Guide about QR Code

What is QR Code?

A QR Code (short for Quick Response) is a specific matrix barcode symbol (or two-dimensional 2D code), readable by dedicated barcode readers and camera phones. The symbol consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. Information encoded can be text, URL or other data. Common in Japan, where it was created by a Toyota subsidiary, Denso-Wave in 1994, QR code is one of the most popular types of two-dimensional barcodes.

What is Labeljoy? It’s a QR Code label software that allows you to generate QR Codes and barcodes. You can create labels and custom stickers with personalized barcodes for your product labels, business cards, badges.

See also:

QR code: Micro and Standard

Symbols can be of two types: Micro QR Code or Standard QR Code.

Micro QR Code is a smaller version of the symbology and, depending on contents and error correction level, can represent up to 35 digits or 21 alphanumeric characters. There are 4 versions of Micro QR Code: Micro QR Code 1 through Micro QR Code 4. They have increasing data encoding capacity and physical size.

Standard QR Code can represent up to 7,089 digits or 4,296 alphanumeric characters. There are 40 versions of Standard Code: Version 1 through Version 40.

Micro QR Code	Standard QR Code

QR code: Encoding

Labeljoy enables you to define the encoding algorithm to be used to obtain the best possible data compression, aimed at reducing the amount of space required to display the symbol. The available options are:

• (Mixed): default setting. Enables encoding of data using a combination of all the following encoding modes based on the type of data found. Normally this setting produces the best results.
• Numeric: enables encoding of numbers 0 through 9 only.
• Alphanumeric: enables encoding of numbers, upper case letters only, and a few special characters. Best suited for alphanumeric codes with upper case text.
• Hex (String): enables encoding of any character in ASCII set. Best suited for alphanumeric codes with lower case text.
• Hex (Byte): specific encoding for byte data ranging between 0 and 255. By using this encoding algorithm it is possible to encode any value between 0x00 and 0xFF (decimal 0 ~ 255). In order to use this encoding you need to enter a string containing 2-digit hexadecimal values separated by a space: I.e.: 32 FA 56 E8 12 … etc.
• Kanji: enables encoding of characters in the Shift JIS system used to display Japanese characters.

QR Code encoding: 012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789
Numeric encoding	Byte (String) encoding

QR code: Symbol Size

Labeljoy enables you to enter the minimum symbol dimension. The QR Code architecture displays data in a square. The size of the square depends on the amount of data encoded.

Normally the symbol is generated with the smallest possible size needed to represent encoded data. In some cases, it might be desirable to increase the minimum needed size drawn, to make sure that all printed symbols have the same size regardless of amount of encoded data. For example, if you connect a QR code barcode to the address field of a data source, it might be necessary for all symbols to have the same size, regardless of the single address length. In such a scenario, you will be able to define a minimum symbol size for all generated barcodes.

QR Code encoding: https://www.labeljoy.com/free-label-software/
With (Auto) symbol size	With Version 10 minimum symbol size

QR code: Error Correction

The QR Code standard enables you to select between 4 different levels of recovery from the following amounts of damage:

• L: 7% recovery capacity.
• M (default): 15% recovery capacity.
• Q: 25% recovery capacity.
• H: 30% recovery capacity.

QR Code implements error correction to ensure readability on partially damaged symbols. The higher the error correction level, the larger the symbol size needed to encode the same data.

QR Code encoding: https://www.labeljoy.com/free-label-software/
With L error correction level	With Q error correction level

DATA MATRIX

Data matrix symbology is a 2D two-dimensional matrix barcode consisting of black and white “cells” or modules arranged in either a square or rectangular pattern. The information to be encoded can be text or raw data

The length of the encoded data depends on symbol dimension used. Error correction codes are added to increase symbol strength: even if they are partially damaged, they can still be read. A Data Matrix symbol can store up to 2,335 alphanumeric characters.

Data Matrix symbols can encode text in several different ways. With Labeloy you can define the most appropriate encoding algorithm for the text you want to encode.

POSTNET CODE

Postnet (Postal Numeric Encoding Technique) is a barcode symbology that is used by the United States Postal Service to assist in directing mail. ZIP Code or ZIP+4 code is encoded in half- and full-height bars. Most often, delivery point is added, usually being last two digits of address or PO box number.

Postnet symbols encode 5, 9 or 11 digits only.

PLANET CODE

Planet (Postal Alpha Numeric Encoding Technique) is a barcode symbology used by United States Postal Service to identify and track pieces of mail during delivery – the Post Office’s “CONFIRM” services.

Planet symbols encode 12 or 14 digits only, where last digit is a check digit, automatically calculated by Labeljoy. Therefore, only 11 or 13 digits can be entered.

ABOUT BARCODE

Read more about barcode for Code 39, code 128, ean 13.