What Is a QR Code?
A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a grid of black and white squares. It can be scanned with a smartphone camera to instantly access URLs, contact details, text and more.
How a QR Code works
When you scan a QR Code, your camera captures the pattern of squares. The decoding software interprets the pattern and extracts the stored data — a URL, phone number, text or other content. The data is then displayed or acted upon.
Parts of a QR Code
A QR Code has three finder patterns (the large squares in the corners), timing patterns, alignment patterns and data modules. The finder patterns help the scanner orient the code correctly, even at an angle.
Static vs dynamic
A static QR Code stores data directly in the pattern — it can't be changed. A dynamic QR Code stores a short URL that redirects to the actual content, so you can update the destination without changing the printed code.
How much data can a QR Code hold?
A standard QR Code can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric digits. For URLs and most use cases, this is more than enough.