How to generate and read a QR code

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

You will need a smartphone, computer, or any other device with an internet connection.

QR codes are found everywhere: on tickets, signs, business cards, clothing, on the Internet. We are used to using them and do not even think about their essence. Like barcodes, they are optical labels that contain textual information, containing up to 7,000 numbers or about 4,000 letters and special characters.

The data inside QR codes is encrypted in a certain way and is read and then decoded using special software. The corresponding function is now in any smartphone out of the box. It can also be added by installing the application.

How to generate a QR code

In order to encrypt information inside a QR code, you will need a special generator in the form of an online service or application. The first option is more convenient to use on a computer, the second, respectively, on a smartphone. Here's how to do it.

How to generate QR code online

Let's consider the process using the example of the popular QRCode Monkey service, which is notable for a large number of settings and additional functions such as adding your own image or logo to the code.

Go to and enter the desired URL in the Enter content field.

Change the colors of the QR code in the Set colors section if you want.

In the Add logo image menu, upload your image or select one of the social media logos.

Switch to the Customize design section and select the QR code view.

When it is ready, use the slider on the right to specify the desired resolution, and then click Create QR Code and download the code picture by clicking on the button of the desired format.

You can also use one of the following services:

• - a simple generator without unnecessary problems.
• - a service with support for various data formats and embedding into the site.
• - a tool for creating dynamic codes that can be changed at any time, with a choice of formats, design and embedding.

How to generate a QR code on your smartphone

Let's try to generate a code using QR Code for iOS. In other applications, including for Android, the procedure is not much different and is performed in the same way.

Install the utility and open the menu. Select QR Code Creator.

Enter your text or link and click Generate.

Tap the Share icon and select Save Image to save the QR code to the gallery.

How to read a QR code

The generated code is much easier to recognize. On a smartphone, this can be done via a standard camera or one of the many mobile applications. On a computer, it is most convenient to use the online service by reading the code through a webcam or uploading an image of it.

How to read a QR code on a smartphone

iPhone has been able to recognize codes since iOS 11, on Android devices the same function has been available since Android 9.0. With this in mind, the easiest way is to read QR codes with a regular camera without resorting to third-party applications. Although, if necessary, you can use them.

For recognition, you just need to turn on the camera and point the lens at the QR code. After that, click on the pop-up notification, and the content will open in the appropriate application: a link - in a browser, a contact - in an address book, and so on.

Application not found

QR & Barcode Scanner (Russian) TeaCapps

How to read a QR code on a computer

On a PC, you can decrypt the code in just a couple of clicks without installing any applications. The most convenient way to do this is through one of the online services. For example, Qrrd.

Go to the site using and open the picture with the QR-code by dragging it into the window or by clicking on the "Select file" button.

Literally in a moment, the content of the code will be immediately displayed on the page.

Here are some more online recognition tools:

• - a simple service for reading QR codes from pictures.
• - an online barcode and QR code scanner that recognizes a cipher by a picture file or a link to it.
• - a minimalistic online tool with support for reading codes via a webcam and photo.