QR Code Glossary

Alignment Pattern

Small squares inside a QR code that correct distortion, enabling accurate scanning even from angles.

Barcode

A one-dimensional code that represents data using black and white stripes. The predecessor technology to QR codes.

Contrast Ratio

The ratio of brightness difference between QR code modules (dark) and background (light). Directly affects scanning accuracy.

Data Capacity

The maximum amount of data a QR code can store, determined by the combination of version and error correction level.

Data Matrix

A two-dimensional code standard separate from QR codes. Characterized by its square border, widely used in pharmaceutical and electronics management.

Deep Link

A link that navigates directly to a specific screen within an app. Stored in QR codes, it opens specific app pages on scan.

Denso Wave

The Japanese company that developed QR codes. A Denso group company manufacturing auto-ID equipment and robots.

Design QR Code

A visually customized QR code with colors and logos. Error correction level H is recommended.

Dynamic QR Code

A QR code whose destination can be changed after creation. Uses a short URL redirect, allowing link updates without reprinting.

eL-QR

Japan's unified local tax QR code. Scan the QR code on tax payment slips to pay taxes from a smartphone.

Encoding Mode

The method QR codes use to encode data. Four types exist: numeric, alphanumeric, binary, and kanji, auto-selected based on data type.

Error Correction

A mechanism that restores original data even when parts of a QR code are dirty or damaged. Four levels: L/M/Q/H.

Error Correction Level

A setting that determines how much dirt or damage a QR code can withstand. Four levels: L, M, Q, and H.

Finder Pattern

The large squares at three corners of a QR code. Landmarks that help scanners detect the code's position and orientation.

Format Information

A 15-bit data area embedded in QR codes indicating the error correction level and mask pattern number.

Frame QR Code

A QR code variant with a canvas area in the center. Illustrations and text can be freely placed inside.

GS1 QR Code

A QR code conforming to the GS1 international distribution standard. Stores product identification, lot numbers, and expiration dates in a standardized format.

ISO/IEC 18004

The international standard for QR codes. Defines symbol specifications, data encoding methods, and error correction.

LINE Friend Add QR Code

A QR code for adding LINE official or personal accounts as friends.

Logo QR Code

A QR code with a logo or image embedded in the center, made possible by the error correction feature.

Map QR Code

A QR code that opens a specific location in Google Maps or other map apps. Useful for directions.

Masahiro Hara

The lead developer of QR codes. Invented QR codes in 1994 as an engineer at Denso Wave.

Mask Pattern

A black-white inversion pattern applied to the data area to improve scanning accuracy. Eight patterns exist.

Micro QR Code

A smaller variant of the QR code. Has only one finder pattern, enabling printing in tight spaces.

Micro QR Code

A compact version of the standard QR code with only one finder pattern, saving space.

Module

The smallest black or white square unit that makes up a QR code. Also called a cell.

NFC

Near-field wireless communication technology. An alternative to QR codes that reads information by simply tapping a smartphone.

QR Business Card

A QR code printed on a business card. Scan to save contact information directly to a smartphone.

QR Code

A two-dimensional barcode developed by Denso Wave in 1994. Stands for Quick Response Code.

QR Code Access Control

A system managing building or room entry/exit by scanning QR codes. Used in offices, event venues, and coworking spaces.

QR Code Agriculture

Agricultural initiatives using QR codes for produce origin certification, cultivation history disclosure, and shipment management.

QR Code AR

A system where scanning a QR code displays AR (augmented reality) content. Used on product packaging and advertisements.

QR Code Art

Decorative QR codes incorporating illustrations and designs while maintaining scanning functionality.

QR Code Attendance

A system that records attendance by scanning QR codes at event or seminar check-in.

QR Code Authentication

An authentication method using QR code scanning for identity verification or login. Used by LINE, WhatsApp Web, and other services.

QR Code Boarding Pass

A smartphone-based boarding pass issued by airlines. Scan at the airport to complete boarding procedures.

QR Code Campaign

A general term for marketing initiatives where scanning a QR code enables entry, coupon redemption, or reward collection.

QR Code Coupon

A digital coupon distributed and redeemed via QR code. Simply scan at the store to apply the discount.

QR Code Digital Signage

A QR code displayed on digital signs. Provides instant access to advertisements and campaign information.

QR Code Donation

A system for making donations by scanning a QR code. Enables cashless, convenient giving.

QR Code Generator

A tool that creates QR code images from URLs or text. Many free online services are available.

QR Code Health Pass

A system for presenting vaccination or negative test certificates via QR code. Became widespread globally during COVID-19.

QR Code Inventory Tag

A QR code label attached to products or materials. Scan to view and update inventory details like item name, quantity, and storage location.

QR Code Invoice

A QR code printed on invoices or payment slips. Scan to proceed directly to payment.

QR Code Label

A label with a QR code attached to products or packages. Used for product information and shipment tracking.

QR Code Learning Material

Learning materials with QR codes printed on textbooks or worksheets, providing access to supplementary videos, audio, and interactive content.

QR Code Logistics

A system scanning QR codes at each logistics stage to streamline package tracking, sorting, and delivery management.

QR Code Menu

A system where scanning a QR code at a restaurant table displays the menu on your smartphone.

QR Code Mobile Order

A restaurant system where scanning a table QR code enables ordering and payment entirely from a smartphone.

QR Code Name Tag

A name badge with a printed QR code for exhibitions and conferences, enabling contact exchange and profile viewing by scanning.

QR Code New Year's Card

A New Year's card with a printed QR code linking to video messages or photo galleries.

QR Code Offering

A system for making cashless offerings at shrines and temples by scanning a QR code.

QR Code Parking

A cashless parking system where QR codes are scanned for entry, exit, and payment.

QR Code Payment

A cashless payment method using QR codes. Includes merchant-presented and consumer-presented types.

QR Code Payment App

A general term for smartphone apps that use QR codes for store payments and person-to-person transfers.

QR Code Payment Terminal

A dedicated device installed at store registers that reads QR codes displayed on customers' smartphones to process payments.

QR Code Pet Tag

A lost pet tag with a QR code attached to a pet's collar. Scanning displays the owner's contact information and pet details.

QR Code Point Card

A digital loyalty card that uses QR codes instead of plastic cards to earn and redeem points.

QR Code Prescription

A QR code printed on medical prescriptions. Speeds up dispensing at pharmacies and prevents input errors.

QR Code Reader Device

Dedicated hardware for scanning QR codes. Used at registers, factories, and logistics facilities.

QR Code Review

A QR code that directs customers to review pages on Google Maps, restaurant guides, and other platforms.

QR Code Scanner

A device or app for reading QR codes. Smartphone cameras are now the primary scanning method.

QR Code Stamp Rally

A digital stamp rally where participants scan QR codes at various locations to collect stamps.

QR Code Sticker

A sticker or label printed with a QR code. Attach to items to link them to digital information.

QR Code Tombstone

A QR code embedded in a gravestone that links to photos and biographical information of the deceased.

QR Code Traceability

A system using QR codes to track product distribution from production to consumption. Used for food origin verification and pharmaceutical anti-counterfeiting.

QR Code Tracking

A system for collecting and analyzing QR code scan data including count, time, and location. Used for measuring marketing effectiveness.

QR Phishing

A phishing scam using QR codes (also called quishing) that redirects victims to fake websites to steal personal information.

QR Ticket

An electronic ticket using a QR code for admission or boarding. Eliminates the need for paper tickets.

Quiet Zone

The required white margin around a QR code. Without it, scanners cannot recognize the code's boundaries.

Quishing

A portmanteau of QR and phishing. Refers to phishing scams that exploit QR codes to steal personal information.

Reed-Solomon Code

A mathematical algorithm used for QR code error correction. Restores damaged data using redundancy.

rMQR Code

A rectangular QR code. A new variant by Denso Wave that fits in elongated spaces where square QR codes cannot.

rMQR Code

A rectangular variant of QR code standardized as ISO 23941. Fits into narrow spaces where square codes cannot.

SNS QR Code

A QR code that directs to social media profiles on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and other platforms.

SQRC

A security-enhanced QR code developed by Denso Wave. Stores both public and private data in a single code.

Static QR Code

A QR code with data encoded directly in its pattern. Independent of external services and usable semi-permanently.

Store Scan Method

A QR code payment method where the customer displays a QR code on their phone and the store's terminal reads it.

Structured Append

A feature that splits one dataset across multiple QR codes. Up to 16 QR codes can be linked together.

SVG

A vector image format. QR codes in SVG can be scaled to any size without quality loss.

Symbol

A technical term for the entire printed pattern of a machine-readable code such as a QR code or barcode.

Timing Pattern

Alternating black and white lines connecting finder patterns in a QR code. Serve as reference lines for accurately locating module coordinates.

Two-Dimensional Code

A general term for codes that store data in two directions. QR codes are one type of two-dimensional code.

URL QR Code

A QR code containing a website URL. Scan to open the page directly in a browser.

URL Shortener

A service that converts long URLs to short ones. Reduces QR code data volume, keeping codes compact.

User Scan Method

A QR code payment method where the store displays a QR code and the customer scans it with their smartphone to pay.

vCard

A standard electronic business card format. When stored in a QR code, contacts are saved to smartphones with a single scan.

Version

A number indicating QR code size, ranging from 1 (21×21) to 40 (177×177) in 40 levels.

Version (QR Code)

A number indicating QR code size. Ranges from Version 1 (21x21 modules) to Version 40 (177x177 modules).

Wi-Fi QR Code

A QR code containing Wi-Fi connection details. Scan to connect to a network without entering a password.

Wi-Fi QR Code

A QR code containing Wi-Fi connection details. Scan to connect to the network without typing a password.