The QR Code (Quick Response Code) is as new kind of the barcode that carries information that can be scanned by a QR code reader. It also comes with a deadly boring design. But thanks to reader integration designers are now able to transform its meaningless look into visually appealing designs like the one you see here!

(Image Source: Qrezy)

Today, just about anyone can bring their boring QR code design up a notch. Here are just 40 thematic QR codes with creative, promising and beautiful designs! While some of them may look a world away from the usual black and white QR code, you will be surprised with the fact that they actually can be scanned for info. Most of the QR codes can actually work, but not every photography app or QR scanner application can detect them. However, you can still search and download multiple QR scanner apps from the app store to try them out. So what are we waiting for? On to the list!

Angry Birds. Can you get 3 stars for this stage? Very cool design, but floating blocks are only possible in the latest Angry Birds Space! (Image Source: Ads of the World)

JESS3. Just as how it introduces itself, JESS3′ QR code art is all about creativity. (Image Source: JESS3)

Assorted. Inspiring and entertaining, their codes, like the ones below, just work! (Image Source: JESS3)

Fluid Pumping. Love the fluid pumping illustration! Awesome improvements that spice up the QR code’s look, who says only black and white can get all the fun! (Image Source: JESS3)

Cartoonic. I perceive the QR code as something square always, but not any more after I witness these quirky designs – and they work! (Image Source: JESS3)

Lego Bricks. It’s really encouraging to find this 3D QR code! A rarity in the QR code industry. (Image Source: JESS3)

Facebook. Truly genius! (Image Source: JESS3)

Fruit Ninja. And when I first view the design, I was thinking the way to slash them all in one hit! (Image Source: Qrezy)

Emily the Strange. When I reach this from a Japanese site, I knew that this cool design could work. (Image Source: SET)

Allied Pickfords. But the truck is blocking the code! No worries, still functioning at its best. (Image Source: SET)

Invaders. Space Invaders have never failed to invade any art form that has the potential to be geeky, and this invasion is helped by QRious déco. (Image Source: QRious déco)

Auto Chrome. With this gorgeous design, it’s proven that overlapping dots work fine with the code. (Image Source: QRious déco)

Elie Vazar. A truly unique one that attracted me to pick up the scanner, curious to try it out. (Image Source: QRious déco)

IPA. Besides the cool visual, the designer must have put in so much extra effort and planning to carve out this fabulous piece. (Image Source: QR Arts)

Corkbin. Quite standard but twisted some shapes and colors. It actually looks delicious! (Image Source: Paperlinks)

P.Diddy. At first glance,I thought “Wow, this could make a really good business card!” Qrezy is truly professional at QR code design. (Image Source: Qrezy)

Ginuwine. Looking at all these portraits, I think it’s time to order a QR code for myself too. (Image Source: Qrezy)

Andrea Hamilton. Using your portrait is actually a good idea, as the human’s face, especially the eye, could attract a great deal of attention. (Image Source: Qrezy)

The Fillmore. Fun, fun, fun, that’s what this design is about! (Image Source: Paperlinks)

Qubism. Looks like a labyrinth, but no worries, your QR code reader could decode it. (Image Source: QR Arts)

Chinese Seal. I must say that I love this one, not because it’s red, but because it’s great. (Image Source: Ocean Cohen)

Hand-drawn. I bet that it would fail, but heck, it works! Man, this is simply unbelievable. (Image Source: Bnpositive)

Floral. Considering the technical difficulty, this could only be done by a professional, and it’s artistic to say the least. (Image Source: Matt McDonnell)

Warner Brothers Japan. Warner Brothers in a new art form. Simplicity is everything. (Image Source: SET)

Louis Vuitton. Strategically targeted to female customers. You’re smart, SET. (Image Source: SET)

Moet & Chandon. How about the drink splashes on the code? Talk about creativity! (Image Source: SET)

The Curiosity Project. This piece is really interesting. It’s actually an ambitious project in which you can scan the code daily to get a dose of inspiration. Like the idea! (Image Source: Lauren Manning Design)

Magic Hat. Never thought that the old school bottle cap could be revived in this way. Sleek. (Image Source: QR Arts)

Treasure Map. Still not sure about the destination? Scan it! (Image Source: @jreyesgs)

Dennis Ritchie. A smart idea that actually helps to introduce a person. RIP Dennis Ritchie, the man who helped greatly to shape the modern digital era. (Image Source: @jreyesgs)

AXIA Agency. Seriously artistic and a bit sketchy as well, but it looks really nice! (Image Source: AXIA Studio Graphique)

Das Kann Weg! QR code is invading the street art category. (Image Source: alles banane)

Cubismo Iluminado. Undoubtedly the codes carry rich amounts of data. (Image Source: QR Street Art)

Trinity. Truly genius. I strongly suggest that you read the entire post, and all I can say is it’s magical. (Image Source: QR-ART)

Amy Goodman. For this portrait, a total of 2304 QR codes were used, and they link to 9 years of Democracy Now videos. A Masterpiece indeed. (Image Source: scott_bl8ke)

2.5D. Not only can it serve as a code that stores information, QR codes can also easily become the kind of art that could be showcased in exhibitions. (Image Source: burtonwood + holmes)

Qkies. QR codes on cookies, how could you resist! Besides the creativity, both composition and execution for this photo are great. (Image Source: Markus Hensgen)

Cupcakes. QR code is the new trend for the baking industry! And yeah, the codes work. (Image Source: caseorganic)

GeekUp Cake. A birthday cake made for the GeekUp Leeds’ first birthday and yes, it’s really geeky. (Image Source: urbanwide)

QR Pumpkin. I think the middle one is used to amuse people instead of scare them. (Image Source: mattedgar)

Reflection

Kudos to all the magical designers that really taught us to think out of the box by making QR codes look creative yet still work! In this era, you could really never guess what could be the next genuine artform, but this showcase probably enlightened us to a fact: anything, physical or virtual, has the potential to become the art!

Spotted a creative QR code designanywhere or have you made one to show off your creativity? Don’t be shy to show it to us then, let’s have some scan-delicious fun!

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Do you know that your smartphone can function as a barcode reader? Among the many things it can be used as, it can also be used to scan a QR code, also known as a Quick Response code. A QR Code is one of those alien-looking hyroglypics smudged together in a square. The squiggles it features may contain information about a store promotion, a link to a website, Wi-Fi access at your favourite cafe or even your boarding pass.

The thing is, most QR codes are in black and white. It’s kind of mundane, quiet, hard to notice… easily ignored. Get my drift? At the same time, if you’re hoping to put in your QR code into a 4C promotional leaflet or brochure, wouldn’t you prefer having it in color as well?

Now, you can — it’s possible to customize your QR code to carry colours or even your business logo on top, with the help of QR Hacker, and this tutorial will show you exactly hwo to get your first multi-colored QR code.

Generate QR Code

Before you get to customize your QR Code, you first need to go to QR Hacker and start generating the code. On the left side of the screen, select the input type, insert your content and click on the ‘Generate’ button.

Understanding The Input Type

For the input type, you can use normal text, a URL, a phone number, a VCard (currently in Beta test) or if you are using an Android phone, you can share WiFi Access with QR Codes too.

1. Text – Select this input type to share any text message in QR code. Selecting this option can be interesting, as you can start exchanging QR codes with friends for a different messaging experience. Note that you are allowed to use a maximum of 250 characters including spaces.

   

2. URL – If you are sharing or promoting your websites, you may use this input type and print your QR code anywhere on advertising spaces. Simply type in your URL and make sure to start it with http://

   

3. Phone number – If you want to share your phone numbers, or for your company and businesses, select this input type. When typing your phone number, include the international prefix.

   

4. VCard – This input type is still in beta testing, but you can already try it out. VCard is a contact detail format which allows you to send your name, phone number, email, website, company and complete address via QR code. meCard is commonly used for this purpose in barcode.

   To use this input type, select to use VCard or meCard, and fill up all the boxes especially the ones indicated with *.

   

5. WiFi Access – This input type will allow you to give WiFi access to those who scan your QR code. Instead of typing difficult passwords, your friends can get access to the Internet with one scan. This input type is however only available for Android users.

   To start using, simply type in the SSID and password then select the network type between WEP and WPA or you can also choose to share with no encryption.

   

Customize your QR Code

After pressing the generate button, you will see your own QR code appear on the main column of the screen. This QR Code is generated automatically based on the input you have set.

Now on the right side of the screen next to your QR code, you will have options to customize your code.

1. QR Style

Toggle the button to the left or right, to add roundness to your QR.

2. Background

To add a background to your QR, select from solid colors or use a photo as the background. When selecting a photo background, you will have the option to upload a photo or to import from web links.

3. Foreground

This is where you get to change the major look of your QR Code. Instead of having the normal black and white color, use Foreground to style your QR to any solid color. Add logo to have your own logo printed on the QR.

If you need some extra styling, select ‘Edit pixel by pixel’ to make it more vibrant. Simply select any color you want to use and point your ‘pen’ cursor to your QR code and start coloring.

4. Maximum customization (Important!)

Your QR codes can tolerate only up to a certain percentage or level of customization. When you exceed this limit, your QR code will not working properly anymore, i.e. it may no longer be scanned.

QR Hacker has a ‘Customization maximum’ bar that lets you keep track of how much customization (or in other words here, damage) you do to your QR code. At the bottom of your QR code (during the customization mode) is a long four-colored bar. Blue indicates that you have made minor and acceptable adjustments to your QR code while Red indicates that you have reached the maximum adjustments you are allowed, and that you should reduce some changes.

5. Saving your QR Code

At the bottom left of the screen, click on button ‘Save QR’ to save your customized QR code. A small window will pop up; you can choose to have your QR saved in PNG or PDF format.

Saving is done as a download, directly to your computer so you can use your QR code anytime you want.

Conclusion

Around 30% of your QR codes can be missing or obstructed; this means you can remove some part of the QR then draw a symbol or logo in it, and still maintain the ability of the code to be scanned. Keeping tolerance levels at the back of your mind to ensure QR readability, you can use your creativity to beautify your QR Codes easily with QR Hacker.

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