QR Codes โ€“ How To Make Them And What To Use Them For

Michelle Schneider
2 Mar 202204:19

TLDRIn this video, Michelle explains the resurgence of QR codes in 2021 and how they can be easily created and customized using tools like Google Chrome and QR Code Monkey. She highlights the versatility of QR codes beyond just websites, such as for phone numbers, emails, and Wi-Fi passwords, making them a convenient tool for businesses and personal use. Michelle also recommends QR Code Generator for additional options and customization, emphasizing the simplicity and accessibility of QR code creation.

Takeaways

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ QR codes experienced a significant increase in popularity in 2021, becoming a mainstream technology.
  • ๐Ÿ” QR codes, which stand for Quick Response codes, were initially created in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota, for tracking automobile parts.
  • ๐ŸŒ The mainstream public adoption of QR codes began around 2010, and the pandemic further increased their visibility and use.
  • ๐Ÿ›  Google Chrome has a feature that allows users to generate QR codes for any URL they visit, making it easy to create custom QR codes.
  • ๐Ÿฆ• The default QR code generated by Chrome uses a 'dino' design, which can be a fun or quirky aspect for some users.
  • ๐ŸŽจ QR Code Monkey is a website that allows for customization of QR codes, including colors and the addition of logos or images.
  • ๐Ÿ“ QR Code Monkey also offers the ability to download QR codes as an EPS file, which can be resized without pixelation in vector-based software like Illustrator.
  • ๐Ÿ”‘ QR codes are not limited to website links; they can also be used for sharing contact information, email addresses, and even Wi-Fi passwords.
  • ๐Ÿ  Practical applications of QR codes include providing easy Wi-Fi access for guests in an Airbnb or visitors in a coffee shop.
  • ๐ŸŒ Another website, QRCodeGenerator.com, offers a wide range of QR code generation options, including Wi-Fi setup and various media types.
  • ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ QRCodeGenerator.com also allows customization of the QR code's appearance, such as adding frames and adjusting the shape and color.
  • ๐Ÿค” The script emphasizes that creating QR codes is simple and accessible, not requiring advanced technological skills, and encourages sharing favorite QR code generating sites and uses.

Q & A

  • What was the original purpose of QR codes?

    -QR codes, which stand for Quick Response codes, were originally created in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation, to track automobile parts during the assembly process.

  • When were QR codes introduced to the mainstream public?

    -QR codes were not released into the mainstream public until 2010, but the pandemic in 2020 significantly increased their visibility and use.

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

    -In the latest version of Google Chrome, you can create a QR code by clicking on the share icon in the search bar and selecting the 'QR code' option. This will automatically generate a QR code that you can download as a PNG file.

  • What is special about the QR codes generated in Google Chrome?

    -The QR codes generated in Google Chrome use Dino QR codes, featuring a dinosaur in the middle of the code, which is a fun and unique aspect of these codes.

  • What is QR Code Monkey and how does it differ from Google Chrome's QR code generator?

    -QR Code Monkey is a website that allows users to create customizable QR codes with the ability to change colors and add logos or images. It also allows downloading the QR code as an EPS file, which can be resized without pixelation and further customized in vector editing software like Illustrator.

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

    -QR codes can be used for various purposes such as sharing phone numbers, email addresses, Wi-Fi passwords, and even direct links to social media profiles or specific content like images, MP3s, and more.

  • How can QR codes be used in a business setting like a coffee shop?

    -Businesses like coffee shops can use QR codes to allow customers to easily log on to the Wi-Fi by scanning the code, which contains the network name and password.

  • What is another website that offers a variety of QR code generation options?

    -QRCodeGenerator.com is another site that offers a wide range of QR code generation options, including Wi-Fi, images, MP3s, emails, text messages, and social media links.

  • How can you customize the appearance of a QR code on QRCodeGenerator.com?

    -On QRCodeGenerator.com, you can customize the appearance of your QR code by choosing different frames, adjusting the shape and color, and selecting a suitable background.

  • What is the significance of being able to download a QR code as an EPS file?

    -Downloading a QR code as an EPS file allows for high-quality, scalable vector graphics that can be resized without losing resolution, making it ideal for printing and professional use.

  • Why is it important for the Q&A section to enhance the understanding of the script?

    -The Q&A section provides additional insights and clarifications on the script's content, helping readers to better understand the information presented and to apply it in practical scenarios.

Outlines

00:00

๐Ÿ“ฒ QR Code Popularity and Creation Basics

In this paragraph, Michelle introduces the resurgence of QR codes in 2021, highlighting their origin in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. Initially used for tracking automobile parts, QR codes gained mainstream popularity post-2010, especially during the pandemic. Michelle then demonstrates how to create QR codes using Google Chrome's built-in feature, which generates downloadable PNG files. She also mentions the option to use 'dino QR codes' for a more playful design.

๐ŸŽจ Customizing QR Codes with QR Code Monkey

Michelle recommends QR Code Monkey for its customization options, allowing users to change colors and add logos to QR codes, as well as download them as EPS files for high-quality resizing in vector graphic applications like Illustrator. She emphasizes the versatility of QR codes beyond just websites, including their use for phone numbers, emails, and Wi-Fi passwords, providing practical examples like Airbnb Wi-Fi setup.

๐Ÿ” More QR Code Options with QRCodeGenerator.com

The paragraph discusses another resource, QRCodeGenerator.com, which offers a variety of QR code generation options, including Wi-Fi setup, images, MP3s, emails, text, and social media links. Michelle notes the site's customization features, such as frame selection, shape, and color adjustments, making it easy for anyone to create personalized QR codes without technical expertise.

๐Ÿ“ข Engaging with the Audience for Further Discussion

In the concluding part of the script, Michelle invites viewers to share their favorite QR code generating sites and how they use them in the comments section. She also encourages viewers to ask questions and promises to respond. Michelle ends by asking for likes and subscriptions, emphasizing the value of the information provided and looking forward to the next video.

Mindmap

Keywords

๐Ÿ’กQR Code

A QR code, or Quick Response code, is a type of matrix barcode invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave. It is used to store information that can be scanned and read by a digital device, such as a smartphone. In the video, QR codes are discussed as versatile tools that can link to URLs, phone numbers, emails, and even Wi-Fi passwords.

๐Ÿ’กGoogle Chrome

Google Chrome is a widely-used web browser developed by Google. The video highlights a feature in the latest version of Chrome that allows users to easily generate QR codes for any URL they visit, enhancing the ease of creating and sharing QR codes.

๐Ÿ’กDino QR Codes

Dino QR codes are a playful variant of QR codes available in Google Chrome, featuring a dinosaur icon in the middle. The video mentions this as a unique aesthetic choice, although users can opt for other styles if they prefer.

๐Ÿ’กQR Code Monkey

QR Code Monkey is a website that offers a free tool for generating customizable QR codes. The video praises this site for its features like color customization, adding logos, and downloading in various formats, making it ideal for detailed and brand-specific QR code creation.

๐Ÿ’กEPS File

EPS (Encapsulated PostScript) is a file format used for vector graphics. In the video, it's highlighted as a download option on QR Code Monkey, allowing users to create scalable QR codes that can be resized without losing quality, useful for graphic design in tools like Adobe Illustrator.

๐Ÿ’กWi-Fi QR Codes

Wi-Fi QR codes allow users to connect to a Wi-Fi network by scanning the code. The video describes how this feature can be particularly useful in places like Airbnbs, coffee shops, or private homes, simplifying the process of sharing Wi-Fi credentials with guests.

๐Ÿ’กQR Code Generator

QR Code Generator is another online tool for creating QR codes. Similar to QR Code Monkey, it offers a variety of options, such as creating codes for images, MP3s, emails, and texts. The video mentions this site as a versatile resource for generating different types of QR codes.

๐Ÿ’กCustomization

Customization refers to the ability to alter and personalize QR codes, such as changing colors, adding logos, and adjusting shapes. The video emphasizes the importance of customization in making QR codes more appealing and aligned with personal or brand aesthetics.

๐Ÿ’กVector File

A vector file is a type of graphic file that can be scaled to any size without losing quality. The video mentions that QR Code Monkey allows users to download QR codes as vector files (EPS), which is beneficial for professional design and printing purposes.

๐Ÿ’กPandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased the use of QR codes as contactless solutions became necessary. The video suggests that the pandemic brought QR codes into the mainstream, making them a common sight in various public and private spaces for functions like menu viewing and information sharing.

Highlights

QR codes experienced a significant resurgence in 2021.

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

They were initially used for tracking automobile parts during the assembly process.

QR codes became mainstream in 2010 and gained further popularity during the pandemic.

Google Chrome has a feature that allows users to generate QR codes from any URL.

The QR code generated by Chrome can be downloaded as a PNG file.

Dino QR codes can be used for a more personalized touch.

QR Code Monkey is a popular website for creating customizable QR codes.

Customization options on QR Code Monkey include colors, logos, and vector file downloads.

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

For businesses like Airbnb, QR codes can simplify Wi-Fi access for guests.

QR codes can also be used in coffee shops or homes to provide easy Wi-Fi access.

QRCodeGenerator.com is another site that offers a variety of QR code generation options.

This site allows users to generate QR codes for images, MP3s, emails, text, Twitter, and more.

Users can customize the frame and shape of QR codes on QRCodeGenerator.com.

Creating QR codes is simple and does not require advanced technological skills.

The speaker invites viewers to share their favorite QR code generating sites and how they use them.

The video encourages viewers to like and subscribe for more helpful content.