Scan & Generate
QR Code & Barcode Blog
Guides, tutorials, and tips on QR codes, barcodes, and scanning technology — for businesses, developers, and everyday users.
The FDA's 12-Digit NDC: What Changes on US Drug Barcodes, and When
The FDA's March 2026 final rule moves the NDC to 12 digits and lets a 2D barcode replace the linear one on drug labels. What changes, when, and what it breaks.
PPWR and QR Codes: What EU Packaging Law Actually Requires
The EU Packaging Regulation applies now — but its QR code rules do not yet. What Article 12 makes mandatory, what stays optional, and the deadline Brussels missed.
What Is an SSCC? Pallet Labels Explained
An SSCC is the 18-digit number identifying one pallet or carton. How the digits are built, how the check digit works, and how to read a GS1 logistics label.
What's in Your Boarding Pass Barcode
The barcode on your boarding pass is unencrypted plain text. Here is every field it carries, what a stranger can do with it, and how to read your own.
Bulk QR Code Generator: How to Create Multiple QR Codes at Once (Free Methods, 2026)
Need 20, 200 or 2,000 QR codes from a spreadsheet? Compare three free ways to bulk-generate them, and when a paid platform is actually worth paying for.
What Is GS1 DataMatrix? A Plain-English Guide
GS1 DataMatrix is the square barcode on medicine packs and factory parts. How it differs from a QR code, what data it carries, and how to read one.
How to Scan a QR Code on a Computer (Windows, Mac & Chromebook) — 2026 Guide
Scan a QR code on a laptop with no phone and no webcam. Built-in methods for Windows, macOS and ChromeOS, plus how to handle codes inside PDFs safely.
How to Use Your Phone as a Barcode Scanner for Inventory (Free, No Hardware)
Turn any iPhone or Android into an inventory barcode scanner — no hardware, no subscription. Setup, symbology choice, and spreadsheet export.
How to Create a Payment QR Code (UPI, PayPal, Venmo, Crypto & More): 2026 Guide
Create a payment QR code for UPI, PayPal, Venmo, Cash App, PIX or crypto. Static vs dynamic, the EMV QR standard, and how to avoid quishing scams.
EU Digital Product Passport (DPP): QR Code & Barcode Requirements Guide for Businesses (2026–2027)
The EU Digital Product Passport needs a scannable QR code on covered products from 2026–2027. The timeline, the data it must carry, and how to prepare.
How to Track QR Code Scans for Free (No Subscription Required)
Track QR code scans free with UTM parameters and Google Analytics — no dynamic QR subscription. Step-by-step setup, and what you give up going free.
Barcode Lookup: How to Find Product Information from Any Barcode (2026 Guide)
Look up any product from its barcode number — UPC, EAN, ISBN or GTIN. Free lookup tools, smartphone scanning, and what data you can actually retrieve.
How to Make a QR Code for a PDF (Free, No Expiry) — 2026 Guide
Make a QR code for a PDF that is free and never expires. How to host the PDF, choose static or dynamic, and avoid the subscription trap.
QR Codes for Events: Tickets, Check-In, Schedules & Networking (2026 Guide)
Learn how to use QR codes for events — from ticketing and check-in to schedules, networking, and sponsor booths. Includes step-by-step setup and free tools.
GS1 Sunrise 2027: Why Stores Are Replacing Barcodes With QR Codes
What GS1 Sunrise 2027 means, how 2D barcodes and GS1 Digital Link work, and what the shift to QR at checkout changes for brands and small businesses.
How to Create a Google Review QR Code for Your Business (2026 Guide)
Turn one scan into a Google review. Step-by-step guide to finding your review link, creating a free QR code, and placing it where customers will actually use it.
How to Use QR Codes for Your Small Business in 2026 (Complete Guide)
A practical guide to QR codes in your small business — menus, payments, reviews, marketing and loyalty — with free tools and where to start first.
QR Code Safety: How to Spot Fake QR Codes & Stay Safe in 2026
QR code phishing ("quishing") is rising fast. Learn how to identify malicious QR codes, what to do before scanning, and which scanner apps protect you best.
QR Codes vs NFC Tags: Which Is Better for Your Use Case?
QR codes vs NFC tags compared on cost, range, compatibility and security — and which to pick for menus, payments, asset tracking and marketing.
AI QR Codes: The 2026 Trend Explained (What They Are & Do They Work?)
AI-generated QR codes that look like artwork are trending in 2026. Learn what they are, how they're made, whether they actually scan reliably, and when to use them.
Best QR Code Scanner Apps in 2026: Full Comparison
Which QR scanner app is worth installing in 2026 — including the built-in cameras and an open-source option. Formats, privacy, ads and price, compared honestly.
How to Create a QR Code for a Link (URL) — Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to create a QR code for any URL or website link. Free, instant, and works with any link — social media, Google Maps, YouTube, documents, and more.
Barcode Types Compared: EAN-13 vs UPC-A vs Code 128 vs QR Code
A complete comparison of barcode types — 1D barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39) vs 2D codes (QR Code, Data Matrix). Learn which format to use and when.
QR Codes for Restaurant Menus: Setup Guide & Best Practices
Learn how to create QR code menus for your restaurant. Covers free setup methods, design tips, table placement, and common mistakes to avoid.
How to Add a QR Code to Your Business Card (2026 Guide)
Learn how to create and add QR codes to business cards. Covers vCard QR codes, design placement tips, printing specs, and the best free tools to use.
How to Scan QR Codes on iPhone & Android (2026 Guide)
Learn how to scan QR codes on any smartphone — iPhone, Android, and tablets. Covers built-in camera scanning, Google Lens, and third-party apps.
Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: Which Should You Use?
Understand the difference between static and dynamic QR codes, when to use each, and how dynamic QR codes let you change the destination URL without reprinting.
QR Code Size Guide: Minimum Size, Print Guidelines & Best Practices
The right QR code size for business cards, posters and packaging — minimum sizes, the scan distance formula, and print resolution that actually works.
What is a QR Code? History, Types & How It Works
Learn what QR codes are, how they store data, the different types (static, dynamic, micro), error correction levels, and why QR codes are used everywhere today.
Types of Barcodes Explained: 1D vs 2D Codes
Learn the difference between 1D barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128, Code 39) and 2D codes (QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec). Complete guide with use cases.
How to Create a WiFi QR Code (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step-by-step guide to creating a WiFi QR code. Share your WiFi password with guests by letting them scan a QR code to connect automatically. Free tool included.