QR code

What is another word for QR code? Here is its meaning, with related words and examples.

Noun — A square, two-dimensional barcode made up of a pattern of black and white squares, typically scanned with a smartphone camera to open a website or other digital information.

We haven't recorded synonyms for QR code yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use QR code

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

scan a QR code QR code on the poster QR code menu

A neutral, everyday term used across technology, marketing and retail.

Etymology

The term is short for Quick Response Code, a name introduced as a trademark for this type of barcode.

Full origin of QR code →

Frequently asked questions

What does QR code stand for?

It is short for Quick Response Code, the trademarked name given to this type of barcode.

What is a QR code used for?

It's a square barcode you scan with a phone camera to jump straight to a linked website or piece of information.

Is QR code spelt differently anywhere?

Yes, it also appears written as QR-code, with a hyphen joining the two parts.

How do you make a QR code?

Put the link or text into a QR code generator, choose any colours or logo, then download the image as a PNG or SVG. Test-scan it with your phone before you print it.

Do QR codes expire?

A static QR code does not expire, because the link is written into the pattern itself. A dynamic QR code points to a short link that its provider controls, so it can stop working if that service ends.

How do you scan a QR code?

Open your phone's camera and point it at the code; most phones read it without a separate app. On a computer, you can upload a screenshot or photo of the code to an online QR code scanner.

What is the difference between a QR code and a barcode?

A barcode stores a short number in a single row of lines. A QR code is a two-dimensional grid of squares that can hold much more, such as a full web address.

Nearby words

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