QR codes and barcodes are common technologies for automated scanning and data recognition. For example, QR code for Twitter allows easy access to a Twitter profile. Both allow encoding and quickly reading data using a scanning device. However, there are some fundamental differences between them.
The QR code is a two-dimensional barcode invented in 1994 by the Japanese company Denso Wave. Barcodes appeared earlier in 1952. Despite being invented later, QR codes have more advanced capabilities.
QR Code Features
Unlike linear barcodes, a QR code encodes data in two dimensions – horizontally and vertically. This allows storing much more information. QR codes come in different capacities depending on the version of the standard.
QR code scanning happens very quickly due to three square marks in the corners that facilitate identification. The code can be read at different angles and with less than ideal print quality. A QR code can encode various data types: text, links, contacts, calendar events. There are also advanced formats for geolocation, Wi-Fi networks, encrypted information.
Barcode Features
In barcodes, data is encoded via black and white lines of varying widths arranged horizontally. There are many barcode standards with different numbers of digits. Popular formats: EAN-13 with 13 digits, EAN-8 with 8 digits, UPC with 12 digits. The amount of encodable data is low, mainly short product ID numbers. Scan speed depends on print quality and angle. Barcodes can get damaged if bent or crumpled. Reading is less reliable. Barcodes cannot contain complex data, only basic information within the allowed number of digits. Functionality is limited.
Main QR Code Advantages:
- In data capacity, QR codes significantly exceed barcodes. A QR code can encode up to 7,000 alphanumeric characters or several thousand bytes. QR code scanning speed is also higher thanks to guide marks and the two-dimensional structure.
- A QR code can reliably be read even with 30% damaged data. Barcodes can barely be recognized when damaged.
In functionality, QR codes far surpass barcodes by providing many more capabilities.
Application Areas
Barcodes are mainly used in retail for product identification, inventory tracking, checkout scanning. QR codes have a much wider range of uses:
- Marketing and Advertising – codes on packaging, promotional materials, campaigns.
- Education – access to additional learning materials, schedules.
- Healthcare – codes on patient ID cards and records.
- Tourism – information about attractions, ticket/hotel booking.
- Services – restaurant menus, parking maps, taxi ordering.
- Manufacturing – tracking components and finished products.
- HR – business cards, applicant profiles.
In addition to commercial and practical applications, QR codes are also used creatively for entertainment purposes. They are integrated into various quests, games based on popular movies or books, interactive installations. QR codes can be used to create digital collections of pop culture artifacts, unusual museums, themed rooms. They add an interactive element to city quests, flash mobs, performances. Thus, besides utility, QR codes enable interesting creative ideas in entertainment and art. Such popularity of QR codes is also due to the fact that in addition to the high efficiency of this technology, modern online generators like ME-QR offer a wide range of code creation capabilities and ample opportunities for tracking their further analytics and customization.
The QR code is a significantly more advanced, functional and forward-looking technology compared to the barcode. It excels in many parameters, while barcodes remain relevant in limited areas.
