What is a QR Code?
Two-dimensional barcode technology
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of two-dimensional matrix barcode invented in 1994 by Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive component manufacturer.
Unlike traditional barcodes that store data in one dimension (horizontal lines), QR codes store information in both horizontal and vertical patterns, allowing them to hold significantly more data. This innovation has made QR codes the standard for linking physical objects to digital content.
QR Code Timeline
Three decades of innovation, from automotive manufacturing to everyday life.
The Invention
Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave (Japan) invents the QR code for tracking automotive parts during manufacturing.
AIM International Standard
QR codes become an AIM (Automatic Identification Manufacturers) International standard.
ISO Standard
QR codes are approved as an ISO international standard (ISO/IEC 18004).
Mobile Phone Integration
First mobile phones with QR code readers hit the market in Japan.
Marketing Revolution
Brands worldwide start using QR codes in advertising and marketing campaigns.
Mainstream Adoption
QR codes appear on products, billboards, and business cards globally.
iOS Native Support
Apple adds native QR code scanning to iPhone cameras, eliminating the need for third-party apps.
Pandemic Surge
COVID-19 drives massive adoption for contactless menus, payments, and health passes.
The Future
QR codes continue evolving with dynamic content, enhanced security, and new applications.
Fascinating QR Code Facts
Things you might not know about QR codes.
Quick Response
QR stands for 'Quick Response' - they were designed to be decoded quickly by machines.
Free to Use
Denso Wave made the QR code patent publicly available, allowing free usage worldwide.
7,089 Characters
A single QR code can store up to 7,089 numeric characters or 4,296 alphanumeric characters.
Error Correction
QR codes can be read even if up to 30% of the code is damaged, thanks to Reed-Solomon error correction.
2D vs 1D
Unlike traditional barcodes (1D), QR codes store data in both horizontal and vertical dimensions.
Automotive Origins
QR codes were originally designed to track vehicle parts during the manufacturing process.
Meet the Inventor
Masahiro Hara, an engineer at Denso Wave, created the QR code in 1994. The development team, consisting of only two people, took 18 months to perfect the technology.
Hara's inspiration came from an unlikely source - the game of Go. The black and white stones on the Go board inspired the contrast pattern that makes QR codes so readable.
In a remarkable decision, Denso Wave chose not to exercise their patent rights over the QR code, making it freely available for everyone to use. This open approach is a major reason for QR codes' worldwide adoption.
In 2014, Hara received the European Inventor Award in the Popular Prize category for his invention.
Create Your Own QR Code
Join the QR code revolution. Create beautiful, custom QR codes for free.