QRJiffy

QR Code Guides

QRJiffy’s 18 QR code guides answer how QR codes work, how to create and scan them, how to print them and how to avoid QR scams. Each guide answers one question in full, with numbers from the QR code standard (ISO/IEC 18004).

Guide images: a damaged QR code, a ticket gate, a billboard code and three steps to make one
The guides cover how QR codes work, how big to print them, how error correction rescues damaged codes and how to make one.

QR code basics

What a QR code is, how it stores data and how it compares with other codes.

What is a QR code?

What QR stands for, who invented it, its parts, versions 1–40 and capacity.

QR code vs barcode

Capacity, scanners, error correction and when each format fits.

QR code error correction levels

L, M, Q and H: how much damage each level survives and which to pick.

Do QR codes expire?

What makes a QR code stop working, and how to check yours.

Sunrise 2027

How retail checkouts move from linear barcodes to GS1 QR codes.

Create QR codes

Step-by-step guides for making a QR code in a generator or in the apps you already use.

How to make a QR code

Create a QR code for a link, WiFi, contact or file in 4 steps.

Google QR code generator

Make a QR code in Chrome and Google apps, and when a full generator is better.

How to make a QR code in Canva

Canva’s QR app versus importing an SVG code into your design.

How to make a QR code in Word

Insert a QR code in Word, Google Docs and Excel, including the DISPLAYBARCODE field.

Scan QR codes

How to read a QR code on any device and what to do when one will not scan.

How to scan a QR code

iPhone, Android, PC, screenshots and TV screens.

QR code not working

10 causes of failed scans and the fix for each.

Print and design

Sizes, colours and print settings that keep a QR code scannable.

QR code size guide

Minimum size, the 10:1 distance rule and a size chart by print item.

How to print a QR code

File formats, resolution, stickers and print checks.

QR code colors

Which colour pairs scan, contrast ratios and inverted codes.

QR code scan tests

Our test data on logo size, damage, content length and colours.

Safety and cost

How to avoid QR scams and what QR codes cost.

QR code scams (quishing)

How QR phishing works, warning signs and how to report it.

Are QR codes free?

What is free, what costs money and the expiring-trial trap.

Zelle QR code

Find, print and safely scan the Zelle QR code in your bank app.

Where do you create a QR code after reading?

Create the code in a free generator that downloads SVG for print and PNG for screens, then test-scan it before publishing. Start with the free QRJiffy QR code generator or pick a format from the types of QR codes.