Have you seen one of these square shaped barcode-looking things on a billboard or magazine advertisement? Called QR codes, they’re popping up everywhere – from posters and products to T-shirts and even dog collars!

What is a QR Code?

QR is short for Quick Response – mostly because they can be read quickly by a phone or mobile device.

It’s a two-dimensional barcode full encoded information like a URL (web address), text, or other information. For example, it could contain a special coupon or details about an upcoming movie release.

How Does it Work?

The QR code is a lot like a bar code. In fact it was designed by Toyota as a way of tracking auto parts. Unlike barcodes however, modern smartphones are able to scan them using their built-in cameras.

To access the info, you scan the QR code with a smartphone or mobile device. But first you need to have a QR code reader.

There are tons of free ones available for download – some good ones are NeoReader, i-nigma, MobileTag, and QuickMark. Then you just take a picture of whatever QR code you come across.

Voila – access to deals, coupons and exclusive promotions, all right at your fingertips!

Be Careful!

Don’t just go scanning every QR code you find, you don’t know where it has been.

Internet bad-guys have been known to use QR codes to get stuff off your phone like passwords and other sensitive data, so be carful and only scan what you trust. And even then you have to be careful, it’s easy to put a fake QR code sticker on to a movie poster. 

Now stay safe and go find all the deals that have been waiting for you.