Have you seen these?
The QR Code, what in the world is it?
The QR Code is a two dimensional symbol that holds information, like websites and email addresses. It carries information in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal, hence the two-dimensional term. By carrying information in both directions, a QR Code can carry up to several hundred times the amount of data carried by an ordinary bar code.
Even though I’m seeing more and more of these around, I get the feeling that not everybody knows what they are and how to use them. Since we’ve been using them at Insty-Prints I thought it would be a good idea to explain what to do.
- First of all, you need to have a smart phone, that has an auto focus as part of the camera. You will also have to download an application to scan the code. Search your application store on your phone for “QR Code.” You should be able to find one for free.
- Next you will need to find a code to scan. You can even use the one on this page! I have also seen them on product packaging, newspapers and advertisement fliers. Go to your application and follow the directions (usually includes taking a photo of the code). It should automatically send you to the intended location for that code, for example www.instyroch.com.
- That’s it! You will just have to keep trying different codes you run into and see all of the interesting information it tells you. I’m still surprised on what people are doing with these.
We have been using QR Codes on some of our promotional items such as banners and print advertisements. So keep an eye out for ours in the Rochester area!
