Research Guides: QR Codes: QR Programs & Software

QR in the Stacks

Are you ready to make/read QR Codes?

You can embed all types of information into QR codes. Specifically, URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, SMS services, and general text are great uses for QR codes.

Things to Remember When Creating QR Codes:

Make the QR code big enough.
Leave enough white space around the code.
When connecting to URLs, make sure the URL is as short as possible.
Link to mobile-optimized sites whenever possible
For codes that retrieve text, make sure result is readable on small, handheld device displays

QR Code Generators

Kaywa
Creates QR Codes for URL's, text, phone numbers and SMS.
Kerem Erkan
Creates QR Codes, Data Matrix, Aztec Code and Micro QR Code. Allows to to browse to a website, send SMS, text, etc.
QR Code Generator
QR Code Generator from the ZXing Project. Creates codes for contact information, email addresses, geolocation, phone number, SMS, text, URLs and wi-fi network.
QR-Code Generator Tool
Create QR Codes for URLs, messages, phone numbers, SMS and email.

QR Readers

Most modern smartphones will read QR Codes without a special app. Just point the phone's camera at the code, and the software will ask if you want to open the link in a browser. If you prefer to use a separate app, here are some recommendations:

QuickMark Mobile Barcode
Use this link to navigate to the download page. Avail. for Symbian, Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.
ScanLife
Open your mobile phone's browser and visit the following website: http://app.scanlife.com/appdownload/dl. Avail. for most phones with camera and data service.
The Kaywa Reader
Point your mobile phone's browser to http://reader.kaywa.com. They will check if you have a phone which is supported by the Kaywa Reader. Avail. for some Symbian, Jana and Windows Mobile phones.