What Is the Safest Way to Create a QR Code?
by Michelle Lawrence | Last Updated: Sep 23, 2023
Quick response (QR) Codes appear on TV screens, the back of cereal boxes, and restaurant tables. They are black-and-white squares that contain links that are activated when scanned. Restaurants use them to display menus. Manufacturers use them to display product information.
Since 2020, QR Codes have become an integral part of marketing campaigns. They offer engagement opportunities that improve the customer experience. They can be quickly deployed and easily scanned with a smartphone. With 86 percent of the world's population owning smartphones, QR Codes can quickly extend a brand's reach.
Manufacturers can use QR Codes to offer troubleshooting advice or send invitations to customer appreciation events. Marketing can use the codes for product launches, and service can create QR Codes for product registration. Before incorporating QR Codes into a digital strategy, manufacturing should look at how a code is created.
How to Create a QR Code for a Link?
QR Codes are a type of barcode. Like barcodes, they have data embedded in black-and-white pixels. Unlike barcodes, QR Codes are two-dimensional squares that can contain more than 4,000 alphanumeric characters. Scanning the code activates the encoded instructions that can display coupons, download an application, or connect to a WiFi network. The uses are limitless once you know how to create QR Codes.
Before building your first QR Code, you'll need to consider the following:
Types of QR Codes
QR Codes are categorized according to function. There are codes for sending emails, displaying product information, or registering for an event. The following are examples of QR Code types:
URL - Embed URLs to connect users to your website.
Images - Use QR codes to display images or play videos.
Directions - Connect to an online map such as Google Maps for directions.
PDF - QR Codes let users connect to product information or troubleshooting instructions.
Landing Pages - Have QR Codes connect to a landing page that can redirect the user to other websites.
The types of QR Codes continue to grow as manufacturers find more ways to engage their customers.
Static vs. Dynamic
QR Codes are static or dynamic. Static Codes embed the data in the black-and-white squares. Dynamic QR Codes contain instructions that activate when scanned, such as connecting to Wi-Fi or registering a product.
Static - These QR Codes are not reusable. They work well in situations where a one-to-one correlation is needed, such as inventory management or patient tracking. Static QR Codes are often data-heavy, which increases the scan time.
Dynamic - Because these QR Codes can be edited, they are reusable. They also include monitoring capabilities for data capture and analysis. Dynamic QR Codes typically contain less data than static ones and are faster to scan.
Free vs. Paid
Generating QR Codes requires a QR Code generator. Free web-based generators are available online; however, most free generators only support static codes. Fee-based generators provide a more comprehensive application that includes static and dynamic code generation.
Standard vs. Branded
Standard QR Codes are black-and-white squares with four clearly defined corners. Branded codes may use different colors, shapes, and sizes to reflect their brand; however, branded codes may not be as easily scanned. For example, scanners need contrasting colors for an accurate read and identifiable coordinates to know where the data is positioned.
QR Code Generation Basics
Once you decide on the type and design of your code, you'll need to pick a QR Code generator. Although the precise process may vary, QR Code generators follow the same process.
Log in to your account.
Select the type of QR Code.
Enter the requested data.
Customize the QR Codes if that’s available on the platform and align with your goals.
Download the QR Code.
QR Code generators may share similar processes, but you'll need to consider security, readability, and long-term viability of the generated codes when selecting the best generator for your needs.
What Is the Risk of a Free QR Code?
When weighing the cost of a QR Code, be sure to consider the following:
Most free generators only support static codes. If there's an error, a new code must be generated.
Tracking is not available. You won't receive valuable customer data to help refine marketing, product, or sales strategies.
There may be use limitations. Some sites may restrict the number of codes or limit the number of end-user scans.
Bulk generation is not offered. If you need to create multiple codes for a restricted event, you will need to create them one at a time.
Readability could be a concern. Before using a free QR Code generator, be sure to research the quality of the code. If others have had issues with scanning a code, you may want to look elsewhere.
Deciding on a free QR Code generator depends on your business needs. If maintaining a consistent and frictionless customer experience is important, a fee-based solution may provide the support you need.
What Is the Safest Way to Create a QR Code?
The safest QR Code generator comes from a source you trust. Depending on how a code is used, it may fall under regulatory requirements or industry compliance standards. Not every supplier can create compliant QR Codes.
Although QR Codes are relatively safe, they are vulnerable during code generation. Using an unreliable site could open the door for bad actors to embed instructions that route users to a malicious site or download malware. Manufacturers need to ensure their QR Codes are safe by using the best QR Code generator available.
What Is the Best Site to Create a QR Code?
The best QR Code generator is the one that best meets your needs. It creates a QR Code that fits seamlessly into your digital strategy and provides the crucial data that manufacturers need for sustained growth.
Lumavate has the best QR Code generator for manufacturing. Each digital product experience has a QR Code tied to it, making it easy for customers to scan and engage with the content. Data from these codes can feed into the company's Product Information Management (PIM), Digital Asset Management (DAM), and Digital Experience Platform (DXP) solution.
Start Creating QR Codes Tied to Digital Experiences Today
With an integrated solution, manufacturers can maximize their investment in digital technology. Sign up for a free trial to see for yourself.