QR code

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The QR code system was invented in 1994, at the Denso Wave automotive products company, in Japan.{{Cite web|title=QRコード開発｜テクノロジー｜デンソーウェーブ|trans-title=QR code development|url=https://www.denso-wave.com/ja/technology/vol1.html|access-date=2021-10-26|website=Denso Wave|language=ja|archive-date=26 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211026134836/https://www.denso-wave.com/ja/technology/vol1.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/2072031/|title=2D Barcodes|date=2020-03-26|publisher=NHK World-Japan|access-date=7 April 2020|archive-date=7 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200407181035/https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/ondemand/video/2072031/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|date=2021-11-09|title=From Japanese Auto Parts to Ubiquity: A Look at the History of QR Codes|work=Mainichi Daily News|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211109/p2a/00m/0bu/024000c|access-date=2021-11-11|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111014403/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20211109/p2a/00m/0bu/024000c|url-status=live}} The initial alternating-square design presented by the team of researchers, headed by Masahiro Hara, was influenced by the black counters and the white counters played on a Go board;{{cite web|url=https://www.nippon.com/en/news/fnn20191214001/the-little-known-story-of-the-birth-of-the-qr-code.html|title=The Little-Known Story of the Birth of the QR Code|date=2020-02-10|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200304140056/https://www.nippon.com/en/news/fnn20191214001/the-little-known-story-of-the-birth-of-the-qr-code.html|archive-date=2020-03-04}} the pattern of the position detection markers was determined by finding the least-used sequence of alternating black-white areas on printed matter, which was found to be (1:1:3:1:1).{{cite web|url=https://www.qrcode.com/en/history/|title=History of QR Code|access-date=2023-04-30|website=Denso Wave}} The functional purpose of the QR code system was to facilitate keeping track of the types and numbers of automobile parts, by replacing individually-scanned bar-code labels on each box of auto parts with a single label that contained the data of each label. The quadrangular configuration of the QR code system consolidated the data of the various bar-code labels with Kanji, Kana, and alphanumeric codes printed onto a single label.{{cite book |title=Handbook of Augmented Reality |first=Borko |last=Furht |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=fG8JUdrScsYC&q=Handbook%20of%20Augmented%20Reality&pg=PA341 |page=341 |publisher=Springer |year=2011 |isbn=9781461400646 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221020446/https://books.google.com/books?id=fG8JUdrScsYC&lpg=PP1&dq=Handbook%20of%20Augmented%20Reality&pg=PA341 |archive-date=21 December 2016}}

File:How QR codes are created.jpg.]]

During June 2011, 14 million American mobile users scanned a QR code or a barcode. Some 58% of those users scanned a QR or barcode from their homes, while 39% scanned from retail stores; 53% of the 14 million users were men between the ages of 18 and 34.{{cite web|url=http://www.internetretailing.net/2011/08/14m-americans-scanned-qr-and-bar-codes-with-their-mobiles-in-june-2011/|title=14m Americans scanned QR and bar codes with their mobiles in June 2011|date=16 August 2011|access-date=27 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405065521/http://internetretailing.net/2011/08/14m-americans-scanned-qr-and-bar-codes-with-their-mobiles-in-june-2011/|archive-date=5 April 2016|url-status=dead}}

In 2022, 89 million people in the United States scanned a QR code using their mobile devices, up by 26 percent compared to 2020. The majority of QR code users used them to make payments or to access product and menu information.{{Cite web |title=Mobile QR scanner usage in the U.S. 2025 |url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/1297768/us-smartphone-users-qr-scanner/ |access-date=2023-12-24 |website=Statista}}

In September 2020, a survey found that 18.8 percent of consumers in the United States and the United Kingdom strongly agreed that they had noticed an increase in QR code use since the then-active COVID-19-related restrictions had begun several months prior.{{cite web|url=https://www.statista.com/statistics/199328/qr-code-scanners-by-age/|title=U.S. and UK increase of QR code use 2020|date=6 July 2021|access-date=13 August 2021|archive-date=14 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210814001532/https://www.statista.com/statistics/199328/qr-code-scanners-by-age/|url-status=live}}

{{as of|2024|post=,}} QR codes are used in a much broader context, including both commercial tracking applications and convenience-oriented applications aimed at mobile phone users (termed mobile tagging). QR codes may be used to display text to the user, to open a webpage on the user's device, to add a vCard contact to the user's device, to open a Uniform Resource Identifier (URI), to connect to a wireless network, or to compose an email or text message. There are a great many QR code generators available as software or as online tools that are either free or require a paid subscription.{{cite web |url=http://www.dummies.com/business/marketing/social-media-marketing/how-to-use-the-top-qr-code-generators/ |title=How to Use the Top QR Code Generators |website=Dummies.com |first=Joe |last=Waters |access-date=5 June 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911162047/http://www.dummies.com/business/marketing/social-media-marketing/how-to-use-the-top-qr-code-generators/ |archive-date=11 September 2017}} The QR code has become one of the most-used types of two-dimensional code.{{cite web |url=http://www.qrcode.com/en/about/ |title=QR Code—About 2D Code |publisher=Denso-Wave |access-date=27 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605013533/http://www.qrcode.com/en//about/ |archive-date=5 June 2016}}

File:QR Code Structure Example 3.svg

Several standards cover the encoding of data as QR codes:{{cite web |url=http://www.qrcode.com/en/about/standards.html |title=QR Code Standardization |publisher=Denso-Wave |work=QR Code.com |access-date=23 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160510190940/http://www.qrcode.com/en/about/standards.html |archive-date=10 May 2016}}

• October 1997{{spaced ndash}}AIM (Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility) International{{cite web |url=https://aimglobal.site-ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?id=2590968 |title=ISS QR Code{{pipe}}AIM Store: Historical Archive |publisher=Aimglobal.org |access-date=26 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808081523/https://aimglobal.site-ym.com/store/ViewProduct.aspx?id=2590968 |archive-date=8 August 2016}}
• January 1999{{spaced ndash}}JIS X 0510
• June 2000{{spaced ndash}}ISO/IEC 18004:2000 Information technology{{spaced ndash}}Automatic identification and data capture techniques{{spaced ndash}}Bar code symbology{{spaced ndash}}QR code (now withdrawn)
  Defines QR code models 1 and 2 symbols.
• 1 September 2006{{spaced ndash}}ISO/IEC 18004:2006 Information technology{{spaced ndash}}Automatic identification and data capture techniques{{spaced ndash}}QR Code 2005 bar code symbology specification (now withdrawn){{Cite web|url=https://www.iso.org/standard/43655.html|title=ISO/IEC 18004:2006 - Information technology {{spaced ndash}} Automatic identification and data capture techniques {{spaced ndash}} QR Code 2005 bar code symbology specification|website=www.iso.org|date=5 February 2009 |access-date=2017-03-07|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170308044347/https://www.iso.org/standard/43655.html|archive-date=8 March 2017}}
  Defines QR code 2005 symbols, an extension of QR code model 2. Does not specify how to read QR code model 1 symbols, or require this for compliance.
• 1 February 2015{{spaced ndash}}ISO/IEC 18004:2015 Information{{spaced ndash}}Automatic identification and data capture techniques{{spaced ndash}}QR Code barcode symbology specification (now withdrawn)
  Renames the QR Code 2005 symbol to QR Code and adds clarification to some procedures and minor corrections. It was withdrawn and updated to 18004:2024 in August 2024, which optimizes encoding efficiency, improves error correction, and refines structured append functionality.{{cite web |title=ISO/IEC 18004:2024 |url=https://www.iso.org/standard/83389.html |publisher=International Organization for Standardization |access-date=1 April 2025}}
• May 2022{{spaced ndash}}ISO/IEC 23941:2022 Information technology{{spaced ndash}}Automatic identification and data capture techniques{{spaced ndash}}Rectangular Micro QR Code (rMQR) bar code symbology specification{{cite web |url=https://www.iso.org/standard/77404.html |title=ISO/IEC 23941:2022 Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — Rectangular Micro QR Code (rMQR) bar code symbology specification |publisher=ISO |access-date=3 January 2023 |archive-date=3 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103071540/https://www.iso.org/standard/77404.html |url-status=live}}
  Defines the requirements for Micro QR Code.
• August 2024 – ISO/IEC 18004:2024 Information technology — Automatic identification and data capture techniques — QR code bar code symbology specification

At the application layer, there is some variation between most of the implementations. Japan's NTT DoCoMo has established de facto standards for the encoding of URLs, contact information, and several other data types.{{cite web|url=https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/service/developer/make/content/barcode/function/application/index.html|title=Synchronization with Native Applications|publisher=NTT DoCoMo|access-date=26 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160806042046/https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/service/developer/make/content/barcode/function/application/index.html|archive-date=6 August 2016}} The open-source "ZXing" project maintains a list of QR code data types.{{cite web|url=https://github.com/zxing/zxing/wiki/Barcode-Contents|title=Barcode contents|author=Sean Owen|website=GitHub|date=17 January 2014|access-date=26 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215201205/https://github.com/zxing/zxing/wiki/Barcode-Contents|archive-date=15 February 2016}}

File:Japan-qr-code-billboard.jpg

QR codes have become common in consumer advertising. Typically, a smartphone is used as a QR code scanner, displaying the code and converting it to some useful form (such as a standard URL for a website, thereby obviating the need for a user to type it into a Web browser).

QR codes have become a focus of advertising strategy to provide a way to access a brand's website more quickly than by manually entering a URL.{{cite web|url=http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/software-technology/11930.html|title=Starbucks promotes coffee blend via QR codes|url-status=live|date=23 January 2012|author=Rimma Kats|access-date=26 May 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603190211/http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/software-technology/11930.html|archive-date=3 June 2016}}{{cite news |author=Jenny Lee |date=4 January 2012 |title=Tesco's cool QR code advertising campaign |url=https://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/tescos-cool-qr-code-advertising-campaign |url-access=subscription |url-status=unfit |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603022242/http://vancouversun.com/news/staff-blogs/tescos-cool-qr-code-advertising-campaign |archive-date=3 June 2016 |access-date=26 May 2016 |newspaper=Vancouversun}} Beyond mere convenience to the consumer, the importance of this capability is the belief that it increases the conversion rate: the chance that contact with the advertisement will convert to a sale. It coaxes interested prospects further down the conversion funnel with little delay or effort, bringing the viewer to the advertiser's website immediately, whereas a longer and more targeted sales pitch may lose the viewer's interest.

Although initially used to track parts in vehicle manufacturing, QR codes are used over a much wider range of applications. These include commercial tracking, warehouse stock control, entertainment and transport ticketing, product and loyalty marketing, and in-store product labeling.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}} Examples of marketing include where a company's discounted and percent discount can be captured using a QR code decoder that is a mobile app, or storing a company's information such as address and related information alongside its alpha-numeric text data as can be seen in telephone directory yellow pages.{{Citation needed|date=March 2023}}

They can also be used to store personal information for organizations. An example of this is the Philippines National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) where NBI clearances now come with a QR code. Many of these applications target mobile-phone users (via mobile tagging). Users may receive text, add a vCard contact to their device, open a URL, or compose an e-mail or text message after scanning QR codes. They can generate and print their own QR codes for others to scan and use by visiting one of several pay or free QR code-generating sites or apps. Google had an API, now deprecated, to generate QR codes,{{cite web |date=26 May 2015 |title=Getting Started with Infographics (deprecated) |url=https://google-developers.appspot.com/chart/infographics/docs/overview |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629232058/https://google-developers.appspot.com/chart/infographics/docs/overview |archive-date=29 June 2016 |access-date=27 May 2016 |website=google-developers.appspot.com}} and apps for scanning QR codes can be found on nearly all smartphone devices.{{cite web | url=http://www.708media.com/qrcode/qr-code-readers-iphone-android-blackberry-windows-phone-7/ | title=QR Code Readers for iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows Phone 7 | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110825233859/http://www.708media.com/qrcode/qr-code-readers-iphone-android-blackberry-windows-phone-7/ | archive-date=25 August 2011| date=2010-12-07}}

File:Z80-Tianjin -Beijing.jpg

QR codes storing addresses and URLs may appear in magazines, on signs, on buses, on business cards, or on almost any object about which users might want information. Users with a camera phone equipped with the correct reader application can scan the image of the QR code to display text and contact information, connect to a wireless network, or open a web page in the phone's browser. This act of linking from physical world objects is termed hardlinking or object hyperlinking. QR codes also may be linked to a location to track where a code has been scanned. Either the application that scans the QR code retrieves the geo information by using GPS and cell tower triangulation (aGPS) or the URL encoded in the QR code itself is associated with a location. In 2008, a Japanese stonemason announced plans to engrave QR codes on gravestones, allowing visitors to view information about the deceased, and family members to keep track of visits.{{cite news | url=https://www.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/japanese-graves/ | title=Japanese Gravestones Memorialize the Dead With QR Codes | publisher=Wired | date=2008-03-23 | access-date=2013-05-08 | author=Novak, Asami | url-status=live | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130215103156/http://www.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/japanese-graves | archive-date=15 February 2013}} Psychologist Richard Wiseman was one of the first authors to include QR codes in a book, in Paranormality: Why We See What Isn't There (2011).{{cite web|author=Skepticality|url=http://www.skepticality.com/paranormality/|title=Paranormality|publisher=Skepticality.com|date=5 July 2011|access-date=27 June 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703204012/http://www.skepticality.com/paranormality/|archive-date=3 July 2015}}{{Failed verification|date=June 2017}} Microsoft Office and LibreOffice have a functionality to insert QR code into documents.{{cite web |url=https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/field-codes-displaybarcode-6d81eade-762d-4b44-ae81-f9d3d9e07be3 |title=Field codes: DisplayBarcode |website=Microsoft Support |access-date=22 April 2023}}{{cite web |url=https://wiki.documentfoundation.org/ReleaseNotes/6.4 |title=LibreOffice 6.4: Release Notes |website=The Document Foundation Wiki |access-date=22 April 2023}}

QR codes have been incorporated into currency. In June 2011, The Royal Dutch Mint (Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt) issued the world's first official coin with a QR code to celebrate the centenary of its current building and premises. The coin can be scanned by a smartphone and originally linked to a special website with content about the historical event and design of the coin.{{cite web |url=http://www.knm.nl/Herdenkingsmunt-met-QR-code-volop-in-het-nieuws/nl/news/206/?NieuwsGroepID=1&NWSY=2011&NWSM=6 |language=nl |title=Herdenkingsmunt met QR code volop in het nieuws! |trans-title=Commemorative QR code in the news! |website=Koninklijke Nederlandse Munt |date=21 June 2011 |access-date=27 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160629104956/http://www.knm.nl/Herdenkingsmunt-met-QR-code-volop-in-het-nieuws/nl/news/206/?NieuwsGroepID=1&NWSY=2011&NWSM=6 |archive-date=29 June 2016}} In 2014, the Central Bank of Nigeria issued a 100-naira banknote to commemorate its centennial, the first banknote to incorporate a QR code in its design. When scanned with an internet-enabled mobile device, the code goes to a website that tells the centenary story of Nigeria.{{cite web|url=http://sites.visualead.me/ngp_new/|title=New ₦100 Commemorative Centenary Celebration|access-date=10 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150908142629/http://sites.visualead.me/ngp_new/|archive-date=8 September 2015}}

In 2015, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation issued a 100-rubles note to commemorate the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation.{{Cite web |date=December 23, 2015 |title=Russia Marks Crimea Annexation With A Banknote Rapidly Losing Value |url=https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/12/23/460831232/russia-marks-crimea-annexation-with-a-banknote-rapidly-losing-value |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223201150/https://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2015/12/23/460831232/russia-marks-crimea-annexation-with-a-banknote-rapidly-losing-value |archive-date=December 23, 2015 |access-date=June 20, 2024 |website=NPR}} It contains a QR code into its design, and when scanned with an internet-enabled mobile device, the code goes to a website that details the historical and technical background of the commemorative note. In 2017, the Bank of Ghana issued a 5-cedis banknote to commemorate 60 years of central banking in Ghana. It contains a QR code in its design which, when scanned with an internet-enabled mobile device, goes to the official Bank of Ghana website.

Credit card functionality is under development. In September 2016, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) launched the eponymously named BharatQR, a common QR code jointly developed by all the four major card payment companies – National Payments Corporation of India that runs RuPay cards along with Mastercard, Visa, and American Express. It will also have the capability of accepting payments on the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) platform.{{Cite web|url=http://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/with-indiaqr-launch-retail-payments-to-get-digital-edge/57158555|title=With IndiaQR launch, retail payments to get digital edge - ET Retail|last=www.ETRetail.com|website=ETRetail.com|access-date=2017-02-15|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215063349/http://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/e-commerce/e-tailing/with-indiaqr-launch-retail-payments-to-get-digital-edge/57158555|archive-date=15 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}{{Cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indiaqr-to-debut-on-feb-20/articleshow/57154107.cms|title=IndiaQR to debut on Feb 20|newspaper=The Times of India|access-date=2017-02-15|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216133710/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/indiaqr-to-debut-on-feb-20/articleshow/57154107.cms|archive-date=16 February 2017|df=dmy-all}}

QR codes are used in some augmented reality systems to determine the positions of objects in 3-dimensional space.

QR codes can be used on various mobile device operating systems. While initially requiring the installation and use of third-party apps, both Android and iOS (since iOS 11{{Cite web |title=Apple hid a QR Code scanner in iOS 11 — here's how to use it |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/how-to-use-ios-11s-hidden-qr-code-reader/ |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=CNET}}{{Cite web |last=Lopez |first=Napier |date=2017-06-07 |title=iOS 11 makes QR codes cool again |url=https://thenextweb.com/news/ios-11-makes-qr-codes-cool |access-date=2024-10-01 |website=TNW {{!}} Apple}}) devices can now natively scan QR codes, without requiring an external app to be used.{{Cite web |url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-scan-a-qr-code/ |title=How to Scan a QR Code |last=Lacoma |first=Tyler |date=2018-10-03 |website=Digital Trends |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190422191127/https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/how-to-scan-a-qr-code/ |archive-date=2019-04-22 |access-date=2019-05-28}} The camera app can scan and display the kind of QR code along with the link. These devices support URL redirection, which allows QR codes to send metadata to existing applications on the device.

QR codes have been used to establish "virtual stores", where a gallery of product information and QR codes is presented to the customer, e.g. on a train station wall. The customers scan the QR codes, and the products are delivered to their homes. This use started in South Korea,{{cite web|url=http://www.shop2mobi.com/blog/tesco-qr-code-virtual-store/|title=Tesco QR Code Virtual Store|date=14 April 2012|access-date=26 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160525160651/http://www.shop2mobi.com/blog/tesco-qr-code-virtual-store/|archive-date=25 May 2016}} and Argentina,{{cite news|url=http://www.ieco.clarin.com/empresas/Marketing-futurista-comprar-camara-celular_0_555544518.html|title=Marketing futurista: ya se puede comprar con la cámara del celular|language=es|trans-title=Futuristic marketing: it's already possible to purchase with a cellphone's camera|date=16 September 2011|author=Sebastián Campanario|newspaper=Clarin.com |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110923160016/http://www.ieco.clarin.com/empresas/Marketing-futurista-comprar-camara-celular_0_555544518.html|archive-date=23 September 2011}} but is currently expanding globally.{{cite web|url=http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-11-phone-friendly-codes-ads.html|title=Marketers scatter phone-friendly codes across ads|date=11 November 2010|access-date=26 May 2016|archive-date=12 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112193212/https://phys.org/news/2010-11-phone-friendly-codes-ads.html|url-status=live}} Walmart, Procter & Gamble and Woolworths have already adopted the Virtual Store concept.{{cite web|url=http://www.shop2mobi.com/blog/virtual-qr-code-store-examples/|title=Top 10 QR Code Store examples|date=14 April 2012|access-date=26 May 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606021802/http://www.shop2mobi.com/blog/virtual-qr-code-store-examples|archive-date=6 June 2016}}

{{main|QR code payment}}

QR codes can be used to store bank account information or credit card information, or they can be specifically designed to work with particular payment provider applications. There are several trial applications of QR code payments across the world.{{cite web |url=http://mashable.com/2011/10/12/scvngr-levelup-redo/ |title=SCVNGR Unveils QR Code Payment System |website=Mashable |date=12 October 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121208114335/http://mashable.com/2011/10/12/scvngr-levelup-redo/ |archive-date=8 December 2012}}{{cite news |url=http://gigaom.com/2012/01/26/mastercard-starts-piloting-qkr-mobile-payment-app/ |title=MasterCard starts piloting QkR mobile payment app |newspaper=Gigaom |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108210253/http://gigaom.com/2012/01/26/mastercard-starts-piloting-qkr-mobile-payment-app/ |archive-date=8 January 2014|date=2012-01-26 |last1=Kim |first1=Ryan }} In developing countries including China,{{Cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/alipay-wechat-pay-china-mobile-payments-street-vendors-musicians-2018-5|title=One photo shows that China is already in a cashless future|last=Jacobs|first=Harrison|website=Business Insider|access-date=2019-10-14|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505225750/https://www.businessinsider.com/alipay-wechat-pay-china-mobile-payments-street-vendors-musicians-2018-5|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/16/business/china-cash-smartphone-payments.html|title=In Urban China, Cash Is Rapidly Becoming Obsolete|last=Mozur|first=Paul|date=2017-07-16|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-10-14|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=21 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021234322/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/07/16/business/china-cash-smartphone-payments.html|url-status=live}} India{{Cite web|title=Paying With Your Mobile Wallet To Get Simpler With Interoperable QR Codes|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/personal-finance/paying-with-your-mobile-wallet-to-get-simpler-with-interoperable-qr-codes-6026991.html|access-date=2020-12-22|website=Moneycontrol|date=28 October 2020 |archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101054850/https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/personal-finance/paying-with-your-mobile-wallet-to-get-simpler-with-interoperable-qr-codes-6026991.html|url-status=live}} QR code payment is a very popular and convenient method of making payments. Since Alipay designed a QR code payment method in 2011,{{Cite web|title=A Hangzhou Story: The Development of China's Mobile Payment Revolution|url=https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/case-studies/a-hangzhou-story.pdf?sfvrsn=2bb6690a_2|access-date=23 June 2020|archive-date=26 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200626064851/https://lkyspp.nus.edu.sg/docs/default-source/case-studies/a-hangzhou-story.pdf?sfvrsn=2bb6690a_2|url-status=live}} mobile payment has been quickly adopted in China. As of 2018, around 83% of all payments were made via mobile payment.{{Cite web|title=Payment methods in China: How China became a mobile-first nation|url=https://daxueconsulting.com/payment-methods-in-china/|access-date=2020-06-23|website=daxueconsulting.com|archive-date=29 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200629103810/https://daxueconsulting.com/payment-methods-in-china/|url-status=live}}

In November 2012, QR code payments were deployed on a larger scale in the Czech Republic when an open format for payment information exchange – a Short Payment Descriptor – was introduced and endorsed by the Czech Banking Association as the official local solution for QR payments.{{cite web |url=https://www.czech-ba.cz/aktivity/standardy/format-pro-sdileni-platebnich-udaju-v-czk-qr-kody |language=cs |title=Standard - Formát pro sdílení platebních údajů v rámci tuzemského platebního styku v CZK prostřednictvím QR kódů |trans-title=Standard No. 26: Format for exchanging payment information for domestic payments in CZK using QR codes |publisher=Czech Banking Association |date=November 2012 |access-date=27 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603184757/https://www.czech-ba.cz/aktivity/standardy/format-pro-sdileni-platebnich-udaju-v-czk-qr-kody |archive-date=3 June 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://cbaonline.cz/format-pro-sdileni-platebnich-udaju-v-czk-qr-kody|language=cs|title=Formát pro sdílení platebních údajů v CZK - QR kódy|trans-title=Format for exchanging payment information in CZK - QR codes|publisher=Czech Banking Association|date=August 2015|access-date=2020-02-17|df=ymd-all|archive-date=16 February 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200216234856/https://cbaonline.cz/format-pro-sdileni-platebnich-udaju-v-czk-qr-kody|url-status=live}} In 2013, the European Payment Council provided guidelines for the EPC QR code enabling SCT initiation within the Eurozone.

In 2017, Singapore created a task force including government agencies such as the Monetary Authority of Singapore and Infocomm Media Development Authority to spearhead a system for e-payments using standardized QR code specifications. These specific dimensions are specialized for Singapore.{{Cite web |last=IMDA |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Annex A – Fact sheet on Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR) |url=https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/Imda/Files/About/Media-Releases/2018/Annex-A--Singapore-Quick-Response-Code-SGQR.pdf |access-date=10 November 2022 |archive-date=5 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205182456/https://www.imda.gov.sg/-/media/Imda/Files/About/Media-Releases/2018/Annex-A--Singapore-Quick-Response-Code-SGQR.pdf |url-status=live}}

The e-payment system, Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR), essentially merges various QR codes into one label that can be used by both parties in the payment system. This allows for various banking apps to facilitate payments between multiple customers and a merchant that displays a single QR code. The SGQR scheme is co-owned by MAS and IMDA.{{Cite web |last=Monetary Authority of Singapore |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Singapore Quick Response Code (SGQR) |url=https://www.mas.gov.sg/development/e-payments/sgqr |access-date=10 November 2022 |archive-date=26 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220726112709/https://www.mas.gov.sg/development/e-payments/sgqr |url-status=live}} A single SDQR label contains e-payments and combines multiple payment options. People making purchases can scan the code and see which payment options the merchant accepts.

QR codes can be used to log into websites: a QR code is shown on the login page on a computer screen, and when a registered user scans it with a verified smartphone, they will automatically be logged in. Authentication is performed by the smartphone, which contacts the server. Google deployed such a login scheme in 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/google-testing-login-authentication-via-qr-codes/10105 |title=Google testing login authentication via QR codes|first=Ryan|last=Naraine|date=17 January 2012|website=ZDNet |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130615073011/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/security/google-testing-login-authentication-via-qr-codes/10105 |archive-date=15 June 2013}}

There is a system whereby a QR code can be displayed on a device such as a smartphone and used as an admission ticket.{{cite web|title=【公式】チケットの使い方 東京ディズニーリゾート|url=https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/ticket/usage.html|language=ja|access-date=20 October 2022|archive-date=20 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020051932/https://www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/ticket/usage.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=ダイレクトイン（QRコード）の使い方｜USJ WEBチケットストア |url=https://www.usj.co.jp/ticket/guide/use.html |website=USJ |language=ja |access-date=20 October 2022 |archive-date=20 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020052009/https://www.usj.co.jp/ticket/guide/use.html |url-status=live}} Its use is common for J1 League and Nippon Professional Baseball tickets in Japan.{{cite web |title=QRチケットレス入場について |url=https://www.sanfrecce.co.jp/tickets/qrcode |website=サンフレッチェ広島 オフィシャルサイト |language=ja}}{{cite web |title=スマートスタジアム |url=https://www.rakuteneagles.jp/special/qrticket/ |website=東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルス |language=ja |access-date=20 October 2022 |archive-date=20 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020053037/https://www.rakuteneagles.jp/special/qrticket/ |url-status=live}} In some cases, rights can be transferred via the Internet. In Latvia, QR codes can be scanned in Riga public transport to validate Rīgas Satiksme e-tickets.{{Cite web |title=New Riga public transport tickets are on sale now {{!}} Rīgas valstspilsētas pašvaldība |url=https://www.riga.lv/en/article/new-riga-public-transport-tickets-are-sale-now |access-date=2023-09-13 |website=www.riga.lv}}

File:460-0061-COVID-19 7-2021-hinnerk-ruemenapf.jpg

Restaurants can present a QR code near the front door or at the table allowing guests to view an online menu, or even redirect them to an online ordering website or app, allowing them to order or possibly pay for their meal without having to use a cashier or waiter. QR codes can also link to daily or weekly specials that are not printed on the standardized menus,{{Cite web|date=2020-10-22|title= Modern Restaurant Management {{!}} The Business of Eating & Restaurant Management News|url=https://modernrestaurantmanagement.com/restaurant-qr-codes-2020s-comeback-story/|access-date=2020-11-01|website=modernrestaurantmanagement.com|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101185731/https://modernrestaurantmanagement.com/restaurant-qr-codes-2020s-comeback-story/|url-status=live}} and enable the establishment to update the entire menu without needing to print copies. At table-serve restaurants, QR codes enable guests to order and pay for their meals without a waiter involved – the QR code contains the table number so servers know where to bring the food.{{cite web |last1=Kastrenakes |first1=Jacob |title=Square launches QR codes that let you order from your table at a restaurant |url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/29/21456594/square-qr-code-order-restaurants-pandemic-menu |website=Verge.com |publisher=VOX Media LLC. |access-date=24 November 2020 |date=September 29, 2020 |archive-date=23 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123002301/https://www.theverge.com/2020/9/29/21456594/square-qr-code-order-restaurants-pandemic-menu |url-status=live}} This application has grown especially since the need for social distancing during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic prompted reduced contact between service staff and customers.

File:QR code Wi-Fi.svg

By specifying the SSID, encryption type, password/passphrase, and if the SSID is hidden or not, mobile device users can quickly scan and join networks without having to manually enter the data.{{cite web|title=Share your Wi-Fi SSID & Password using a QR Code|url=http://www.technostarry.com/share-wi-fi-details-using-qr-code/|date=2015-07-19|access-date=6 January 2018|archive-date=12 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112193217/http://www.technostarry.com/share-wi-fi-details-using-qr-code/|url-status=live|author-first1=Mrinmay|author-last1=Bhattacharjee|website=Technostarry}} A MeCard-like format is supported by Android and iOS 11+.{{cite web |title=zxing documentation: barcode contents |url=https://github.com/zxing/zxing/wiki/Barcode-Contents |website=GitHub |publisher=zxing |access-date=26 May 2016 |archive-date=15 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160215201205/https://github.com/zxing/zxing/wiki/Barcode-Contents |url-status=live}}

• Common format: WIFI:S:;T:;P:;H:;;
• Sample: WIFI:S:MySSID;T:WPA;P:MyPassW0rd;;

File:Adrian Warburton grave.jpg Adrian Warburton at Durnbach War Cemetery in Gmund am Tegernsee, Germany. The code links to his Wikipedia entry.]]

A QR code can link to an obituary and can be placed on a headstone. In 2008, Ishinokoe in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan began to sell tombstones with QR codes produced by IT DeSign, where the code leads to a virtual grave site of the deceased.{{cite web|url=http://www.j-cast.com/mono/2008/03/20018046.html|title=モノウォッチは生まれ変わります|access-date=10 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113030838/http://www.j-cast.com/mono/2008/03/20018046.html|archive-date=13 November 2015}}{{cite news|url=http://www.japantrends.com/qr-code-graves-give-a-memorial-window/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120502174456/http://www.japantrends.com/qr-code-graves-give-a-memorial-window/|title=QR code graves give a "Memorial Window"|archive-date=2 May 2012|work=Japan Trends|author=Michael Keferl|date=20 March 2008}}{{cite web|url=http://mobile.ishinokoe.co.jp/|language=ja|title=供養の窓 - 石の声 株式会社|access-date=10 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151113024828/http://mobile.ishinokoe.co.jp/|archive-date=13 November 2015}} Other companies, such as Wisconsin-based Interactive Headstones, have also begun implementing QR codes into tombstones.{{cite web|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2011/04/seattle-company-quiring-monuments-adds.html|title=Quiring Monuments adds smartphone codes to gravestones|date=26 April 2011|work=Puget Sound Business Journal|access-date=10 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623145144/http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/2011/04/seattle-company-quiring-monuments-adds.html|archive-date=23 June 2015}} In 2014, the Jewish Cemetery of La Paz in Uruguay began implementing QR codes for tombstones.{{cite web |url=http://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/cementerio-judio-se-moderniza-codigos.html |title=Uruguayan Jewish Cemetery QR-ified |date=24 March 2014 |publisher=EL PAIS |language=es |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803055928/http://www.elpais.com.uy/informacion/cementerio-judio-se-moderniza-codigos.html |archive-date=3 August 2016}}

QR codes can be used to generate time-based one-time passwords for electronic authentication.

QR codes have been used by various retail outlets that have loyalty programs. Sometimes these programs are accessed with an app that is loaded onto a phone and includes a process triggered by a QR code scan. The QR codes for loyalty programs tend to be found printed on the receipt for a purchase or on the products themselves. Users in these schemes collect award points by scanning a code.

Serialised QR codes have been used by brands{{Cite news|url=https://www.just-drinks.com/news/pernod-ricard-to-use-qr-codes-on-all-china-packaging_id111521.aspx|title=Exclusive - CHINA: Pernod Ricard to use QR codes on all China packaging|date=2013-09-17|website=www.just-drinks.com|access-date=2020-04-24}} and governments{{Cite web|url=https://www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Technology/Digital-tax-stamps-will-curb-fake-goods-URA--/688612-5462046-h6c29h/index.html|title=Digital tax stamps will curb fake goods - URA|website=Daily Monitor|access-date=2020-04-24|archive-date=12 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112193213/https://www.monitor.co.ug/Business/Technology/Digital-tax-stamps-will-curb-fake-goods-URA--/688612-5462046-h6c29h/index.html|url-status=live}} to let consumers, retailers and distributors verify the authenticity of the products and help with detecting counterfeit products, as part of a brand protection program.{{Cite web|title=The power of smart packaging|url=https://www.bakingbusiness.com/articles/49373-the-power-of-smart-packaging?v=preview|website=www.bakingbusiness.com|access-date=2020-05-03|archive-date=12 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112193223/https://www.bakingbusiness.com/articles/49373-the-power-of-smart-packaging?v=preview|url-status=live}} However, the security level of a regular QR code is limited since QR codes printed on original products are easily reproduced on fake products, even though the analysis of data generated as a result of QR code scanning can be used to detect counterfeiting and illicit activity.{{cite book | last1=Baldini | first1=Gianmarco | last2=Nai Fovino | first2=Igor | last3=Satta | first3=Riccardo | last4=Tsois | first4=Aris | last5=Checchi | first5=Enrico | title=Survey of techniques for the fight against counterfeit goods and Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) infringement. | publisher=European Commission. Joint Research Centre, Publications Office| publication-place=Luxembourg | date=2015 | isbn=978-92-79-54543-6 | oclc=948769705 |url=https://op.europa.eu/en/publication-detail/-/publication/2904eb6b-72e0-442f-a4fb-54f68ddcc30e/language-en|pages=28, 89–92}} A higher security level can be attained by embedding a digital watermark or copy detection pattern into the image of the QR code. This makes the QR code more secure against counterfeiting attempts; products that display a code which is counterfeit, although valid as a QR code, can be detected by scanning the secure QR code with the appropriate app.{{Cite web|last=Carron|first=Cecilia|date=2015-05-06|title=Combatting counterfeiting using QR codes|url=https://phys.org/news/2015-05-combatting-counterfeiting-qr-codes.html|access-date=2020-06-16|website=phys.org|archive-date=12 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112193214/https://phys.org/news/2015-05-combatting-counterfeiting-qr-codes.html|url-status=live}}

The treaty regulating apostilles (documents bearing a seal of authenticity), has been updated to allow the issuance of digital apostilles by countries; a digital apostille is a PDF document with a cryptographic signature containing a QR code for a canonical URL of the original document, allowing users to verify the apostille from a printed version of the document.

{{Further|Produce traceability}}

Different studies have been conducted to assess the effectiveness of QR codes as a means of conveying labelling information and their use as part of a food traceability system. In a field experiment, it was found that when provided free access to a smartphone with a QR code scanning app, 52.6% of participants would use it to access labelling information.{{Cite journal|date=2019|editor-last=Li|editor-first=Tongzhe|editor2-last=Messer|editor2-first=Kent D.|title=To Scan or Not to Scan: The Question of Consumer Behavior and QR Codes on Food Packages|url=https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/287977/|journal=Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics|doi=10.22004/ag.econ.287977|issn=1068-5502|last1=Li|first1=Tongzhe|last2=Messer|first2=Kent D.|last3=Li|first3=Tongzhe|last4=Messer|first4=Kent D.|access-date=24 June 2020|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101071952/https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/287977/|url-status=live}} A study made in South Korea showed that consumers appreciate QR code used in food traceability system, as they provide detailed information about food, as well as information that helps them in their purchasing decision.{{Cite journal|last1=Kim|first1=Yeong Gug|last2=Woo|first2=Eunju|date=2016-07-01|title=Consumer acceptance of a quick response (QR) code for the food traceability system: Application of an extended technology acceptance model (TAM)|url=http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0963996916301880|journal=Food Research International|volume=85|pages=266–272|doi=10.1016/j.foodres.2016.05.002|pmid=29544844|issn=0963-9969}} If QR codes are serialised, consumers can access a web page showing the supply chain for each ingredient, as well as information specific to each related batch, including meat processors and manufacturers, which helps address the concerns they have about the origin of their food.{{Cite web|title=Behind Every Smart Product is Smart Packaging {{!}} Future Food Asia|url=https://futurefoodasia.com/2019/11/smartpackaging/|access-date=2020-06-24|website=futurefoodasia.com|archive-date=21 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200621002517/https://futurefoodasia.com/2019/11/smartpackaging/|url-status=live}}

File:460-0095-COVID-19 7-2021-hinnerk-ruemenapf.jpg

After the COVID-19 pandemic began spreading, QR codes began to be used as a "touchless" system to display information, show menus, or provide updated consumer information, especially in the hospitality industry. Restaurants replaced paper or laminated plastic menus with QR code decals on the table, which opened an online version of the menu. This prevented the need to dispose of single-use paper menus, or institute cleaning and sanitizing procedures for permanent menus after each use.{{Cite web|last=Leger|first=Benjamin|date=2020-10-27|title=QR codes are replacing physical menus at restaurants|url=https://www.225batonrouge.com/food-drink/qr-codes-replacing-physical-menus-restaurants|access-date=2020-11-01|website=[225]|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101020017/https://www.225batonrouge.com/food-drink/qr-codes-replacing-physical-menus-restaurants|url-status=live}} Local television stations have also begun to utilize codes on local newscasts to allow viewers quicker access to stories or information involving the pandemic, including testing and immunization scheduling websites, or for links within stories mentioned in the newscasts overall.

In Australia, patrons were required to scan QR codes at shops, clubs, supermarkets, and other service and retail establishments on entry to assist contact tracing. Singapore, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand used similar systems.{{cite news |last1=Purtill |first1=James |title=The proliferation of QR code check-ins is a 'dog's breakfast'. Is there a better way? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2020-11-20/covid-19-coronavirus-why-so-many-qr-code-check-in-systems/12895678 |access-date=15 January 2021 |work=www.abc.net.au |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=19 November 2020 |archive-date=30 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130230912/https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2020-11-20/covid-19-coronavirus-why-so-many-qr-code-check-in-systems/12895678 |url-status=live}}

QR codes are also present on COVID-19 vaccination certificates in places such as Canada and the EU (EU Digital COVID certificate), where they can be scanned to verify the information on the certificate.{{Cite web|last=Hristova|first=Bobby|date=2021-12-28|title=Ontarians need QR code to prove vaccination next week. Here's what you need to know|access-date=2021-12-30|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/qr-code-hamilton-covid-19-1.6299207|archive-date=31 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231015635/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/qr-code-hamilton-covid-19-1.6299207|url-status=live}}

Unlike the older, one-dimensional barcodes that were designed to be mechanically scanned by a narrow beam of light, a QR code is detected by a two-dimensional digital image sensor and then digitally analyzed by a programmed processor. The processor locates the three distinctive squares at the corners of the QR code image, using a smaller square (or multiple squares) near the fourth corner to normalize the image for size, orientation, and angle of viewing. The small dots throughout the QR code are then converted to binary numbers and validated with an error-correcting algorithm.

The amount of data that can be represented by a QR code symbol depends on the data type (mode, or input character set), version (1, ..., 40, indicating the overall dimensions of the symbol, i.e. 4 × version number + 17 dots on each side), and error correction level. The maximum storage capacities occur for version 40 and error correction level L (low), denoted by 40-L:{{cite web|url=http://www.qrcode.com/en/about/version.html|title=Information capacity and versions of QR Code|publisher=Denso-Wave|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529014826/http://www.qrcode.com/en/about/version.html|archive-date=29 May 2016}}

Here are some samples of QR codes:

File:Qr-1.svg|Version 1 (21×21). Content: "Ver1"

File:Qr-2.svg|Version 2 (25×25). Content: "Version 2"

File:Qr-3.svg|Version 3 (29×29). Content: "Version 3 QR Code"

File:Qr-4.svg|Version 4 (33×33). Content: "Version 4 QR Code, up to 50 char"

File:Qr-code-ver-10.svg|Version 10 (57×57). Content: "VERSION 10 QR CODE, UP TO 174 CHAR AT H LEVEL, WITH 57X57 MODULES AND PLENTY OF ERROR CORRECTION TO GO AROUND. NOTE THAT THERE ARE ADDITIONAL TRACKING BOXES" (actually encoded in all capital letters). (Tracking boxes are more commonly called alignment patterns.)

File:QR Code Version 25.svg|Version 25 (117×117). Content: 1,269 characters of ASCII text describing QR codes

File:Qr-code-ver-40.svg|Version 40 (177×177). Content: "Version 40 QR Code can contain up to 1852 chars ..." (and followed by four paragraphs of ASCII text describing QR codes). The text refers to a QR Code with a "Level H" error correction. Other levels provide higher capacity.

File:QR Code Damaged.jpg

File:2 150 150DPI ty oerny 08 2011.jpg

QR codes use Reed–Solomon error correction over the finite field $\backslash mathbb\{F\}\_\{256\}$ or {{math|GF(2⁸)}}, the elements of which are encoded as bytes of 8 bits; the byte $b\_7b\_6b\_5b\_4b\_3b\_2b\_1b\_0$ with a standard numerical value $\backslash textstyle\backslash sum\_\{i=0\}^7\; b\_i\; 2^i$ encodes the field element $\backslash textstyle\backslash sum\_\{i=0\}^7\; b\_i\; \backslash alpha^i$ where $\backslash alpha\; \backslash in\; \backslash mathbb\{F\}\_\{256\}$ is taken to be a primitive element satisfying $\backslash alpha^8\; +\; \backslash alpha^4\; +\; \backslash alpha^3\; +\; \backslash alpha^2\; +\; 1\; =\; 0$. The primitive polynomial is $x^8\; +\; x^4\; +\; x^3\; +\; x^2\; +\; 1$, corresponding to the polynomial number 285, with initial root = 0 to obtain generator polynomials.

The Reed–Solomon code uses one of 37 different polynomials over $\backslash mathbb\{F\}\_\{256\}$, with degrees ranging from 7 to 68, depending on how many error correction bytes the code adds. It is implied by the form of Reed–Solomon used (systematic BCH view) that these polynomials are all on the form $\backslash prod\_\{i=0\}^\{n-1\}\; (x\; -\; \backslash alpha^i)$. However, the rules for selecting the degree $n$ are specific to the QR standard.

For example, the generator polynomial used for the Version 1 QR code (21×21), when 7 error correction bytes are used, is:

$g(x)=\; x^7+\backslash alpha^\{87\}x^6+\backslash alpha^\{229\}x^5+\backslash alpha^\{146\}x^4+\backslash alpha^\{149\}x^3+\backslash alpha^\{238\}x^2+\backslash alpha^\{102\}x+\backslash alpha^\{21\}$.

This is obtained by multiplying the first seven terms:

$g(x)=(x+1)(x+\backslash alpha)(x+\backslash alpha^2)(x+\backslash alpha^3)(x+\backslash alpha^4)(x+\backslash alpha^5)(x+\backslash alpha^6)$.

The same may also be expressed using decimal coefficients (over $\backslash mathbb\{F\}\_\{256\}$), as:

$g(x)=\; x^7+127x^6+122x^5+154x^4+164x^3+11x^2+68x+117$.

The highest power of $x$ in the polynomial (the degree $n$, of the polynomial) determines the number of error correction bytes. In this case, the degree is 7.

When discussing the Reed–Solomon code phase there is some risk for confusion, in that the QR ISO/IEC standard uses the term codeword for the elements of $\backslash mathbb\{F\}\_\{256\}$, which with respect to the Reed–Solomon code are symbols, whereas it uses the term block for what with respect to the Reed–Solomon code are the codewords. The number of data versus error correction bytes within each block depends on (i) the version (side length) of the QR symbol and (ii) the error correction level, of which there are four. The higher the error correction level, the less storage capacity. The following table lists the approximate error correction capability at each of the four levels:

In larger QR symbols, the message is broken up into several Reed–Solomon code blocks. The block size is chosen so that no attempt is made at correcting more than 15 errors per block; this limits the complexity of the decoding algorithm. The code blocks are then interleaved together, making it less likely that localized damage to a QR symbol will overwhelm the capacity of any single block.

The Version 1 QR symbol with level L error correction, for example, consists of a single error correction block with a total of 26 code bytes (made of 19 message bytes and seven error correction bytes). It can correct up to 2 byte errors. Hence, this code is known as a (26,19,2) error correction code over {{math|GF(2⁸)}} . It is also sometimes represented in short, as (26,19) code.

Due to error correction, it is possible to create artistic QR codes with embellishments to make them more readable or attractive to the human eye, and to incorporate colors, logos, and other features into the QR code block; the embellishments are treated as errors, but the codes still scan correctly.{{cite web | url = http://mashable.com/2011/04/18/qr-code-design-tips/ | title = HOW TO: Make Your QR Codes More Beautiful | author = Hamilton Chan | website = Mashable | date = 18 April 2011 | access-date =29 July 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710/http://mashable.com/2011/04/18/qr-code-design-tips/ |archive-date=2012-07-10}}{{cite web | url = http://blog.360i.com/emerging-media/creative-qr-codes | title = Form Meets Function: Extreme Makeover QR Code Edition | author = Orli Sharaby | date = 18 October 2010 | access-date =29 July 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708/http://blog.360i.com/emerging-media/creative-qr-codes |archive-date=2012-07-08}}

It is also possible to design artistic QR codes without reducing the error correction capacity by manipulating the underlying mathematical constructs.{{cite web | url = http://research.swtch.com/qart | title = QArt Codes: How to make pictures with QR codes, part II | author = Russ Cox | date = 12 April 2012 | access-date = 8 May 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150321031237/http://research.swtch.com/qart |archive-date=2015-03-21}}{{cite web | url = http://research.swtch.com/qr/draw | title = QArt Coder | author = Russ Cox | date = 12 April 2012 | access-date = 8 May 2015 | url-status=live | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150424073132/http://research.swtch.com/qr/draw | archive-date = 24 April 2015}} Image processing algorithms are also used to reduce errors in QR-code.{{cite journal|last1=Gupta|first1=Kishor Datta|last2=Ahsan|first2=Md Manjurul|last3=Andrei|first3=Stefan|date=January 2018|pages=59–71 | title=Extending the Storage Capacity And Noise Reduction of a Faster QR-Code|volume=9|issue=1|journal=Brain Broad Research in Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323676167}}

The format information records two things: the error correction level and the mask pattern used for the symbol. Masking is used to break up patterns in the data area that might confuse a scanner, such as large blank areas or misleading features that look like the locator marks. The mask patterns are defined on a grid that is repeated as necessary to cover the whole symbol. Modules corresponding to the dark areas of the mask are inverted. The 5-bit format information is protected from errors with a BCH code, and two complete copies are included in each QR symbol. A (15,5) triple error-correcting BCH code over {{math|GF(2⁴)}} is used, having the generator polynomial $g(x)=x^\{10\}+x^8+x^5+x^4+x^2+x+1$. It can correct at most 3 bit-errors out of the 5 data bits. There are a total of 15 bits in this BCH code (10 bits are added for error correction). This 15-bit code is itself X-ORed with a fixed 15-bit mask pattern (101010000010010) to prevent an all-zero string.

To obtain the error correction (EC) bytes for a message "www.wikipedia.org", the following procedure may be carried out:

The message is 17 bytes long, hence it can be encoded using a (26,19,2) Reed-Solomon code to fit in a Ver1 (21×21) symbol, which has a maximum capacity of 19 bytes (for L level error correction).

The generator polynomial specified for the (26,19,2) code, is:

$g(x)=\; x^7+127x^6+122x^5+154x^4+164x^3+11x^2+68x+117$,

which may also be written in the form of a matrix of decimal coefficients:

[1 127 122 154 164 11 68 117]

The 17-byte long message "www.wikipedia.org" as hexadecimal coefficients (ASCII values), denoted by M1 through M17 is:

[77 77 77 2E 77 69 6B 69 70 65 64 69 61 2E 6F 72 67]

The encoding mode is "Byte encoding". Hence the 'Enc' field is [0100] (4 bits). The length of the above message is 17 bytes hence 'Len' field is [00010001] (8 bits). The 'End' field is End of message marker [0000] (4 bits).

The message code word (without EC bytes) is of the form:

['Enc' 'Len' w w w . w i k i p e d i a . o r g 'End']

Substituting the hexadecimal values, it can be expressed as:

[4 11 77 77 77 2E 77 69 6B 69 70 65 64 69 61 2E 6F 72 67 0]

This is rearranged as 19-byte blocks of 8 bits each:

[41 17 77 77 72 E7 76 96 B6 97 06 56 46 96 12 E6 F7 26 70]

Using the procedure for Reed-Solomon systematic encoding, the 7 EC bytes obtained (E1 through E7, as shown in the symbol) which are the coefficients (in decimal) of the remainder after polynomial division are:

[174 173 239 6 151 143 37]

or in hexadecimal values:

[AE AD EF 06 97 8F 25]

These 7 EC bytes are then appended to the 19-byte message. The resulting coded message has 26 bytes (in hexadecimal):

[41 17 77 77 72 E7 76 96 B6 97 06 56 46 96 12 E6 F7 26 70 AE AD EF 06 97 8F 25]

Note: The bit values shown in the Ver1 QR symbol below do not match with the above values, as the symbol has been masked using a mask pattern (001).

The message dataset is placed from right to left in a zigzag pattern, as shown below. In larger symbols, this is complicated by the presence of the alignment patterns and the use of multiple interleaved error-correction blocks.

File:QR Format Information.svg|Meaning of format information. In the above figure, the format information is protected by a (15,5) BCH code, which can correct up to 3 bit errors. The total length of the code is 15 bits, of which 5 are data bits (2 EC level + 3 mask pattern) and 10 are extra bits for error correction. The format mask pattern for these 15 bits is: [101010000010010]. Note that we map the masked values directly to its meaning here, in contrast to image 4 "Levels & Masks" where the mask pattern numbers are the result of putting the 3rd to 5th mask bit, [101], over the 3rd to 5th format info bit of the QR code.

File:QR Character Placement.svg|Message placement within a Ver 1 QR symbol (21×21). The message is encoded using a (255,248) Reed Solomon code (shortened to (26,19) code by using "padding") that can correct up to 2 byte-errors. A total of 26 code-words consist of 7 error-correction bytes, and 17 data bytes, in addition to the "Len" (8 bit field), "Enc" (4 bit field), and "End" (4 bit field). The symbol is capable of level L error correction. The EC level is 01(L), and mask pattern is 001. Hence the first 5 bits of the format information are 01001 (without the format mask). After masking, the 5 bits become 11100, as seen here.

File:QR Ver3 Codeword Ordering.svg|Larger symbol (Ver 3, 29×29) illustrating interleaved blocks. The message has 26 data bytes and is encoded using two Reed-Solomon code blocks. Each block is a (255,233) Reed Solomon code (shortened to (35,13) code), which can correct up to 11 byte-errors in a single burst, containing 13 data bytes and 22 "parity" bytes appended to the data bytes. The two 35-byte Reed-Solomon code blocks are interleaved (resulting in a total of 70 code bytes), so it can correct up to 22 byte-errors. The symbol achieves level H error correction.

The general structure of a QR encoding is as a sequence of 4 bit indicators with payload length dependent on the indicator mode (e.g. byte encoding payload length is dependent on the first byte).ISO/IEC 18004:2006(E) § 6.4 Data encoding; Table 3 – Number of bits in character count indicator for QR code 2005

Four-bit indicators are used to select the encoding mode and convey other information.

Encoding modes can be mixed as needed within a QR symbol. (e.g., a url with a long string of alphanumeric characters )

[ Mode Indicator][ Mode bitstream ] --> [ Mode Indicator][ Mode bitstream ] --> etc... --> [ 0000 End of message (Terminator) ]

After every indicator that selects an encoding mode is a length field that tells how many characters are encoded in that mode. The number of bits in the length field depends on the encoding and the symbol version.

Alphanumeric encoding mode stores a message more compactly than the byte mode can, but cannot store lower-case letters and has only a limited selection of punctuation marks, which are sufficient for rudimentary web addresses. Two characters are coded in an 11-bit value by this formula:

:V = 45 × C₁ + C₂

This has the exception that the last character in an alphanumeric string with an odd length is read as a 6-bit value instead.

The following images offer more information about the QR code.

File:QRCode-1-Intro.png|1 – Introduction

File:QRCode-2-Structure.png|2 – Structure

File:QRCode-3-Layout,Encoding.png|3 – Layout & Encoding

File:QRCode-4-Levels,Masks.png|4 – Levels & Masks

File:QRCode-5-Protocols.png|5 – Protocols

Model 1 QR code is an older version of the specification. It is visually similar to the widely seen model 2 codes, but lacks alignment patterns. Differences are in the bottom right corner, and in the midsections of the bottom and right edges are additional functional regions.

File:QR Code Model 1 Example.svg|Model 1 QR code example

File:Model 1 QR Version 2 Layout.svg|Model 1 QR code functional regions

Micro QR code is a smaller version of the QR code standard for applications where symbol size is limited. There are four different versions (sizes) of Micro QR codes: the smallest is 11×11 modules; the largest can hold 35 numeric characters,Information technology – Automatic identification and data capture techniques – QR Code 2005 bar code symbology specification, ISO/IEC 18004:2006 cor. 2009, pages 3, 6. or 21 ASCII alphanumeric characters, or 15 bytes (128 bits).

File:Micro QR Example.svg|Micro QR code example

File:Micro QR Version 3M Layout.svg|Micro QR code functional regions

{{Main article|Rectangular Micro QR Code}}

Rectangular Micro QR Code (also known as rMQR Code) is a two-dimensional (2D) matrix barcode invented and standardized in 2022 by Denso Wave as ISO/IEC 23941. rMQR Code is designed as a rectangular variation of the QR code and has the same parameters and applications as original QR codes; however, rMQR Code is more suitable for rectangular areas, and has a difference between width and height up to 19 in the R7x139 version.

File:Rectangular Micro QR Code Example R17x43.svg|Rectangular Micro QR Code (rMQR Code) example

iQR code is an alternative to existing square QR codes developed by Denso Wave. iQR codes can be created in square or rectangular formations; this is intended for situations where a longer and narrower rectangular shape is more suitable, such as on cylindrical objects. iQR codes can fit the same amount of information in 30% less space. There are 61 versions of square iQR codes, and 15 versions of rectangular codes. For squares, the minimum size is 9 × 9 modules; rectangles have a minimum of 19 × 5 modules. iQR codes add error correction level S, which allows for 50% error correction.{{cite web |url=http://www.gs1jp.org/pdf/001.pdf#34 |title=QR Code Overview & Progress of QR Code Applications |access-date=26 June 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520174630/http://www.gs1jp.org/pdf/001.pdf#34 |archive-date=20 May 2013}} iQR Codes had not been given an ISO/IEC specification as of 2015, and only proprietary Denso Wave products could create or read iQR codes.{{cite web|url=http://www.qrcode.com/en/codes/iqr.html|title=iQR Code – QRcode.com – DENSO WAVE|access-date=10 September 2015|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907022008/http://www.qrcode.com/en/codes/iqr.html|archive-date=7 September 2015}}

File:iQRCode.svg|iQR code example

Secure Quick Response (SQR) code is a QR code that contains a "private data" segment after the terminator instead of the specified filler bytes "ec 11".{{cite web|url=https://fukuchi.org/works/qrhack/qrhack1.html|title=Embedding Secret Data in QR Code|access-date=29 October 2018|archive-date=30 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181030090645/https://fukuchi.org/works/qrhack/qrhack1.html|url-status=live}} This private data segment must be deciphered with an encryption key. This can be used to store private information and to manage a company's internal information.{{cite web|title=SQRC|url=http://www.qrcode.com/en/codes/sqrc.html|website=qrcode.com|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-date=1 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101191507/http://www.qrcode.com/en/codes/sqrc.html|url-status=live}}

File:Frame QR Code.png

File:Wiki-FQRC.png

Frame QR is a QR code with a "canvas area" that can be flexibly used. In the center of this code is the canvas area, where graphics, letters, and more can be flexibly arranged, making it possible to lay out the code without losing the design of illustrations, photos, etc.{{cite web|title=Frame QR|url=http://www.qrcode.com/en/codes/frameqr.html|website=qrcode.com|access-date=26 December 2017|archive-date=20 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171220045522/http://www.qrcode.com/en/codes/frameqr.html|url-status=live}}

File:Hcc2d.png

Researchers have proposed a new High Capacity Colored 2-Dimensional (HCC2D) Code, which builds upon a QR code basis for preserving the QR robustness to distortions and uses colors for increasing data density (as of 2014 it is still in the prototyping phase). The HCC2D code specification is described in details in Querini et al. (2011),{{cite journal |last1=Querini |first1=M|last2=Grillo|first2=A|last3=Lentini|first3=A|last4=Italiano|first4=GF |title=2D Color Barcodes for Mobile Phones |journal=International Journal of Computer Science and Applications |date=2011 |volume=8 |issue=1 |pages=136-155 |url=http://www.tmrfindia.org/ijcsa/v8i19.pdf |access-date=21 December 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304033918/http://www.tmrfindia.org/ijcsa/v8i19.pdf|archivedate=4 March 2016|publisher=Technomathematics Research Foundation}} while techniques for color classification of HCC2D code cells are described in detail in Querini and Italiano (2014),{{cite journal |last1=Querini |first1=Marco |last2=Italiano |first2=Giuseppi F |title=Reliability and Data Density in High Capacity Color Barcodes |journal=Computer Science and Information Systems |date=2014 |volume=11 |issue=4 |pages=1595-1615 |doi=10.2298/CSIS131218054Q |url=http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/1820-0214/2014/1820-02141400054Q.pdf |access-date=21 December 2024|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724205900/http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/1820-0214/2014/1820-02141400054Q.pdf|archivedate=24 July 2015}} which is an extended version of Querini and Italiano (2013).{{cite web|publisher=Federated Conference on Computer Science and Information System|url=https://fedcsis.org/proceedings/2013/pliks/67.pdf|date=2013|title=Color classifiers for 2D color barcodes|last1=Querini |first1=Marco |last2=Italiano |first2=Giuseppi F|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724212247/https://fedcsis.org/proceedings/2013/pliks/67.pdf|archive-date=24 July 2015}}

Introducing colors into QR codes requires addressing additional issues. In particular, during QR code reading only the brightness information is taken into account, while HCC2D codes have to cope with chromatic distortions during the decoding phase. In order to ensure adaptation to chromatic distortions that arise in each scanned code, HCC2D codes make use of an additional field: the Color Palette Pattern. This is because color cells of a Color Palette Pattern are supposed to be distorted in the same way as color cells of the Encoding Region. Replicated color palettes are used for training machine-learning classifiers.

Accessible QR is a type of QR code that combines a standard QR code with a dot-dash pattern positioned around one corner of the code to provide product information for people who are blind and partially sighted. The codes, announce product categories and product details such as instructions, ingredients, safety warnings, and recycling information. The data is structured for the needs of users who are blind or partially sighted and offers larger text or audio output. It can read QR codes from a metre away, activating the smartphone's accessibility features like VoiceOver to announce product details.

The use of QR code technology is freely licensed as long as users follow the standards for QR code documented with JIS or ISO/IEC. Non-standardized codes may require special licensing.{{cite web|url=http://www.qrcode.com/en/patent.html|title=About the patent|publisher=Denso-Wave|access-date=2016-06-26|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625222315/http://www.qrcode.com/en/patent.html|archive-date=25 June 2016}}

Denso Wave owns a number of patents on QR code technology, but has chosen to exercise them in a limited fashion. In order to promote widespread usage of the technology Denso Wave chose to waive its rights to a key patent in its possession for standardized codes only. In the US, the granted QR code patent, 5726435, expired on March 14, 2015. In Japan, the corresponding patent, 2938338, expired on March 14, 2014. The European Patent Office granted patent 0672994 to Denso Wave, which was then validated into French, UK, and German patents, all of which expired in March 2015.{{cite web |url=https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/pat/register?lang=en&AKZ=E951035112 |title=DPA |access-date=28 July 2016 |archive-date=26 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726114452/https://register.dpma.de/DPMAregister/pat/register?lang=en&AKZ=E951035112 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://bases-brevets.inpi.fr/en/document-en/EP0672994.html |title=INPI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160813045501/http://bases-brevets.inpi.fr/en/document-en/EP0672994.html |archive-date=13 August 2016}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-ipsum/Case/PublicationNumber/EP0672994 |title=UK IPO |date=2013-03-09 |access-date=28 July 2016 |archive-date=14 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614231752/https://www.ipo.gov.uk/p-ipsum/Case/PublicationNumber/EP0672994 |url-status=live}}

The text QR Code itself is a registered trademark and wordmark of Denso Wave Incorporated.{{cite web |url=http://www.qrcode.com/en/index.html |title=QR Code.com |publisher=Denso-Wave |date=6 November 2003 |access-date=23 April 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/http://www.qrcode.com/en/index.html |archive-date=2012-09-15}} In UK, the trademark is registered as E921775, the term QR Code, with a filing date of 3 September 1998.{{cite web |url=http://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/tm/t-os/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=C&trademark=E921775 |title=UK QR Code Trademark |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/http://www.ipo.gov.uk/types/tm/t-os/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=C&trademark=E921775 |archive-date=2012-09-15}} The UK version of the trademark is based on the Kabushiki Kaisha Denso (DENSO CORPORATION) trademark, filed as Trademark 000921775, the term QR Code, on 3 September 1998 and registered on 16 December 1999 with the European Union OHIM (Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market).{{cite web |url=http://esearch.oami.europa.eu/copla/trademark/data/000921775 |title=EU QR Code Trademark |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/http://esearch.oami.europa.eu/copla/trademark/data/000921775 |archive-date=2012-09-15}}

The U.S. Trademark for the term QR Code is Trademark 2435991 and was filed on 29 September 1998 with an amended registration date of 13 March 2001, assigned to Denso Corporation.{{cite web |url=http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4010:nrb6eh.2.6 |title=US QR Code Trademark |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/http://tess2.uspto.gov/bin/showfield?f=doc&state=4010:nrb6eh.2.6 |archive-date=2012-09-15}} In South Korea, trademark application filed on 18 November 2011 was refused at 20 March 2012, because the Korean Intellectual Property Office viewed that the phrase was genericized among South Korean people to refer to matrix barcodes in general.{{cite web |url=https://doi.org/10.8080/4020100059499?urlappend=en |title=KR QR Code Trademark Application |date=2010 |doi=10.8080/4020100059499 |archive-date=2023-11-18 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20231118080058/http://engdtj.kipris.or.kr/engdtj/grrt1000a.do?method=biblioTMFrame&masterKey=4020100059499&index=1&kindOfReq=A&valid_fg=&rights=TM&KeyWord=4020100059499&applno=4020100059499&Gubun=1&sCurrPage=1&searchFg=N&expression=4020100059499&openPageId=View01&isMyConcern=N&isMyFolder=N&config=/main/sharePage_EN.jsp,%20className=jeus_jspwork._main._700_sharePage_5fEN_5fjsp,%20jspUri='/main/sharePage_EN.jsp}}

The only context in which common QR codes can carry executable data is the URL data type. These URLs may host JavaScript code, which can be used to exploit vulnerabilities in applications on the host system, such as the reader, the web browser, or the image viewer, since a reader will typically send the data to the application associated with the data type used by the QR code.

In the case of no software exploits, malicious QR codes combined with a permissive reader can still put a computer's contents and user's privacy at risk. This practice is known as "attagging", a portmanteau of "attack tagging".{{citation |magazine=Wired |title=Jargon Watch |page=22 |date=January 2012 |volume=20 |issue=1}}. They are easily created and can be affixed over legitimate QR codes.{{cite web |url=http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=11305 |title=Malicious Images: What's a QR Code |publisher=SANS Technology Institute |date=3 August 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120713/http://isc.sans.edu/diary.html?storyid=11305 |archive-date=2012-07-13}}{{failed verification|date=October 2024}}{{cite web |last1=Waqas |first1=Iam |title=Risks of Using QR Codes and How To Mitigate it – Not As Safe as You Think |url=https://www.computer.org/publications/tech-news/trends/qr-code-risks |publisher=Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) |access-date=21 October 2024 |date=19 Oct 2021}} On a smartphone, the reader's permissions may allow use of the camera, full Internet access, read/write contact data, GPS, read browser history, read/write local storage, and global system changes.{{cite web |url=https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.zxing.client.android |date=1 June 2011 |title=Barcode Scanner |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/https://market.android.com/details?id=com.google.zxing.client.android |archive-date=2012-09-15}}{{cite web |url=https://market.android.com/details?id=la.droid.qr |title=QR Droid |date=19 August 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/https://market.android.com/details?id=la.droid.qr |archive-date=2012-09-15}}{{cite web |url=https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ScanLife |title=ScanLife Barcode Reader |date=24 May 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/https://market.android.com/details?id=com.ScanLife |archive-date=2012-09-15}}{{synthesis inline|reason=It is synthesizing the definition of the term from the Wired article, the SANS source saying some people abuse QR codes, and the permissions for different apps in order to come to the conclusion that the problem is QR code apps having too many permissions. Needs a source saying QR code apps have too many permissions and that can be exploited.|date=October 2024}}

Risks include linking to dangerous web sites with browser exploits, enabling the microphone/camera/GPS, and then streaming those feeds to a remote server, analysis of sensitive data (passwords, files, contacts, transactions),{{cite web |url=http://sandiego.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-qr-code-safety-28037 |title=Consumer Alert: QR Code Safety |publisher=Better Business Bureau |date=23 June 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120715/http://sandiego.bbb.org/article/consumer-alert-qr-code-safety-28037 |archive-date=2012-07-15}} and sending email/SMS/IM messages or packets for DDoS as part of a botnet, corrupting privacy settings, stealing identity,{{cite web |url=http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/mediareleases/12655/avg-aunz-cautions-beware-of-malicious-qr-codes/ |title=AVG Cautions: Beware of Malicious QR Codes |publisher= PC World |date=28 June 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120907/http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/mediareleases/12655/avg-aunz-cautions-beware-of-malicious-qr-codes/ |archive-date=2012-09-07}} and even containing malicious logic themselves such as JavaScript{{cite web |url=https://appsec-labs.com/blog/tag/qrcode |title=EvilQR – When QRCode goes bad |publisher=AppSec-Labs Blog |date=14 August 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/https://appsec-labs.com/blog/tag/qrcode |archive-date=2012-09-15}} or a virus.{{cite web |url=http://www.cyveillanceblog.com/malware/qr-codes-a-recipe-for-a-mobile-malware-tsunami |title=QR Codes: A Recipe for a Mobile Malware Tsunami |publisher=Cyveillance, Inc |date=20 October 2010 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120728/http://www.cyveillanceblog.com/malware/qr-codes-a-recipe-for-a-mobile-malware-tsunami |archive-date=2012-07-28}}QR codes hold up to 2.9 KB whereas the smallest known computer virus is about one-tenth that size {{cite web |url= http://www.wiw.org/~meta/vlad.php?read=ARTICLE.5_2&issue=3&desc=Small%20Virus |title=The Smallest Virus I Could Manage |publisher=Virus Labs and Distribution |year=1995 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120915/http://www.wiw.org/~meta/vlad.php?read=ARTICLE.5_2&issue=3&desc=Small%20Virus |archive-date=2012-09-15}} These actions could occur in the background while the user is only seeing the reader opening a seemingly harmless web page.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/technology/articles/2011/06/08/3238443.htm |title=Beware of Malicious QR Codes|publisher=ABC |date=8 June 2011 |access-date=31 August 2011 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120801/http://www.abc.net.au/technology/articles/2011/06/08/3238443.htm |archive-date=2012-08-01}} In Russia, a malicious QR code caused phones that scanned it to send premium texts at a fee of $6 each. QR codes have also been linked to scams in which stickers are placed on parking meters and other devices, posing as quick payment options, as seen in Austin, San Antonio and Boston, among other cities across the United States and Australia.{{cite web |last1=Binder |first1=Matt |title=Beware the QR code scams |url=https://mashable.com/article/beware-qr-code-scams |website=Mashable |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117232136/https://mashable.com/article/beware-qr-code-scams |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Vincent |first1=James |title=The latest phishing scam to watch out for: fraudulent QR codes on parking meters |url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/12/22879728/phishing-scam-parking-meter-qr-code-austin-san-antonio |website=The Verge |date=12 January 2022 |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=17 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220117150704/https://www.theverge.com/2022/1/12/22879728/phishing-scam-parking-meter-qr-code-austin-san-antonio |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Wodinsky |first1=Shoshana |title=Scammers Are Using QR Codes to Plunder Parking Meter Payments |url=https://gizmodo.com/scammers-are-using-qr-codes-to-plunder-parking-meter-pa-1848347940 |website=Gizmodo |date=12 January 2022 |access-date=18 January 2022 |archive-date=18 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118224352/https://gizmodo.com/scammers-are-using-qr-codes-to-plunder-parking-meter-pa-1848347940 |url-status=live}}

• Aztec Code
• Data Matrix
• High Capacity Color Barcode
• JAB Code
• PDF417
• QRpedia
• SnapTag
• SPARQCode
• Touchatag
• MaxiCode

{{reflist}}

• {{cite book |title=BS ISO/IEC 18004:2006. Information technology. Automatic identification and data capture techniques. Bar code symbology. QR Code|location=Geneva| publisher=ISO/IEC|year=2000|page=114|oclc=60816353}}
• {{cite book|title=BS ISO/IEC 18004:2006. Information technology. Automatic identification and data capture techniques. QR Code 2005 bar code symbology specification|location=London|publisher=BSI|year=2007|page=126|isbn=978-0-580-67368-9|url=https://knowledge.bsigroup.com/products/information-technology-automatic-identification-and-data-capture-techniques-qr-code-2005-bar-code-symbology-specification/standard|access-date=2023-05-04}}

{{Commons category}}

• Reed Solomon Codes for Coders – an elaborate tutorial on Wikiversity, covering both QR code structure and the Reed Solomon codes used to encode the data.

{{Barcodes}}

{{ISO standards}}

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Category:1994 introductions

Category:Automatic identification and data capture

Category:Barcodes

Category:Encodings

Category:Hypermedia

Category:Japanese inventions