
Chris Toy has provided this quick guide to QR Codes.
What the heck is a QR code and why should we care about them? Quite simply, quick response codes or QR codes are really just fancy two-dimensional versions of the familiar bar code you may have seen on items being scanned at the store. While the linear bar code can hold about 25 characters without getting too long, a QR code can store over 7000 characters in a 1-inch square space.
Like bar codes, QR Codes allow optical scanners built into the camera of your Apple and Android smartphone to read them. The information could be a website, document, images, and sounds. Just open your camera app and point it at the QR code. Just tap on the prompt that pops up. You can try it right below! You should end up at a VERY interesting and helpful site!
Here’s another example of a QR code on a gardening resource on Maine invasive plant species. The QR Code is the square figure on the left. A standard bar code is on the right. The QR code takes you to the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry website for additional and updated information.
QR codes can connect you with friends who share the same interests on social media. Try this one and see where it takes you. If you aren’t already connected we hope you’ll take a moment to pull out your phone and explore QR codes!