge people to do so. This is a handy feature for businesses focusing on building brand awareness or enterprises whose primary goal is to have workers scan QR codes with useful work-related information.
2. The QRCode Generator
The QR Code Generator is one of the simplest online QR generators. There are five different content types: free text, URL, contact, phone, and SMS. The offer is a bit limited compared to other solutions, but it has all the essential features most users need.
If you’re looking to change the QR content after printing or get access to statistics, you can sign in with your Google account and convert the static code to a dynamic one. Overall, this is a relatively straightforward solution that gets the job done fast.
3. QR Code Monkey
QR Code Monkey is a flexible online QR generator that lets you include logos, images, and other designs for free. There is a pro version that enables you to track which QR code receives the most scans, where most of your traffic comes from, and more.
With this software, you can create QR codes for more than 20 category types that are rarely offered by most competitors. You can also upload MP3s, PDFs, or other files you wish to add to your code. Besides choosing the pixel quality, you can download your QR code in SVG, PDF, or EPS file format.
4. GOQR
GoQR.me is an online tool that lets you generate free QR codes. You can choose a black-and-white version or create a colored solution. All you need to do is enter the text, URL, SMS, or vCard information, and the software will generate the QR code automatically.
You can download the file in EPS, SVG, PNG, GIF, or JPEG format, or embed it on your website by copying the code under the “Embed” option. The website allows using QR codes for commercial use so that you can print them out on leaflets, posters, or other products at no additional cost.
If you plan on using dynamic QR codes for essential projects, you may want to consider their QR-server management solution.
5. Unitag
Unitag is another free online QR generator that lets users design unique, customizable QR codes. Similar to the QR-Code-Generator, it has a simple, minimalistic interface. You can choose between nine content types, including web, business cards, text, SMS, geolocation, calendar, wireless network, and phone.
A great thing about Unitag is that it has tons of customization options, including templates, colors, logos, eyes, and more. If you’re looking for a batch QR code creation or analytics reports, you may want to consider their premium plans.
6. Qfuse QR
The Qfuse QR is a powerful tool that serves as a QR code creator with additional management and tracking tools. By using these services, you get comprehensive analytics and reporting to help streamline your business’s workflow.
The software also includes dynamic QR codes, social media sharing, vCards, photos, videos, GPS, fundraising, and other content types. Depending on your needs, you can also track who scanned the codes, what pages they viewed, and what buttons they clicked on.
Qfuse QR premium plans start from $5 and go up to $50 per month. You have the ability to get a unique partner and enterprise plan, but you need to request a quote for it first.
7. Scanova
Scanova is a full-service QR code generator that lets you create mobile-friendly landing pages, capture users’ contact info, and customize your QR code appearance. It also allows the use of API to integrate QR code generation into your mobile app or information system.
The software also creates QR code batches, has a particular ticket generator to make event tickets, and much more. If you’re mainly looking for boosting customer engagement and operations, it’s worth considering Scanova.
Their pricing depends on the range of QR codes you wish to create and starts from $15 for five QR codes per month up to $100 for the unlimited number of codes.
8. Tec-it
Tec-it is an excellent solution for all barcode generators, including QR. You can download the code or copy its HTML version to embed it into your email or web page easily. They also offer various barcode creation software for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS operating systems.
Their free online QR generator is suitable mainly for personal use, and you can customize the colors, set the quiet zone unit, size, and more. Just as with other free online tools, the QR code is ready for immediate download.
Devices for QR Code Scanning
Many handheld devices, including regular smartphones, are optimized for scanning QR codes. Depending on your needs, you will have to choose if you want to go with a more or less sophisticated solution.
Honeywell CT60
The Honeywell Dolphin CT60 is a small, handheld mobile computer that packs a punch, technology-wise. With 32GB of Flash memory, and an operating system that runs on Android, this may just be the fastest way to log data for your business. The CT60 has advanced scanning capabilities, and its integrated 1D/2D scanner can input data from over 6ft away.
This is a sleek, simple device with a fantastic battery life, and is rugged for every kind of environment.
Getac T800
The Getac T800 is a rugged tablet, among one of the best in the market. Getac is known for its rugged devices, and their software systems, and the T800 is one of their best. With an 8.1-inch screen, and at just 0.94 inches thick, the T800 is both hi-res and thin!
The tablet has an optional 1D/2D barcode scanner addition, as well as the technology to support it. It can run on 4G LTE WiFi, making it useful in a vast number of business applications.
Contact Us
QR codes are a handy way of linking real-world products to the internet. Thanks to their incredible ease of use and accessibility, more and more enterprises have started using QR codes to help streamline day-to-day workflow operations and processes. Hopefully, after reading today’s guide, you can start generating your own QR codes and revolutionize your business for good.
Looking for more information on mobile scanning devices? Reach out to Energy Electronics to find a device that best suits your business needs.
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