The Many Benefits of QR codes
Edited by Spencer Pines
Updated October 12, 2026·5 min read
QR codes are everywhere now. On food packaging, clothing tags, included with toys and games, in stores, restaurants, event spaces, and so much more. But you may be asking yourself, 'why are these little square codes so prevalent now? '
Well, the answer is quite simple, there’s just so many benefits to using and distributing these codes. In this piece I will go over some of the greatest benefits to using QR codes in the modern age, as well as offer some helpful tips on making your own codes and providing answers to frequently asked questions on the topic.
So let’s dive right in!
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What is a QR code?
A QR code is a type of encoded image containing data that can be easily scanned by a smart device, like a phone or a tablet, in order to view the content within. Scanning these codes can allow you to conduct certain tasks as well as access a wide variety of digital content, all will be explained further below.
QR codes were invented in the 1990s by Japanese autoparts manufacturer Denso Wahe, a subsidiary of Hundai, in order to make up for the shortcomings of the traditional UPC barcode. Today, you can find QR codes in just about every field, like in stores, theaters, non profit organizations, offices, and more.
It's incredibly likely that you’ve already encountered one of these square codes in some form today.
QR code benefits
The benefits to using QR codes are numerous, but here are six that I believe are the most noteworthy:
Ease of use
“QR” actually stands for “quick response”, referring to how easy it is to scan these codes and access the data within. Unlike with UPC barcodes, you don’t need to have everything lined up perfectly in order to scan a QR code, as they can be ready from multiple angles.
“QR” actually stands for “quick response”, referring to how easy it is to scan these codes and access the data within. Unlike with UPC barcodes, you don’t need to have everything lined up perfectly in order to scan a QR code, as they can be ready from multiple angles.
QR codes even feature a robust error correction system that allows them to be perfectly readable even with significant damage to the code.
Widely understood
By now, QR codes have been around for multiple decades and the majority of consumers from developed countries are familiar with the technology. Even if someone isn’t familiar with the technology, it’s usually pretty easy to teach them how it works.
By now, QR codes have been around for multiple decades and the majority of consumers from developed countries are familiar with the technology. Even if someone isn’t familiar with the technology, it’s usually pretty easy to teach them how it works.
QR codes are especially popular in Asian countries, like Japan, South Korea, and China. In particular, QR codes are one of the most popular methods of payment in China and the surrounding countries, with local vendors and even homeless people using them to exchange funds.
Some of the world's largest QR codes can be found in China as well.
Multi purpose
A QR code can take you to a digital resource, like a website or social media page, or they can instantly conduct a task, like signing you into a WiFi network or checking into an event. The very first use of QR codes was as a way to better track the shipment of autoparts going overseas, but they’ve expanded to include many different use cases, especially in the internet age.
A QR code can take you to a digital resource, like a website or social media page, or they can instantly conduct a task, like signing you into a WiFi network or checking into an event. The very first use of QR codes was as a way to better track the shipment of autoparts going overseas, but they’ve expanded to include many different use cases, especially in the internet age.
Additionally, QR codes can be used to view online videos, access contact information like phone numbers and email addresses, collection checklists, translations, maps, guides, and so much more.
Customizable
Most commonly, QR codes are black and white squares made up of even smaller squares or dots. However, this can be changed to fit your needs. Brands will often use the colors of their logo to better link the code to themselves and ensure to any potential scanners that the code is legit.
Most commonly, QR codes are black and white squares made up of even smaller squares or dots. However, this can be changed to fit your needs. Brands will often use the colors of their logo to better link the code to themselves and ensure to any potential scanners that the code is legit.
It’s also possible to put a logo or image in the center of the QR code, add a unique border, and even to heavily edit the dots in the code to look more artistic. Here are a few examples of creatively designed QR codes.
Hands free communication
QR codes became especially popular after the COVID 19 pandemic of 2020, and it’s easy to see why. QR codes allow for folks trying to remain socially distant to access things like websites, health notices, contact information, or anything else mentioned above, all without having to be near another person physically.
QR codes became especially popular after the COVID 19 pandemic of 2020, and it’s easy to see why. QR codes allow for folks trying to remain socially distant to access things like websites, health notices, contact information, or anything else mentioned above, all without having to be near another person physically.
Even years after the pandemic, QR codes are still used by the general public to share information, pay for goods, stay in contact with each other, and more.
Trackable
If you create your code through a generator, like QR Code Developer, you can then track and monitor how and where your codes are used. It's possible to view where your codes are scanned in the world, how many times a code has been scanned, at what time it was scanned, and even the type of device it was scanned with.
If you create your code through a generator, like QR Code Developer, you can then track and monitor how and where your codes are used. It's possible to view where your codes are scanned in the world, how many times a code has been scanned, at what time it was scanned, and even the type of device it was scanned with.
Keeping a keen eye on this data can help you know which codes are working, which aren't, and give you a clearer picture of your audience.
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General tips
- Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them.
- Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to.
- Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers.
- Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code.
- Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them.
- Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that.
- Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to hire someone to make my QR codes?
A: No. QR codes can be made by yourself for free through a service like QR Code Developer.
Q: Do I need to download anything to scan QR codes?
A: While QR scanner apps are available for mobile devices, they are not necessary. Most modern smart devices are perfectly capable of scanning codes right from the built-in camera app.
Q: What devices can scan QR codes?
A: Most modern smart devices with both a built-in camera and an internet connection can scan QR codes and access the content within. This includes smart phones, tablets, and even some handheld gaming consoles.
Q: Are QR codes safe?
A: While there are some risks in using QR codes, they are relatively safe.
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