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What is a QR code?

In brief: from Denso Wave's invention to a scan with a smartphone camera.

5 min read Updated: July 2026
1994invention
~30%durability
Smartphoneсканер

Key takeaways

  • A two-dimensional code for quick links, contacts, Wi‑Fi.
  • Up to ~4296 characters, damage resistance up to ~30%.
  • Read by a smartphone camera without a special scanner.

QR (Quick Response) — a two-dimensional barcode: information is read by a phone camera.

What is a QR code?

A modern barcode of black-and-white squares in a grid — more data than a linear code.

  • Capacity: до 4 296 символов
  • Speed: instant recognition
  • Reliability: works with damage up to ~30%
  • Versatility: text, URL, contacts, Wi‑Fi

История

  • 1994: Denso Wave (Toyota) — Masahiro Hara, auto parts
  • 2000: ISO/IEC 18004
  • 2002: first phones with support
  • 2020: mass adoption (incl. COVID)

How does it work?

  1. Information → binary code
  2. 0/1 → white/black squares
  3. The camera reads the grid
  4. The algorithm decodes it back

Example «Hello»: ASCII → binary → grid + service markers.

Structure

  • Corner markers: orientation and bounds
  • Alignment: distortion correction
  • Synchronization: exact grid
  • Данные: payload
  • Error correction: recovery when damaged

Benefits

  • Speed
  • Ёмкость
  • Reliability
  • Convenience (phone camera)
  • Versatility
  • Economy

Usage examples

  • Ритейл: menus, price tags, loyalty, orders
  • Marketing: flyers, business cards, packaging — with analytics in ClikBy
  • Events: registration, program, feedback

What’s next?

Create a smart QR

With scan analytics — via a ClikBy smart link.