Question: How Do QR Codes Work?

Answer:

A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode, used to encode information. The information is read by a mobile phone equipped with a QR code reader, which works in conjunction with the phone's camera to decode the information.

The information in a QR code is typically some sort of actionable text; that is, the information in a QR code typically directs the phone to take some sort of action.

For example, a QR code might instruct a phone to open its browser to a specific URL, or to open an email and address it to a certain address.

Here are some of the most popular uses of QR codes:

URL: A QR code can be used to encode the text of a URL, which will be opened using the mobile phone's Web browser.

E-mail Address: A QR code may contain an e-mail address. The phone's e-mail client will open, and a blank message using the encoded email address will automatically be opened.

Telephone Number: A QR code also may contain a phone number. When the code is read, the phone's dialer will open with the number filled in, but the QR code should not automatically place the call without asking permission.

Contact Information: A QR code may be encoded with contact information, such as a mailing address, phone number, and email address. When read, the QR code will prompt the phone's contact manager to open, and will create a new entry with all of the data.

SMS / MMS: A QR code may contain a mobile telephone number that is ready to receive a text or multimedia message.

The QR code reader would prompt the phone to open the messaging client, and would open a new message that the user can compose and send.