QR Code Generator with Dynamic QR Codes

Vector images are mathematical calculations from one point to another that form lines and shapes. When you enlarge a vector graphic, the math formulas stay the same, rendering the same visual graphic no matter the size. Vector graphics can be scaled to any size without losing quality.

Raster images are made of pixels. A pixel is a single point or the smallest single element in a display device. If you zoom in to a raster image you may start to see a lot of little tiny squares. A raster image has a specific number of pixels. When you enlarge the image file without changing the number of pixels, the image will look blurry. When you enlarge the file by adding more pixels, the pixels are added randomly throughout the image, rarely producing good results.

QR codes are encountered in different circumstances, fitting into one of the following distances.

• Intimate distance
• Personal distance
• Social distance
• Public distance

Sizes listed always refer to an exact square shape because otherwise, your QR code will not function properly.

Effectively zero distance. These QR codes are expected to be interacted with from a small distance; it can be as small as the camera focus on your device can go.

Examples of QR codes at intimate distances:

• QR codes inside a magazine or newspaper
• QR codes on envelopes mailed to you
• QR codes on business cards
• QR codes on the menu in a restaurant
• QR codes on products in a supermarket
• QR codes on books and DVD covers

Minimum size for QR codes at intimate distances

• 10 mm (.4 inch), excluding the margin

Recommend size for QR codes at intimate distances

• 12 mm (.5 inch), excluding the margin

This is the distance individuals maintain between each other. The length of the arm plays a major role in defining this distance and it ranges between .5 to 1 meter (1.5-3 feet). QR codes that fit into the personal distance are QR codes that are in your arm distance after extending your arm towards them.

Examples of QR codes at personal distances:

• QR codes on supermarket shelves
• QR codes on bus stations
• QR codes in a zoo or museum

Minimum size for QR codes at personal distances

• 5 cm (2 inches), excluding the margin, is the minimum size for scanning at a distance of .5 to 1 meter (1.5-3 feet).

This is the distance that people feel comfortable with, in a social situation. It measures between 1-3 meters (3-10 feet). QR codes that are expected to be interacted within a social distance are QR codes positioned in places where many people are gathered.

Examples of QR codes at social distances:

• QR codes in subway cars
• QR codes in buses
• QR codes in underground stations
• QR codes in bars and restaurants
• QR codes in movie theaters
• QR codes on posters and LED screens
• QR codes on in-store POS / POP displays
• QR codes on storefront windows

Minimum size for QR codes at social distances

• 10 cm (3.5 inches), excluding the margin, is the minimum size for scanning at a distance of 1  meters (3 feet).
• 30 cm (12 inches), excluding the margin, is the minimum size for scanning at a distance of 3 meters (10 feet).

This is the distance considered to be well outside any social involvement. It measures more than 3 meters (10 feet and above). QR codes are expected to be interacted in a public zone.

Examples of QR codes at public distances:

• QR codes on billboards
• QR codes on signage
• QR codes on T-shirts
• QR codes on sign posts
• QR codes on buildings and entrances
• QR codes on buses

Minimum size for QR codes at public distances

• 30 cm (12 inches), excluding the margin, is the minimum size for scanning at a distance of more than 3 meters (10 feet and above). See formula below for QR codes at a distance.

Because those scanning may not be directly next to the code, you’ll need to increase the QR code size depending on how far away they will be. For example, if a code on a billboard will be scanned at a distance of 10 meters, the code should be at least 1 meter wide.

• Ratio of scanning distance to QR code size
  • 10:1
• Formula for calculating QR code size based on scanning distance
  • QR code minimum size = Scanning distance (in cm or inches) ÷ 10

Please see, What are the QR Code Printing Guidelines & Best Practices?

SQRC conceals and protects private information.

SQRC Conceals Private Information

• Can be scanned and ‘read’ by an ordinary QR code reader/scanner  - but only public information is readable
• The fact that private information exists is not obvious; cannot be detected by a QR code reader/scanner

SQRC Protects Private Information

• SQRC® Encoding: Can only be read by an authorized SQRC® capable scanner, making it possible to encode and manage confidential information.  
• Secret Key Encryption: Can only be read by scanners that have the secret key used for encryption

SQRC are readable when other codes might not be.

• Error correction allows reading of a code even if it is dirty or damaged. With SQRC®, full error correction stays intact.
• Some of the other ‘secure’ code methods involve using the error correction area to conceal ‘secret’ information; this means the error correction area is intentionally corrupted, which is an equivalent to a damaged code. If such code is then further obstructed in some way, whether by dirt, damage, or some other obstruction, the code might not be readable. SQRC®, on the other hand, retains the full error correction capability; thus, an SQRC® of the same size as a QR code® using such alternative method will provide higher readability when obstructed.
• Further, in such other solutions, the private data may not have the same error correction rate as the PUBLIC data, or not have the error correction capability at all.

SQRC visual encoding is virtually impossible to crack.

The QR code® specification is a public standard; this means there is a publicly known algorithm that produces a set of error correction information for each given set of data. When such error correction information is intentionally damaged by introducing a ‘noise’, it is always possible to determine the difference, that is to exactly find out what the introduced ‘noise’ is. Given time, today’s computer processing power, code breaking algorithms and sufficient number of samples, such noise can be analyzed, determining if it actually carries ‘secret’ information. Such analysis can eventually lead to breaking of the encryption used and thus reading, replication or counterfeiting of such ‘secret’ information. SQRC® technology, on the other hand, leaves the error correction intact; it is thus not possible to determine the difference based on the publicly known standard. It is actually not possible to determine with certainty that the QR code® is actually an SQRC®.

SQRC are more secure, using secure key encryption.

SQRC® secret information is further protected by a Secret Key encryption, where only the SQRC-capable scanners or App SDKs that also possess various levels of decoding authorization to access the Secret Key used for a particular SQRC® encryption can actually read and decrypt the private information contained in that particular SQRC®. Unauthorized applications can not read or detect the fact that private information is included, preventing data analysis and application of encryption breaking techniques to break the code and read the information.

Dynamic QR Code

A Dynamic QR code has a modifiable destination URL.

A Short URL is placed into the QR code which then transparently re-directs the user to the intended destination. The destination of a dynamic QR code can be changed at any time and as often as you want – even if your marketing material has already been printed. This will save reprinting costs, effort and enable you to respond to any changes in the campaign as quickly as possible.

Static QR Code

A Static QR code has a fixed destination URL.

The information encoded in static QR codes are fixed. The destination/data is stored directly in the QR Code graphic (hence QR codes are also getting larger and form a more complex pattern if there is more data to store). Therefore, the stored destination/data cannot be changed. Any typo in an already printed QR code cannot be changed, as with any other printed material.

Standard Design QR Code with Customized Settings

Modify the default settings of your standard design dynamic QR code.

QR Code Designer

Delivr's QR Code Designer enables you to customize the design of your dynamic QR code. Set colors, choose a pattern and marker design, add your logo, add a background image, and choose a frame with your text.

VisualQR & BroadcastQR

VisualQR & BroadcastQR™ creates a specially formatted QR code that utilizes our MagicDot™ Scanning Technology. You can layer this QR code in SVG format on top of any print or digital asset - logos, graphics, photos, animations, video, broadcast, and streaming media.

ShapeQR

ShapeQR™ creates a QR code in custom shapes. The square code within the shape is each shape's functional, scannable part.

Create QR codes with our QR Code Generator for URLs, Bitcoin, Tweets, Dropbox, Instagram, Pinterest, App Store Downloads, Google Play Downloads, Google Analytics Campaigns, Profile/vcards, mobile-friendly landing pages. and more.

A QR Code Generator stores data such as a short URL or web addresses into a QR code. This can be easily done with the QR Generator by Delivr.  With Delivr you can create a QR code by simply typing in your URL and downloading the QR code graphic in print-ready Vector (EPS, SVG) formats, or Bitmap/Raster (PNG, JPG) formats.

Advanced QR Code Generators such as Delivr go one step further and make it possible to create dynamic QR codes, edit the destination of your QR code, customize the design of your QR code, and track scanning activity.

The size of the buffer zone is mathematically determined when the code is created to ensures an error free code. This buffer zone must be retained. It's simply a white space border and when you generate the code you will see that it's part of the actual code image.

The quiet zone is recommended to be a minimum of 4 times the width of a single data square in the code image, however depending on the surroundings of the code (ie; against an unpatterned dark background) you may be able to reduce that to 2 times pixel width.

If you reduce the size of the quiet zone, the finished QR code should be tested thoroughly in its intended final setting to make sure that it still scans correctly.

Short version: Choose whatever colors you want but always make sure the dots are a significantly darker colour than the background - we suggest at least 70% darker to ensure reliable scanning.

...and always test your QR code to make sure it works using the colors you've chosen.

Since 2008, Delivr’s Campaign Management & Tracking Platform has been successfully deployed by thousands of brands and businesses to run campaigns that connect print, social and broadcast media to mobile content, experiences and offers. Delivr extends your reach and understanding across online, offline and social channels by providing self-service tools that enable you to create and manage campaigns, then track and measure audience engagement of ads, direct mail, packaging, product tags, retail displays, and signage using Short URLs, QR codes®, and NFC tags.

With our Dynamic QR codes, you have full flexibility, because only a short URL that points to the content is encoded. As such, you can modify the stored links without having to generate and print the QR codes again. This will save reprinting costs, effort and enable you to respond to any changes in the campaign as quickly as possible. Export QR codes in both raster (PNG, JPG) and vector (EPS, SVG, formats. Select the best option for printing QR codes in any size, color and on any medium, with no compromises on quality. You can even generate a custom QR code design by effortlessly merging a QR code with any part of an image to create a beautiful and clear call-to-action.

ISO 18004-compliant. Edit destination anytime. Export in vector format for high-quality print. Track scans.

Some QR code readers pull your destination page into their App and wrap ads around it there.

This action by these QR code readers causes confusion for consumers.

Delivr recommends promoting and using QR code readers that DO NOT insert ads.

The following example illustrates how to do this:

• QR code 1 has a destination URL of https://example.com and is published in a magazine.

• QR code 2 also has a destination URL of https://example.com and is published in a direct mail sent to your clients.

• QR code 3 also has a destination URL of https://example.com and is published in a poster in a physical location, such as a store.

Individual reports for each QR code would represent reports for scans from magazines, direct mail and posters.

If all three QR codes are placed in a Group, the report on the Group level would show aggregate results for all three codes.

This is not an issue with Delivr and can only be resolved with changes to the code/logic at the mobile site.

You can modify QR code error correction, margin, size and color.

You can download QR codes in both raster (PNG, JPG) and vector (EPS, SVG) formats. Select the best option for printing QR codes in any size, color and on any medium, with no compromises on quality. You can even generate a custom QR code design by effortlessly merging a QR code with any part of an image to create a beautiful and clear call-to-action.

Delivr PLUS, Delivr PRIME, Delivr VIP, Delivr PRO and Delivr ENTERPRISE campaigns do NOT expire under an active paid subscription plan.

Please see our Plans & Pricing.

Please see the Delivr Plans & Pricing page for more details.

The acronym QR is short for “Quick Response”. QR Codes are also often called 2D barcodes. However, this notation is not correct, because it means “a two-dimensional code consisting of bars” although a QR code consists of pixels (so-called “modules”) instead of bars.

A QR code is a two-dimensional code (2D code, matrix code), this means it contains data not only in one dimension e.g., horizontally from left to right like the barcodes on the products in your grocery store but also in a second dimension (vertical and horizontal). As a QR Code can carry information in both the vertical and horizontal direction, it can store up to several hundred times the amount of data carried by a bar code. Over 7,000 numeric characters can be encoded in one QR Code.

The Quick Response (QR) code was developed at DENSO Corporation’s Industrial Systems Product Division (currently separated in 2001 to become DENSO WAVE Incorporated) in 1994. The code was originally developed to manage automotive component inventories in DENSO plants. Traditional bar codes were conventionally used, but as the need increased to include more information in a limited space, DENSO set up a team in 1992 to develop a new code, and in two years the QR code was developed.

Like other codes, the QR code symbol can be captured with imaging devices like a camera and then digitally processed. Software prepares the captured image data until it can be algorithmically processed according to the QR code standard so the QR code content can be read. The QR code has position detection patterns located at the three corners of the code, which enable reader equipment to quickly and accurately read the code from any direction. Since the QR code was originally developed for factory use, one of the development focuses was to create a code that could withstand stains and damage. Through this development, the code’s data can be restored even if a maximum of 30 percent of the code is damaged.

Because of the excellent error correction QR codes provide and the high memory capacity (in comparison with other bar codes), the QR code also gained traction outside the automotive industry. Modern mobile phones are powerful enough to run QR code reading software and also usually provide a camera. This combination brought up a variety of possibilities to use the QR code to easily transfer data without needing to type a URL into a mobile web browser. Therefore, a widespread use of QR codes became possible with the recent smartphone boom and the increasing spread of mobile internet.

The patent rights for the code are owned by DENSO WAVE, but the specifications and use of the code were made open and free to the public to widely expand its use in the market. The code was also approved as an ISO international standard in 2000. In Japan, where the QR code holds commanding share for two dimensional codes, it has been widely used in production and distribution management. And, since QR code reader functions were installed to cellular phones in early 2000, their usage has vastly expanded to the consumer market in areas including, advertising and marketing, business cards, ticket passes, coupons and more.

History of the QR Code. | More about QR codes can be found on Wikipedia.

Where you generate your QR codes is as important as your reason for generating them.

Delivr is one of a handful of companies worldwide licensed by DENSO.  DENSO, part of the Toyota Group, is a world leader in automatic data capture technology and the inventor of the QR Code®.  DENSO’s QR code technology is the undisputed standard in driving analog to digital engagement. Another DENSO technology, SQRC® is the worlds only ISO/IEC18004 compliant 2D barcode that can securely trigger a public and private action. Through this relationship, Delivr offers a compelling new generation of services that transform the use of the conventional QR code and takes QR codes to a higher level of intelligence, security, and customer experience.  All the resulting solutions are either patented by DENSO or proprietary to Delivr and are superior to competing products. No other self-service QR Code Generator can make these same claims, it is our unique distinction.

There are three conditions in the world of QR codes you simply can not control. You can't control which device is reading your QR code, the operating system on that device, or which QR code reader app is being used. As a DENSO partner,  Delivr upholds rarefied standards when generating ISO compliant QR codes with our QR Code Generator. Take  control over the only condition in the world of QR codes you can control - the QR code itself  by using QR codes from Delivr.

1. Provision & Distribute

   • Create a campaign at Delivr.
   • Download the QR code associated with the campaign.
   • Include the QR code on your choice of media. QR codes can be distributed via ad, sticker, packaging, poster, publication, billboard, or wherever else you would include a URL.
2. Track & Deliver
   • Consumer sees and scans the QR code using any smartphone with a QR code Reader App.
   • Visit data is sent to Delivr's tracking server.
   • The consumer experiences the immediate launch of your campaign landing page in their smartphone's mobile Web browser.
3. Process & Report
   • Delivr processes, stores, and reports the results of your QR code campaign in real time.

Delivr's QR Code Generator provides dynamic QR Codes.

The destination of a dynamic QR Code can be changed at any time and as often as you wish – even if your materials are already printed. Advertising campaigns can be updated at any time and mistakes corrected in the case the wrong link was used when you generated your QR Code.

What makes the QR Code I generate at Delivr, "dynamic"?

Delivr's QR Code Generator encodes a managed Short URL into your QR code that 301 redirects to your destination URL. As such, you can modify the stored link without having to generate and print a new QR Code. This will save reprinting costs, effort, and enable you to respond to any changes to marketing campaigns as quickly as possible.

How do I edit the Destination URL of my QR code?

From your Dashboard, find the campaign that you wish to edit and click, the "Edit" / pencil icon.  Type in a new Destination URL and click, "Save".  Future scans will send your audience to the new Destination URL.

Sizes listed always refer to an exact square shape. Sizes are provided in Metric and Imperial / US Measurements. The Imperial / US sizes (Inch / Inches) equivalents are rounded.

For print applications, such as placing standard black and white QR codes on packaging or in magazines, use the following specifications.

Standard QR code size guidelines

• Minimum size for standard QR codes
  • 10 mm (.4 inch), excluding the margin (Quiet Zone), is the minimum size for scanning standard, ISO 18004-compliant QR codes.
• Recommended size for standard QR codes
  • 12 mm (.5 inch), excluding the margin (Quiet Zone), to ensure best performance.

Labels and packaging may require deeper bespoke analysis especially when deviating from a standard black and white code. This starts with a review of a PDF of the layout, requires an understanding of the type of printing method and materials, and may then move to a print trial.

Always Test.

QR codes do not have to be the standard black and white design. Brands today are incorporating custom colors, logos and more into the QR code design.

Delivr's QR Code Designer enables you to effortlessly merge a dynamic QR code with any part of an image or logo to create a beautiful and clear call-to-action. Delivr's QR Code Designer combines the visual design that people LOVE with the QR Code call-to-action that people KNOW, creating an experience that draws peoples attention and invites them to make the leap from print to mobile.

However, the specifications for these custom QR codes are slightly different than standard QR codes, namely that the minimum size increases.

Custom QR code size guidelines and best practices

• Minimum size for custom QR codes with light customization
  • 2 cm (.75 inch)‍
• Recommended size for custom QR codes
  • 3 cm (1.25 inches)‍, larger if possible
• No inverted codes
  • Do not use a QR code with light dots on a dark background‍
• Use high contrast
  • Be sure the QR code color contrasts with the background, or it may not be readable.

Advisory

Our internal testing has shown that some custom QR codes that can be read by iOS devices cannot be read by some Android devices. Be sure to test the QR codes you create on both types of devices to ensure that all consumers will be able to successfully access your content.

And here’s the reason. Customized QR codes are not standard, ISO compliant QR codes. Depending on the extent and combination of design choices, the resulting QR code may not be scannable on some devices. The act of customizing a QR code introduces "damage" into the standard ISO compliant QR code format. As such,  customized QR codes require a high level of error correction to remain scannable. Error correction is a capability of QR codes to restore data if the code is dirty or damaged. This ensures high scannability despite the "damage" from customization.

For digital applications, the following specification assumes a 1080p display.

• Minimum digital QR code size
  • 240 pixels at 72 dpi

Since many digital QR codes are incorporated into signage, keep in mind that the minimum code size will need to increase depending on the distance between the code and the person scanning. The signage section below, which includes digital and print, addresses the calculation for this distance.

QR code size guidelines on digital and print out-of-home (OOH) signage

Because those scanning may not be directly next to the sign, you’ll need to increase the QR code size depending on how far away they will be.

• Ratio of scanning distance to QR code size
  • 10:1
• Formula for calculating QR code size based on scanning distance
  • QR code minimum size = Scanning distance (in cm or inches) ÷ 10

For example, if a code on a billboard will be scanned at a distance of 10 meters, the code should be at least 1 meter x 1 meter in size.

Code design for out-of-home (OOH) may require deeper bespoke analysis. This starts with an understanding of the printing specifications or digital display, Frame size (6-sheet , 28-sheet, 96-sheet, and higher), LCD resolution (2K, 4K), Nits, and if an LED screen, factors such as pixel pitch.  Always Test.

DENSO CORPORATION

DENSO Corporation, headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics, information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs more than 140,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015, totaled US$35.9 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9.2 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges.

In North America, DENSO employs more than 22,000 people at 30 consolidated companies and affiliates. Of these, 25 are manufacturing facilities located in the United States, Canada and Mexico. In the United States alone, DENSO employs more than 14,000 people in California, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Arkansas. DENSO’s North American consolidated sales totaled US$8.0 billion for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2015.

DENSO ADC

DENSO ADC is among the world's largest manufacturers of mobile data capture systems. The company, which pioneered CCD technology and invented the revolutionary QR code®, offers a wide range of advanced-technology, including handheld 1D and 2D terminals and scanners, featuring lightweight, yet durable, ergonomic designs. DENSO ADC is a brand of DENSO Corporation