QR Codes – How To Make Them And What To Use Them For

Michelle Schneider
2 Mar 202204:19

TLDRIn this video, Michelle discusses the resurgence of QR codes in 2021 and provides a step-by-step guide on how to create them using Google Chrome's new feature or websites like QR Code Monkey and QRCodeGenerator.com. She highlights customization options and various uses beyond websites, such as sharing Wi-Fi passwords, phone numbers, and emails, emphasizing the ease and versatility of QR code generation.

Takeaways

  • πŸ“ˆ QR codes had a significant increase in popularity in 2021.
  • πŸ‘€ The presenter, Michelle, creates videos on marketing, websites, and design.
  • πŸ” QR codes, or Quick Response codes, were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota.
  • πŸ”§ Initially, QR codes were used for tracking parts in the automobile industry.
  • 🌐 The mainstream public use of QR codes began around 2010, with the pandemic further increasing their visibility.
  • πŸ”— Google Chrome has a feature that allows users to create QR codes from any URL.
  • πŸ¦• Dino QR codes are an option for QR code generation, but not everyone may prefer them.
  • 🎨 QR Code Monkey is a site that allows customization of QR codes, including colors and logos.
  • πŸ“ QR codes can be downloaded as an EPS file for high-quality resizing in design software.
  • πŸ›  QR codes are not limited to websites; they can also be used for phone numbers, emails, and Wi-Fi passwords.
  • 🏠 Practical applications include using QR codes for guests to easily connect to Wi-Fi in places like Airbnb or coffee shops.
  • πŸ”‘ Another site for QR code generation is qrcodegenerator.com, offering various options including Wi-Fi setup and customization.

Q & A

  • What is a QR code, and what does it stand for?

    -A QR code stands for 'Quick Response' code, and it is a type of matrix barcode that can be scanned using smartphones or QR code readers to quickly access information or perform certain actions.

  • Who created QR codes and when were they invented?

    -QR codes were created in 1994 by a Japanese corporation called Denso Wave, which is a subsidiary of the automobile company Toyota Motor Corporation.

  • What was the original purpose of QR codes?

    -The original purpose of QR codes was to track automobile parts during the assembly process at factories.

  • How did the pandemic influence the popularity of QR codes?

    -The pandemic greatly increased the popularity of QR codes as contactless solutions became essential, leading to their widespread use in various industries such as restaurants, retail, and event management.

  • How can you generate a QR code using Google Chrome?

    -To generate a QR code using Google Chrome, you need to click on the share icon in the search bar and select the QR code option. This will generate a QR code for the URL you are currently on, which you can then download as a PNG file.

  • What is QR Code Monkey, and why is it preferred by some users?

    -QR Code Monkey is an online tool that allows users to create custom QR codes. It is preferred because it offers customization options such as color changes, logo additions, and the ability to download QR codes as vector files like EPS, which can be edited in software like Adobe Illustrator.

  • What are some alternative uses for QR codes besides linking to websites?

    -QR codes can be used for a variety of purposes besides linking to websites, such as sharing phone numbers, sending emails, connecting to Wi-Fi networks, displaying images, playing MP3 files, or sharing text messages.

  • How can QR codes be useful for businesses like Airbnbs and coffee shops?

    -For businesses like Airbnbs and coffee shops, QR codes can simplify customer interactions by providing easy access to Wi-Fi passwords, menu information, promotional offers, and more, thereby enhancing customer convenience and experience.

  • What is the QR Code Generator, and what features does it offer?

    -The QR Code Generator is another online tool for creating QR codes. It offers features such as creating QR codes for various data types (e.g., images, MP3s, emails), customizing frames with text like 'scan me', and adjusting shapes and colors for personalized QR codes.

  • Do you need advanced technological skills to create a QR code?

    -No, you do not need advanced technological skills to create a QR code. Many user-friendly online generators are available that make the process simple and accessible to everyone.

Outlines

00:00

πŸ“ˆ QR Code Renaissance in 2021

The script introduces the resurgence of QR codes in 2021, with the presenter, Michelle, focusing on marketing, website, and design topics. She discusses the history of QR codes, which were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, for tracking automobile parts. The mainstream adoption of QR codes only occurred in 2010, with the pandemic further accelerating their popularity. Michelle then shares her expertise on creating QR codes, starting with Google Chrome's new feature that generates QR codes from any URL, and mentioning the use of Dino QR codes as a quirky option.

🎨 Customizing QR Codes with QR Code Monkey

Michelle recommends QR Code Monkey as her preferred QR code generator due to its customization options, such as color changes and the ability to add a logo. This tool allows for downloading QR codes as EPS files, which can be resized without quality loss in vector editing software like Adobe Illustrator. Michelle also touches on the versatility of QR codes, explaining that they are not limited to websites but can also be used for contact information, emails, and even Wi-Fi passwords, providing practical examples like using them in Airbnbs for guest convenience.

πŸ” Expanding QR Code Uses and Generator Options

The script continues with Michelle exploring additional uses for QR codes, such as in businesses like coffee shops or for home Wi-Fi access, emphasizing the simplicity and practicality of QR code generation. She also introduces another QR code generator, qrcodegenerator.com, which offers a wide range of options including Wi-Fi setup, images, MP3s, emails, text, and social media links. Michelle highlights the customization features of this site, like choosing frames and adjusting the shape and color of the QR codes, and encourages viewers to share their favorite QR code generators and usage tips in the comments section.

πŸ“ Closing Remarks and Call for Audience Engagement

In the final part of the script, Michelle wraps up the video by inviting viewers to share their favorite QR code generating sites and how they use them, as well as asking any questions they might have. She expresses hope that the information was helpful and encourages viewers to like the video and subscribe for more content, promising to see them in the next video.

Mindmap

Keywords

πŸ’‘QR Code

A QR Code, or Quick Response Code, is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned using a smartphone or QR code reader to quickly access information. In the video, QR Codes are the central topic, with the creator discussing how they can be made and various uses for them. The script mentions that QR Codes were created in 1994 for tracking automobile parts but gained mainstream popularity more recently.

πŸ’‘Glow Up

The term 'glow up' is colloquially used to describe a transformation or improvement, often in appearance. In the context of the video, the presenter humorously refers to the 'glow up' of QR Codes in 2021, indicating their increased popularity and use.

πŸ’‘Google Chrome

Google Chrome is a web browser developed by Google. The video script highlights a feature in the latest version of Chrome that allows users to generate QR Codes from any URL they visit, making the process of creating QR Codes more accessible.

πŸ’‘Dino QR Codes

Dino QR Codes is a playful term used in the video to describe a default style of QR Code that includes a dinosaur graphic. It's mentioned as an example of the customization options available when creating QR Codes, suggesting that users can choose different designs if they prefer.

πŸ’‘QR Code Monkey

QR Code Monkey is a website mentioned in the script that allows users to create customizable QR Codes. The presenter appreciates the ability to change colors, add logos, and download the QR Code as an EPS file for high-quality resizing, which is particularly useful for design purposes.

πŸ’‘EPS File

An EPS file, or Encapsulated PostScript, is a vector image file format used in digital imaging and desktop publishing. The script explains that downloading a QR Code as an EPS file allows for easy resizing without pixelation, which is beneficial for maintaining image quality in various applications.

πŸ’‘Wi-Fi Passwords

The script discusses the innovative use of QR Codes for sharing Wi-Fi passwords. This can be particularly useful in settings like Airbnb rentals or coffee shops, where guests or customers can quickly connect to the internet by scanning a QR Code, as illustrated in the video.

πŸ’‘Customization

Customization refers to the ability to modify or change certain features of an object or product to suit individual preferences or needs. In the context of the video, customization is highlighted as a key feature of QR Codes, allowing users to change colors, add logos, and select different frames or shapes.

πŸ’‘QR Code Generator

A QR Code Generator is a tool or website that enables users to create QR Codes for various purposes. The video mentions several generators, including QR Code Monkey and qrcodegenerator.com, which offer a range of options for creating QR Codes for different types of content.

πŸ’‘Pixelation

Pixelation refers to the loss of image detail that occurs when an image is resized, particularly when scaled up. The script mentions that downloading a QR Code as a vector file, like an EPS, avoids pixelation, ensuring that the QR Code remains clear and functional at any size.

πŸ’‘Illustrator

Adobe Illustrator is a vector graphics editing software used for creating logos, icons, typography, and other vector art. The video script suggests that users can import an EPS file of a QR Code into Illustrator to further customize the colors and design without worrying about image quality.

Highlights

QR codes, standing for Quick Response, were created in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation.

Originally used to track automobile parts, QR codes became mainstream in 2010.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the popularity and usage of QR codes.

Google Chrome now has a feature to easily generate QR codes from any URL using the share icon in the search bar.

QR codes generated through Google Chrome download as a PNG file with a dinosaur in the middle, referred to as Dino QR codes.

QR Code Monkey is a recommended tool for creating QR codes with customizable colors and the ability to add a logo image.

QR Code Monkey also allows downloading QR codes as EPS files, which can be resized without pixelation in Illustrator.

QR codes can be used for more than just websites, including phone numbers, emails, and even Wi-Fi passwords.

QR codes are useful in various settings, such as Airbnbs and coffee shops, for easy Wi-Fi access.

Another useful site for generating QR codes is qrcodegenerator.com, which offers options for images, MP3s, emails, texts, and more.

QR codes on qrcodegenerator.com can be customized with different frames, shapes, and colors.

Creating QR codes is simple and requires no advanced technological skills due to the availability of many online generators.

Users are encouraged to share their favorite QR code generating sites and how they use them in the comments.

The video provides a helpful guide on making and using QR codes, and viewers are invited to like, comment, and subscribe.