Creating QR Codes
A QR Code is familiar to all of us although not everyone knows its purpose. A QR Code is used to store information such as URL’s, addresses, event information and etc. The code is read by a camera on a smartphone. In the past a special QR reader app was used to access the information in the code.
For iOS 11 and above the feature is built-in to the camera but it is has to be turned on in settings. Go to Settings/Camera/Scan QR Codes and make sure the feature is turned on.
Android phones also have the feature built-in to the camera. There are no individual settings that need to be switched on.
While the feature is baked into the newest devices, you may want to also download a reader because the app can also scan bar codes you find on all products in the stores. In addition, if you have an older apple device that is not compatible with iOS 11 then you also need to download a reader.
QR Codes can be created using the various free websites that are available, for example, qr-code-generator.com or using an app on your smartphone. The apps are easy to use. Type or paste in the information you want to have coded and a code will be generated, then copy and paste the code on your handouts or project it on a screen.
To create a code for my website, I would enter the URL in the app and would end up with the following.
A QR Code is familiar to all of us although not everyone knows its purpose. A QR Code is used to store information such as URL’s, addresses, event information and etc. The code is read by a camera on a smartphone. In the past a special QR reader app was used to access the information in the code.
For iOS 11 and above the feature is built-in to the camera but it is has to be turned on in settings. Go to Settings/Camera/Scan QR Codes and make sure the feature is turned on.
Android phones also have the feature built-in to the camera. There are no individual settings that need to be switched on.
While the feature is baked into the newest devices, you may want to also download a reader because the app can also scan bar codes you find on all products in the stores. In addition, if you have an older apple device that is not compatible with iOS 11 then you also need to download a reader.
QR Codes can be created using the various free websites that are available, for example, qr-code-generator.com or using an app on your smartphone. The apps are easy to use. Type or paste in the information you want to have coded and a code will be generated, then copy and paste the code on your handouts or project it on a screen.
To create a code for my website ,I would enter the URL in the app and would end up with the following.
Now, that we have reviewed what a QR Code is and how to read and generate one, the question for us today is why you would want to create a code? As mentioned in my book you might consider using them in Sacrament programs or the classroom.
I used have used them in Sacrament programs for information of an upcoming event. Sacrament programs have limited space, so instead of using the valuable real estate to provide information about the event I insert a QR Code. QR Codes are saved as photos so it is very easy to insert the photo and reduce it to a size that the will work with the program. QR Codes can be read even when the are extremely small.
Create a document with eight 1 inch rows. In each row copy the code along with a brief statement what the code is for. Cut the paper into 8 horizontal strips. Make enough strips for the entire class. This will not only save on paper but also ink. Another option, though more expensive, is to copy the code, along with a short statement on a business card stock and hand out the business cards. Office supply stores have a large selection of Avery type ready-cut sheets The cards are less likely to get lost or destroyed on the way home.
Even easier, you can bring up the code on your device and then connect your device to a projector or large flat screen. This would eliminate the use of any paper.
At this point you might be thinking why go through the process of generating a code? Instead upload the document to Dropbox, copy the link to the document and type the link onto strips of papers or project the link on a screen. The answer is simple.
Typing a link or URL address allows for errors. A QR Code is error free and quicker.