What Is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data — usually a URL — that any smartphone camera can read in under a second. No app required on modern phones.
What can a QR code link to?
A QR code can encode any of the following:
Static QR codes vs. dynamic QR codes
- ·Free — no account required
- ·Destination encoded permanently
- ·Cannot be changed after creation
- ·No scan tracking
- ·Best for: one-time use, personal projects
- ·From $9/month or $150 lifetime
- ·Destination can be changed anytime
- ·Edit without reprinting
- ·Full scan analytics included
- ·Best for: print materials, businesses
How to scan a QR code
- 1Open your Camera appOn iPhone (iOS 11+) and most Android phones, the built-in Camera reads QR codes. No separate app needed.
- 2Point at the QR codeHold the camera so the QR code fills the frame. Keep steady and ensure good lighting.
- 3Tap the notificationYour phone shows a banner or popup. Tap it to open the link or perform the action.
Common questions
What does QR stand for?
QR stands for 'Quick Response'. The name reflects the code's design goal: to be scanned quickly by a camera and decoded instantly.
Who invented the QR code?
The QR code was invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary. It was originally designed to track automotive parts during manufacturing.
How much data can a QR code hold?
A QR code can hold up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 7,089 numeric digits, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. In practice, most QR codes used for marketing encode short URLs (20–50 characters).
What is the difference between a static and dynamic QR code?
A static QR code permanently encodes the URL or data — it cannot be changed after generation. A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL; the destination can be changed at any time without reprinting the code. Dynamic codes also track scan analytics.
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes never expire — the data is encoded permanently in the pattern. Dynamic QR codes depend on the service: Dynamic QR dynamic codes never expire as long as your account is active.
Can QR codes be scanned from a phone screen?
Yes — QR codes scan just as reliably from a screen as from a printout, as long as the screen is bright and the code is large enough (minimum ~200px on screen).