How to convert a photo into a QR code?

Although it is a technology that appeared in the 90s, we have seen in recent months how the interest in using tools or services that allow converting images or any type of file into a (QR code) has grown to easily share it.

Before continuing, I would like to provide some introductory context to explain what is a QR code? Where do they come from? What are they used for? Before explaining how to convert an image into a (QR code) with the help of our QR generator.

What is a (QR code)?

A QR is a two-dimensional barcode that is usually presented in square form and stores encoded data that is stored under a specific URL or domain.

Its origin can be traced back to 1994, created by Denso Wave, part of the Toyota Group, but it wasn’t until 2010 that its use began to expand in the USA and Europe, where we have seen how its application has been increasing.

It should be noted that in recent months, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and the increase in digitalization, it has become a very common resource that we can use on different media as a way to enhance or provide information.

The most common way to decipher or read the information in these codes is by using a (QR code) reader, which we can currently find on any mobile device.

The most common use is to present a website from a physical device like an ad, poster, etc. But we are also seeing interest in the use of this technology for different purposes such as: sharing PDFs, images, videos, lottery results, and even storing your Wi-Fi password, etc.

And in recent months to present digital menus and cards in (QR code) within restaurants, bars, and cafes to avoid the use of physical menus as a preventive measure for Covid.

I have even seen that, in some newspapers, they use these codes as a resource to expand printed information and direct the reader to other types of content, such as audiovisual.

A common and necessary question these days is how to (convert) (a photo) into (QR code).

The handling of digital files, such as images, PDFs, or Word documents, is very common today, but if what you need is to present an alternative with zero contacts, using (QR code), you will have to.

The technology of (QR code) has been with us for many years, but it has only been in this new COVID-19 reality where its importance for maintaining a zero-contact policy has been demonstrated.

What is a (QR code) for?

Initially, this technology, which emerged in the Japanese automotive sector, aimed to be an alternative code to the existing barcodes, which would serve to catalog inventories and vehicle spare parts in the manufacturing chain, thus streamlining and improving industrial processes.

Around 2010, the license was released, and this technology began to be used, first in the USA and then in the rest of the world.

Regarding the utilities and what a (QR code) can serve us for, we can differentiate between:

Storing information and sharing it

It helps us store information to share it. It is very easy to use and very accessible for the user. In summary, it is a very powerful way to connect the offline world with the online one, as we provide a code on a physical medium that will take us to digitized information.

Usually, it takes us to a website with specific information: from an article, a form, etc. But it also takes on other uses such as archiving a document, audiovisual resources, etc.

As a marketing tool

Because in addition to storing information, it can serve your business as a powerful tool to be closer to your customers and allow you to leverage your relationship with them: knowing what they like most about your business, presenting relevant information, launching promotional actions, etc.

How to read a QR code?

To access the information and content under a (QR code), it is very simple. You just need to have a reading application on your mobile device.

Depending on the type of operating system you have on your mobile device, access to the information may be different.

Some devices natively offer the ability to read QR codes without needing to download any application. For example: Samsung, Apple, etc.

But if you need to have a (QR code) reader on your device, there is a wide range of both free and paid applications available for installation. It will depend on what you need or the features you want to have: from reading history, to storing QR codes you have previously scanned, etc.

In the case of Android, you will need to have an application downloaded beforehand on your device to be able to access and read it.

If we need to recommend an application, we will mention: QR Reader, QR Droid, Bar Code…

Another option you might not know is that we have applications installed on our phones that can serve as a (QR code) reader. Here’s the list we’ve provided from Xatakandroid showing that if you already have the Facebook app, Twitter, or the Opera browser, you don’t need to download new applications.

Other devices like Apple and Samsung already have it natively integrated, and simply accessing the photos app and focusing on the code you want to read will provide you with the information. A message will appear on the screen to continue opening and decoding the information included behind it.

And once you know a little more about the (QR code) technology, we are going to tell you in a few simple steps how to (convert) (a photo) into a (QR code).

How to (convert) (a photo) to (QR code)

Select the (a photo) you want to (convert)

You can (convert) to (QR code) any type of (a photo): from a jpg, png, tiff, pdf, etc.

And you can not only (convert) (a photo) but also (QR code) etc.

Store in a domain

You will need a hosting or website to host your (QR code). If you have your own website, using an FTP client will make it very easy—you just access, upload your file, and create the webpage that will display the content you want to show.

But in most cases, and I imagine that’s why you are here, is because you do not have your own domain, but you would like to encode certain information to offer it and make it accessible via a QR code.

If that’s your case, you don’t have to worry because you’re in the right place. At Haztucartadigital, we offer you our QR generator without the need for you to have a domain to upload your information to create your (a photo) QR code.

We provide you with a space on our domain and our hosting so you can upload your (a photo) and receive in exchange your (QR code) that you can scan and share with your clients, friends, etc.

Select a (QR code) generator

Look for the (QR code) generator that interests you most to (convert) your (QR code). There are thousands of possibilities and alternatives, but since you are here, we want to take the opportunity to offer you our generator.

We offer our completely free generator so that you can (convert) to (QR code) your (a photo).

You may find other services, but the advantage of our (QR code) generator is that we offer you a free, simple, and instant service. With our Freemium plan, you will have your (QR code) without the need to make any payment.

Check your QR code

It is important that once the generator returns the (QR code) to you, you check and validate that it works correctly. To do this, grab your smartphone or mobile/tablet device, open your (QR code) reader app, and scan it to check that what you see is indeed your file and information.

Download your (QR code)

Once your (QR code) is created, you will need to have it in a file that allows you to share it, print it, and make it public.

The format in which you can download it is a high-quality image file format compressed in 24 bits: PNG, which you can edit and work with: resizing, embedding in a design, etc.

The advantage is that it has no background color, so you can place it on any graphic piece you have.

Prepare and print your (QR code)

In the PNG format in which we will provide the code, you can use it to integrate it within a design, signage, photography, corporate design pieces like cards, flyers.

You can even insert it into digital design formats to share it on digital platforms like posts on Facebook, your website, etc.

Spread the content

Regarding the promotion and dissemination of your (QR code), it will depend on the marketing strategy you choose and the objective for which you opted to use this technology for yourself or your business.

But we provide you below with some recommendations on how to spread and use it on physical media.

• Stickers/adhesives: If you have a venue, for example a restaurant or café, the best way to make your QR visible is through stickers that you will place on your tables, counter, decorative supports, etc. Your customers will be able to access the information clearly and easily.

• One piece of advice we give you is that the stickers should be of medium size, meaning they should not be too small to hardly see, or so large that they appear exaggerated. We recommend a size of 7×3.5 cm for your stickers. If you need our help, we offer assistance with them.

• Labels: Accompany your product labels with additional information, inserting a (QR code) that provides supplemental information.

• Flyers: If your marketing strategy includes distributing advertising flyers, don’t wait any longer and use it on this medium to connect the physical offline world with your virtual reality. A new way for both your customers and potential customers to connect with your brand and access information. For example, a hair salon could list all its services and treatments under a code, or a restaurant could offer its menu in this format. You could also use it to offer your customers a promotion or discount, or a contact form on a landing page.

• Displays: Another way to provide information and display your (QR code) is by placing it in the display of your establishment, with a sufficiently visible adhesive to attract attention. Include interesting information such as your menu so that both your current and potential customers can see it, or promote your social media or website.

These are just a few examples, but there are hundreds of possibilities for you to promote and share your (QR code) among your customers and potential clients, such as your stationery, on vehicles, or your product packaging.

Now that you know all this, what are you waiting for to start using (QR codes) for your business? At Haztucartadigital, we offer you our (QR code) generator so you can get started.