Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: With a smartphone
• Method 2 of 2: With a PC
• Necessities

QR codes were developed in 1994 by the company Denso Wave. Initially, the QR codes were used to track car parts during the production process. Today, the QR code is a popular marketing tool that allows users to quickly access websites and other media. A QR code can contain things like text, a URL, a text message or a phone number. This manual will show you how to read the codes.

To step

Method 1 of 2: With a smartphone

1. Install an app that can read QR codes. Download the app from Google Play, BlackBerry AppWorld or the App Store (for iOS / iPhone).
   • Most apps that scan QR codes are free. Any app that can read barcodes should also be able to process QR codes.
2. Open the app. You will see a camera window on your screen. Point your camera at a QR code. Hold the camera still so that the QR code is in focus. To speed up the reading process, fill the window as much as possible with the code.
   • You can use a smartphone with a QR reader to scan QR codes from a computer monitor or other display.
3. Go to the content. Depending on the QR code, you will be referred to a website, receive an SMS, or go to your phone's marketplace to download an app.
   • Be wary of QR codes that you don't know the origin of. They could send you to malicious websites.
   • The barcode scanner may ask for your permission before opening the application that is required to visit the link in the QR code. Always make sure that the application you open is related to the QR code you are scanning.
   • You can also scan QR codes with the Nintendo 3DS.

Method 2 of 2: With a PC

1. Download a program that can read QR codes. There are several programs on the market that you can use to read QR codes - some are free; for others you have to pay.
2. Enter the QR code. With some programs you will have to drag the image file from the QR code to the program; for other programs you can select and mark the QR code in the opened browser window. Some programs also allow you to scan the QR code with a webcam.
3. Use a QR barcode scanner. If you will have to scan a lot of QR codes, you can purchase a barcode scanner that you can connect to the computer via USB. These scanners respond a lot better and faster than smartphones and webcams.
   • If you are going to buy a barcode scanner, make sure that it can also scan 2D codes. A QR code is also a 2D barcode. A 1D barcode scanner cannot scan QR codes-1D barcodes are the traditional barcodes.

Necessities

• Phone with camera or a barcode scanner
• QR code