Frequently Asked Questions

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can store information like URLs, text, contact details, or other data. When scanned with a smartphone camera or QR code reader, it instantly directs users to the encoded information. QR codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts, but have since become widely used for marketing, payments, and sharing information.

Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes directly through their built-in camera app. Simply open your camera, point it at the QR code, and a notification or link will appear that you can tap to open. If your phone doesn't have built-in QR scanning, you can download a free QR code scanner app from your device's app store.

Static QR codes have fixed content that cannot be changed once created. The destination URL or data is encoded directly into the code pattern. Dynamic QR codes, on the other hand, redirect through a short URL that you can update anytime without changing the printed QR code. This means you can change where the code points to, track scan analytics, and manage your codes after they've been printed.

Creating a QR code with SnapGlyph is simple: 1) Enter the URL or content you want to encode, 2) Customize the design with your brand colors, logo, and preferred style, 3) Download your QR code in PNG or SVG format. You can create your first QR code in under a minute using our free QR code generator on the homepage.

QR codes have countless applications including: linking to websites or landing pages, sharing contact information (vCards), connecting to WiFi networks, displaying menus at restaurants, providing product information and instructions, event tickets and check-ins, payment processing, social media profiles, app downloads, and marketing campaigns. They're essentially a bridge between physical and digital experiences.

The minimum recommended size for a QR code depends on how far away it will be scanned from. For close-up scanning (like on a business card or product label), 2cm x 2cm (0.8 inches) is usually sufficient. For posters or signs viewed from a distance, use the 10:1 rule: the code should be at least 1/10th the scanning distance. For example, if someone will scan from 1 meter away, the code should be at least 10cm (4 inches) square.

Yes! QR codes have built-in error correction that allows up to 30% of the code to be obscured while still remaining scannable. This means you can add a logo in the center of your QR code to reinforce your brand. SnapGlyph makes it easy to upload your logo and automatically positions it for optimal scanning reliability.

Static QR codes never expire—they will work as long as the destination content exists. Dynamic QR codes depend on the service provider; with SnapGlyph, your dynamic QR codes remain active as long as your account is in good standing. Unlike some competitors, we don't artificially expire your codes or limit scans.

With dynamic QR codes, yes! SnapGlyph provides detailed analytics including: total scan count, scan location (city and country), device type (iOS, Android, etc.), time and date of each scan, and scan trends over time. This data helps you understand how your QR codes are performing and optimize your campaigns.

For digital use (websites, emails, social media), PNG format works well and is universally supported. For print materials, SVG (vector format) is recommended because it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. SnapGlyph provides both PNG and SVG downloads so you're covered for any use case.

QR codes themselves are simply a way to encode data—they're not inherently secure or insecure. However, you should be cautious when scanning unknown QR codes, as they could link to malicious websites. For businesses creating QR codes, using a trusted service like SnapGlyph with HTTPS links and scan monitoring helps ensure your codes are safe for your customers.

With SnapGlyph's Starter plan, you can create and manage up to 5 QR codes. Our Pro plan offers unlimited QR codes for businesses that need more. You can always start with our free QR code generator on the homepage to create basic static codes without an account.