QR Codes, clever stuff!

Good afternoon!

You may have heard of QR codes as they've been around for a while. When they were first put into use, you could expect to see a QR code on a router label from a courier. But now, thanks to to the rapid way in which technology moves forward, QR codes are easy to generate and put to use yourself. The peeps here at Goodprint HQ have only recently noticed the full potiential of these codes as they're becoming more recognised in a business capacity. If you've not discovered them yet, then you might find this as interesting as we did.

Quick Response codes are 2 dimensional, square barcodes. They are designed to be scanned by intelligent QR code readers, which as suggested by the name, very rapidly scan the code and deliver to you the information that they hold. Sounds expensive doesn't it? Well if you've got a smartphone, then the chances are good that you can pick up a free app that will do the job.

Okay so there's the snazzy technical bit out of the way, and now for the really good bit. When we read about this technology initially, we didn't realise that the codes were easy to generate for your own use. When you read about barcodes and scanners, you might associate them with more industrial uses rather than ones that you can use to wow your friends, promote your business or use how you wish.

Here's a little guide that you might like to follow if you've got a few spare minutes to try this out. It's good fun and if you can think of interesting ways to use this great technology, then you'll enjoy it more.

1. Firstly, you're going to need a code scanner. This is a very easy step that you can complete by downloading 'I-nigma', one of the many QR reader apps for your smartphone. The reason we suggest this particular app is that it has a very large range of compatibility. Once you've downloaded the reader (it's free, by the way!) then you're ready to generate your QR code.

2. Visit a website which is capable of QR code generation. Some websites will allow you to download the QR code generator but to try them, you may just want to use one online. We've been using http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator which works excellently.

3. Alter the options listed there to suit your needs. If you wish for someone to scan your code and be taken straight to your website, then click the drop down and select an option. You can link to loads of things such as your phone number, your email address or your social networking site. We recommend using a URL to test with.

4. Select code size. Doesn't sound too important but logically, the larger the code, the more likely that the camera on your phone will be able to read it. We recently tested some QR codes here but they were too small to be seen with some of our older iPhones. However, retesting with the better camera of the iPhone 3GS was a success, so as they say, size IS important!

5. Check your information is correct and then click Generate QR code. Your code will appear on the right and you'll have the option to download a .png or .pdf. Alternatively, if you're just testing this code, then you can just scan the image on screen to save time.

6. Open your I-Nigma app, find 'scan code' and frame your QR code on screen. If everything has worked correctly, your code should take you to your URL, very quickly.

Here's one to take you to our Twitter page;

These are a great thing to include on your business card. We frequently see them on cards ordered here at Goodprint, so they're obviously working. Just make sure they're nice and big!

Just thought we'd share that with you! We'd love to know what you think, and even know if anyone has got any really unique ways of using it.

Have fun QR'ing!

Nick