What is a QR Code?

A QR Code is a square barcode. It is simply a graphical representation of data. A QR Code reader app lets you scan the QR Code using the built-in camera of your mobile phone, captures the data and lets you do various things according to the type of data. For example, a QR Code encoded with URL data can open a web/mobile page, image, YouTube video, or other online content. A QR Code encoded with text data can display text. A QR Code encoded with contact data can add a person's contact info to an address book. A QR Code encoded with a street address or longitude/latitude coordinates can display a location on Google Map. And so on...

Anyone can make and use QR Codes for personal and business purposes. It is a free and open technology. Try making your own QR Codes using this free tool or at QRickit.com. Test them using your own mobile device and then copy / download / print them to share and use in creative ways.

* Most modern smartphones have a built-in QR Code reader. Just open your camera app and point it at the QR Code to scan.