Create Your Own QR Code
Type any text (even a web address)
QR Code Engineering Lab
Explore the 3 big engineering ideas from the Q is for QR Code page!
“A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode.”
1 Direction Only (Across ↔)
A 1D barcode only adds vertical stripes side-by-side. Add more letters and it stretches right off the package!
2 Directions (Across ↔ AND Down ↕)
By stacking tiny squares across and down, a 2D QR code fits whole sentences or web links inside the exact same square!
“QR means ‘quick response.’ These codes are a great way for engineers to quickly pass information...”
1. X-Ray QR Anatomy Inspector
Tap a part below to light up how a camera locks onto your QR code in milliseconds—even upside down!
Why are there only 3 big corners?
The 3 Cyan Finder Eyes let your camera instantly spot the code. Because the 4th corner has no big square, the scanner always knows which way is UP—try clicking Rotate 90°!
2. Letter-to-Binary Square Decoder
Computers turn every letter into 8 binary bits (1 = Black square, 0 = White square). Tap any letter from your message!
“Even if the QR code becomes damaged, it can still be scanned and the information decoded.”
Splat, Scratch, or Draw on Your QR Code!
Drag across the QR code to scribble damage, or stamp a hazard below—the browser will try to decode the painted code!
How Can a Messed-Up Code Still Work?
Engineers use Reed–Solomon error correction to add backup information. Level H can restore about 30% of codewords under suitable conditions—not 30% of the visible squares or covered area. Where the damage lands matters, including on the corner targets.
This tests the actual painted image, not a damage percentage. Phone cameras and other scanners may give different results.
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From the Book: ABCs of Engineering
By Chris Ferrie and Dr. Sarah Kaiser
From amplifier to zoning, the ABCs of Engineering is a colorfully simple introduction to STEM for babies and toddlers to a new engineering concept for every letter of the alphabet. Written by two experts, each page in this engineering primer features multiple levels of text so the book grows along with your little engineer.
If you're looking for the perfect STEAM book for teachers, science toys for babies, or engineer toys for kids, look no further! ABCs of Engineering offers fun early learning for your little scientist!
Q is for QR Code
A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode.
QR means “quick response.” These codes are a great way for engineers to quickly pass information about the tasks they have to do for the project, what parts they need to test, or anything else! Even if the QR code becomes damaged, it can still be scanned and the information decoded.