How to create perfect QR codes

Source: print24 blog

How to create perfect QR codes [Expert Interview]
13.06.12, 12:02

Learn from the experts and win!
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Recently we saw a steep increase in QR codes printed on material going through our presses. Combined with the heavy media coverage QR codes received as part of the mobile shift we were curious to see how the community thinks about the tiny squares and simply asked them on Facebook.

The results were really interesting and we decided to feature them here together with an expert interview and the exclusive chance to win a custom QR design, complete with mobile landing page, worth around §1,300!!!
Here’s what the people say

That a whopping 62% already used QR codes is the fact that ultimately made us team up with the experts over at CustomQRCodes.com to give you the best advise possible on QR codes. So, for you we put them to the question about how to create QR codes and what to consider.

Read to the end for your chance to win a professionally designed custom QR code including a mobile landing page.
Here’s what the expert Patsy O’Connor has to say about QR Codes

print24: What is a QR-code?

Patsy: QR is the abbreviation for Quick Response. A QR Code is a 2D (two dimensional) barcode on steroids which was initially developed by Denso Wave corporation in Japan and was initially used for the automative industry in 1994. QR Codes have been popular in Japan for many years but have exploded in the USA and Europe in recent years.

print24: Why should I use QR-codes?

Patsy: The QR codes are a bridge between the print media and online media. QR Codes can be a fantastic way of promoting your business and provide a fast and easy way of people getting to the relevant information quickly. For example if you are an estate agent and on your sign boards you add a QR Code, people can scan the code and within a few seconds view the floor plans or the pictures of the property. Allowing folks to download vouchers or coupons is another great usage of the codes.

print24: What does a QR-Code consists of?

Patsy: These funky little black codes are made up of square dots in a square shape normally on a white background. A QR Code is capable of handling dozens to hundreds of times more information than a standard bar code. The elements themselves within the QR Codes are made up of finder pattern, separators, timing pattern, alignment patterns, format information, data, error correction and remainder bits.

print24: Is it possible to create a QR-Code with a splash of colour?

Patsy: Yes it is possible to create a QR Code with a splash of color. Some generators actually support this including the following:

* azonmobile.com
* beqrious.com

You can even change the shapes of the QR Code itself to give it an extra twist of life!

print24: How flexible are QR-Codes? Is it possible to convert my own logo into a QR-Code?

Patsy: QR Codes are pretty flexible and as they have a 30% error correction ratio you can twist and bend them a little. Yes, it is possible to convert your logo into a QR Code. Custom QR Codes are pretty popular these days and a lot of brands are now opting for these more colorful options which provide a higher scan rate based on statistics. A skilled graphics designer can achieve this. Check out customqrcodes.com for some funky example of what we are doing with the codes.

print24: What is the minimum size of a QR-Code?

Patsy: It depends on the scenario but a QR Code should normally be from half an inch upwards for plain scanning. For print it is advisable that a QR Code should be from 0.8 inches to 1 inch. For custom QR Codes it is recommended that the sizing be from 1 inch upwards.

print24: How can QR-Codes be read? Any examples of good QR readers?

Patsy: QR Codes can be read with a QR Code scanner app which can be downloaded from any of the app stores. In our opinion there are good scanners and bad scanners and some of the ones that we know work great and others are not so good! The following are our favorites for the major platforms:

* iOS – QRafter
* Android – I-nigma, Quickmark
* Windows mobile – Scanlife , I-nigma
* Symbian – BeeTagg
* Bada – BeeTagg

When you scan a printed QR Code, make sure the code is well lit and the smart phone is pointing directly at the code, not at a sharp angle.

print24: What do i have to bear in mind when printing QR-Codes?

Patsy: When printing QR Codes, it’s best to follow these 6 rules:

1. Avoid printing on too glossy surfaces – the reflection on it will worsen the readability of the code.
2. The smallest recommended size for non customized QR Code is 0.5″-0.8″, for customized – above 1.0″–1.3″.
3. Always print the code on a white or very light colored background.
4. When you order a customized QR Code, specify the color of the background you will be printing it on, if other than white.
5. If you decide to change the colors of the code yourself, always test it because colors and their shades are crucial for the readability of the code.
6. Try not to print the code on a too curvy surface because its shape will get distorted, so it’s best to use it on flat surfaces where possible.

We also advise to print first a test copy of the materials containing the code, test the code if it scans and if it works without any issues, then print the whole amount of materials.
print24 editorial note: For large volume prints or products like broschures, magazines, etc we recommend ordering a paper proof where you can test the functionality of your code.

print24: Patsy, thank you for sharing this useful advise with our community! We all see that there’s a lot to consider when creating and printing QR codes for a successful campaign.
Win a custom QR code design!

However, that isn’t all the people of CustomQRCodes.com share with you! They also offer you a custom QR code design, complete with a mobile optimized landing page worth a whopping $1300 for your next QR campaign.

To win this awesome package for free simply tell us in the comments about your plans for using QR codes in the future.

* Will you put it on your business card?
* Do you link some digital information to your physical product?
* Are you about to launch a full-blown mobile campaign with QR codes?

CustomQRCodes.com and our marketing team will sift through your ideas in the comments section to determine the lucky winner of the custom QR code design and landing page.
It’s time to hit the comments section until June 20!

Rules of the competition: You enter the competition by writing your answer to the question stated above in the comments section of this article by June 20, 2012 at 11:59 pm GMT. Out of all eligible entries in the comments section of this article print24 and CustomQRCodes.com will select one winner. Entrants must be 18 years or older and supply a valid Email address in the comments form. The prize is a free custom designed QR code and a static mobile landing page (1 page) with basic content with a value of $1300, provided by CustomQRCodes.com, Ney York, United United States. Sponsor of the competition is print24 Online on demand Limited, London, United Kingdom. Your information will only be used for the administration and completion of the competition and never be sold or given to a third party, except to CustomQRCodes for the sole purpose of contacting the winner. print24 and CustomQRCodes reserve the right to use provided comments (never your Email address) for promotional purposes on their web properties, which includes presences on third party services such as Facebook or Twitter.