URL QR Code

A URL QR code is the most common type of QR code, storing the address of a website. When you scan it with a smartphone, the browser launches automatically and displays the relevant page. It is widely used as a way to guide people from print media such as flyers, posters, and product packaging to the web.

Because a longer URL makes the QR code larger, it is also often combined with a short URL service. Also, if you store a URL that begins with https://, the communication is encrypted, but this does not guarantee that the destination can be trusted. Phishing sites also use https, so to let readers open the link with confidence, it is effective to use a URL in which your own domain name is visible as it is.

When storing a URL in a QR code, pay attention to the length of the URL. A long URL raises the version (number of modules), so either the print size increases or each module becomes smaller and reading accuracy drops. If the URL is long, it is effective to shorten it with a redirect URL on your own domain name. External short URL services carry the risk of the service being discontinued, so in-house management is recommended.