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Which QR code should I use and why?

Copyright 2012 by WWW.TheFamilyCompany.Com

    Some computers use different Operating Systems and even QR codes have different standards. The familiar black and white squares on a checkerboard matrix is often seen, while others (Microsoft) even use multicolored triangles! You'll want to use the most common type of code to be assured of having your code work for the most people.

    What is commonly called "QR Code" is recognized and used more widely than the Micro QR code, or the Data Matrix standard, or the Aztec Code standard. Knowing this, you can work with the more popular standard and feel confident that your message will reach a larger number of people.

    The Microsoft "tag" code is pretty with all the different colors but people who are not "in the know" will often overlook it and assume it's an in-house code for inventory. That's a shame if the Microsoft tag code is supposed to help you buy a product and you ignore it. This author has watched it happen in retail stores!

    The same thing happens when a non-standard code is scanned and the software on the phone does not recognize the matrix code. Bad scan results are frustrating and do not help make a sale. Use a standard QR code generator program such as the free tool found at OrangeQR.Com if you want the most number of people to get your message.

    The two dimensional barcode known as "Aztec Code" was invented by Andrew Longacre, Jr. and Robert Hussey in 1995. It is patented but it has been released to the public domain. Special characters can be a problem with Aztec codes and should be avoided. However, can you always be sure you won't have something just a little bit unusual in a URL? Though the Aztec code has a long history it is also potentially outdated as well. Often used in European industries, it's not as suitable a method to reach consumers with smart phones.

    The "QR code" type of checkerboard is more commonly used than the Aztec code for marketing and personal reasons. The Quick Response code is more accepted on a wider scale by consumers. You'll get better results with a standard QR code such as those you can get through the OrangeQR.Com web site.

    It may help to know what you're getting with a QR code. How much information can be stored in those things anyway? These specifications will give an idea of what it is possible to include in the actual dots of the QR code symbol.

    The size of the symbols range from a small 21 x 21 matrix, up to modules as large as 177 x 177, the size increases by 4 modules/side.

    Type & Amount of Data (It's possible to mix letters and numbers.)
    Error correction (data restoration)
    These are all good reasons to use the consumer recognized QR code instead of another version. Your marketing professional should already know the value of using a well recognized QR code and avoid using a non-standard or poorly supported code.

    The marketing professionals at OrangeQR.Com can help you with this and other marketing related projects.


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