How to Perform a Proper QR Code Test, Very Easily and Effectively!

Published on 2024-10-03

If you think a test of a QR code is something you do on the fly, think again. A test of a QR code requires checking some pretty important elements to make it functional. Here's how this should be done.

You designed your QR code for personal use or businesses, and you feel ready to roll. But then comes another question: Was all the hard work of creating your code worth it?

Their phone may be different in screen size than your code can read. You created a QR code business card intending to scan for networking, but the target business contact can't scan your personal information into theirs.

Testing your QR code is essential and may indeed save a pound in your pocket, so let's see how to test a QR code at its best when running one.

Why do a QR Code Test

QR codes encode information in two-dimensional forms. Whenever you export your code, as I think you would in either PNG or SVG format, you should test it before use. You may say this is elementary, but, incredibly, some people rely so much on technology that they forget just how important testing is.

This might become expensive if you have not scanned your QR code. For instance, you advertised a campaign and created terrible QR; you even had it printed on thousands of copies of flyers. That money was wasted.

For example, in a restaurant, you might lose dinners on the spot as a result of a poorly sized or contrasted QR code menu, to cite but one example. The difference between a static and a dynamic QR code does not.

Thus, it scans the QR codes before usage to conduct proper testing. But what do you test when scanning QR codes?

Main Concerns When Scanning QR Codes

Scan the QR code, many things may go wrong and that would affect the working of the code. Some issues can be problematic and that could have a huge effect on marketing campaigns as you waste much money.

Error or False Data
Sometimes, bad or invalid data may be in the QR code; therefore, it sometimes reads wrongly or is impossible to read its content.

Poor quality codes
They can be printed or displayed at such low resolutions that scanners will fail to read them very well. That could happen whether it was a static QR code or whether it was an active QR code.

Blocked or poor codes
Physical damage or dirt, smudges, or other obstructions to the QR code will also make it impossible for you to scan QR codes at extremely high speeds.

Not Applicable
Perhaps it is scanned in some format or encoding that the scanning machine or application cannot read.

Internet Problem Link
INTERNET-DENED QR CODES SCANNED FROM THE INTERNET PROBABLY FAIL TO CAPTURE OR WORK ONLY WHERE A NETWORK IS NOT AVAILABLE OR IS BLOCKED IN THE SCANNING DEVICE.

Incompatibility issues Different types of QR readers or scan applications might not necessarily agree with different types of QR codes or formats of content. Environmental factors For instance, dim lighting, brightness, or glares may interfere and impact how a QR code is read correctly through the scanning process. Owner's fault The scanning device, improper alignment, or the user's failure to follow the instructions can also lead to encountering problems while scanning a QR code.

How to read a QR code

Double-check a few things the first time you scan your new sample QR code. And that's exactly how to test your QR code in order to scan through them all like a breeze!

Scan it from different distances

To check whether some information is encoded inside and possibly retrieved through the reading of both static and dynamic QR codes, test for code scanning at various distances. This is because the size is proportional to the distance up to which the code can be scanned.
The closer that is to being read, the smaller the QR code needs to be. So if you're attaching a dynamic QR code to the packaging of some product, the minimum size should be 2 x 2 cm —0.8 x 0.8 in.

The size-to-scanning distance ratio of 10:1 is applied for scanning a QR code by the smartphone camera, and the image format of the QR code will also play an important role in its distance-based scannability.

When to Use PNG Format

It is small in size and useful for images with transparent or semi-transparent backgrounds in PNG format. In contrast to all others, the PNG format is the smallest; therefore, overstretching it too much beyond its limit may cause even more difficulties in scanning.

PNG QR codes are perfect for the web, but since web users can scan them, use them in small print: on restaurant menus, book covers, or as a business card QR code.

Use the SVG Format

when SVG is way bigger compared to the PNG format. It's pretty good for large-size printing. You can use it as a poster or billboard. Try this bigger format: observe the ratio of size-distance closely, so you can get an accurate measure.

Scan the QR code with different lighting conditions

Light may significantly affect the legibility of QR codes. Checking a code that has not received good lighting conditions—either scanning application or camera on any phone—may adversely affect its ability to link to the data attached to it.

Before you run the test, the first thing is usually to make sure you know the time of day you wish the code to be read, considering bright light.

For example, if you are supposed to read your code inside, under dim illumination at the entrance of a concert hall or a theater, for instance, the contrast between the background and the foreground should be much stronger. Print a copy of your QR code and test it under all possible lighting conditions-including the ones in which you intend to use it so you can tweak the contrast between the code's main elements.

Test the QR code on different devices

Many QR code scanners decode the information in a code-they are all free downloads, some from Apple's App Store or Google Play Store. However, the different operating systems of various cell phones, mobile devices, and tablets can cause the code to work differently.

This way, if one scans a code, using a QR code scanner app on Android or iOS, he may be in for an entirely different gig because some codes may only get recognized by either one or the other depending on how they were designed and printed.

Also, browsers such as Google Chrome or Safari determine how long it would take to get the scanning device to open up the code-it is usually thought that if it takes anything over 2 seconds then there should be an issue with the code. So, if your code doesn't work even after testing it with 5 different devices-sometimes smartphones, sometimes tablets, sometimes scanning apps, and sometimes all of the above-it's time to go back to the generator for a little tweaking.

You can also test the QR code online simply by scanning from the laptop screen. Testing the QR code method online will save all the hassle of printing it on paper and is cheaper too.

Check the internet connection

The most important internet connection on which the QR code will be shown is especially in case it is a URL QR code opening a page, video, and much more. There is absolutely nothing that having a QR code of such characteristics where there is no internet can or will do to help you.
Therefore, a user of the dynamic code or some link that has a code and requires access to the internet should be granted access.

Ensure that the data embedded is accurate

Something you don't want to have with a QR code: incorrect information. So don't let a campaign and marketing materials sweep you up, and then put the wrong information into your code! Nothing a QR code reader can correct!

Maintain customization at a low level

The ZQR Code allows you to create your own QR code based on your preference. Change the color of the foreground and background, the type of dots, and the color of the marker for a more glamorous QR code. Even add a frame with a call-to-action and a logo.
But as they say, the less is better. Too much customization harms the code: it will be a problem if little contrast is made between colors and a smaller dot pattern is chosen. It could make the code from a big distance.

Where personalizing the code was exciting and satisfactory work, you cannot forget functionality at any cost.

Now print the QR Code test image

In this case, large-scale QR code deployment entails printing an image of a QR code for testing on the kind of material that you will probably use in order to get a good feel for how well good scanners will read the QR code and avoid high printing costs of the total print units you want to use.

Probably, your best example will be the QR code

QA's

Does the size matter in QR codes?
Indeed, it does. The QR code is too small, and nobody can read it. To determine the right size, you must identify how you want to use it and how close people are going to stand while scanning it, and always remember a 10:1 ratio.

How To check a QR code?
And to read its QR code, for use by following ingredients:

Distance and modality
ILLUMINATION CONDITIONS
Scanning devices
Internet connectivity
The correct QR code data

Conclusion:

Testing, testing, testing. The most important thing in the procedure for creating your QR code on a QR code generator is nothing. But now you know more about it and how to do it right, thus avoiding costly headaches!