QR Code API: Generate QR Codes Programmatically

You are probably a business or a developer planning on using QR Codes in your information system or business application. So you’re looking for a suitable QR Code generator.

But here’s the thing—you want QR Codes in bulk where each of them should be generated in real-time for your end-users. And to do that, it’s not possible for you to head on to your QR Code generator every time you need to create a QR Code.

So you’re looking for a suitable QR Code API provider. Here, your application program or information system will send an API request to the QR Code generator. In return, the QR Code service provider will send the required QR Code in real-time to the app or system.

In this article, we’ll discuss in detail QR Code API. Keep reading. 

A. Popular use cases of QR Codes API

QR Code API can be used in practically any use case where you need to generate QR Codes in real-time. Here are some popular and common use cases:

1. Document authentication

QR Codes are now being extensively used for document authentication purposes. You can generate the QR Codes that link to information in your database and add them to required documents. 

2. Coupons

It is common for businesses to hand out coupons to give discounts. They help attract customers. But here’s the problem—customers have a hard time remembering the coupon codes due to the randomness of encoded characters. 

But with QR Codes, they no longer need to remember the code. And with API, you can generate these coupon codes in real-time. 

3. Visitor pass

Many institutions and organizations use visitor pass to allow visitor entry. And it’s common to spot a QR Code on them for security and authentication purposes. With QR Code API, you can enable QR Code generation smoothly for your visitor management process.

4. Product tags

You would’ve seen QR Codes on product packaging. Ever wondered what are these for?

They usually serve one of the two major purposes. The first is to provide product information that cannot be added to the limited printing space on the packaging. The second is to encode product ID or serial number for inventory tracking and logistical operations.

B. Benefits of QR Code API

QR Code API offers various benefits while generating QR Codes programmatically. Here are some of them:

1. Provides a seamless process

QR Code API allows you to generate as many QR Codes as required programmatically. That means, no need to manually generate the QR Codes. Simply integrate the API with your own application or information system. Hence, it ensures a smooth workflow for you and a fast experience for the end-users.

2. Offers full customization

QR Code API allows you to customize the QR Codes as per your wish. You can do it by selecting parameters to add a logo and colors or even a background image to the QR Codes. It also allows you to change the pattern of the QR Code’s eyes and data modules as per your wish.

Customization does not only make the QR Codes look branded to your business but also attracts more scans than generic black-and-white ones.

Designing parameters

Here are the QR Code elements that you can customize using API:

1. Eyes

Eyes are the big squares at the corners of the QR Code. They allow the scanners to recognize the QR Code. These are usually black-and-white but you can customize them as per your wish. That means you can change the color and pattern of both the inner and outer eyes of the QR Code.

2. Data modules

Data modules are the small square-shaped elements spread all across the QR Code. These are responsible for encoding information in the QR Code. These modules can be customized by changing their patterns or adding a color to them. In fact, you can also add a gradient to the color of data modules.

3. Logo

A logo is located at the center of the QR Code. It could be any image such as your company or brand’s logo. You can also choose to remove the data modules around the logo.

4. Error correction

When you add a logo to your QR Code, some data modules are removed to accommodate the image. This introduces an error in the QR Code. So, you need to make sure that you have specified an appropriate level of error-correction. This feature ensures that the QR Code can scan well despite the addition of a logo. Here are the different error-correction levels: L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%).

5. Background Color

As the name suggests, you can add color to the QR Code’s background. Just ensure that there is sufficient contrast between the QR Code and its background. For example, if the QR Code is black, the background must be white in color and vice-versa. It is important for the high scannability of the QR Code.

6. Poster

Besides the custom-logo design, you can also customize the QR Code by selecting the Poster option. It helps you add a background image on which you can place your QR Code. It also allows you to change the pattern of both the eyes and data modules of the QR Code.

C. Type of QR Codes that can be generated via API

You can generate various types of static QR Codes programmatically via API. Here is a list of them:

1. Website URL QR Code

Do you want to take the end-users to a website when they scan the QR Code? Then Website URL QR Code is your way to go.

2. Text QR Code

As the name suggests, Text QR Code encodes text and numbers. It is used in a variety of use cases such as encoding the serial number of the product, product information, coupon codes, and terms and conditions.

3. Vcard QR Code

It allows you to encode contact details. For example, your name, company name, contact number, email address, and fax number. When scanned, it shows the encoded content details to the end-users. 

4. WiFi QR Code

The WiFi QR Code when scanned, allows end-users to join a particular wifi network. It eliminates the need for end-users to manually type the password to access the WiFi network.

5. Google Maps QR Code

With Google Maps QR Code, you can encode location coordinates into the QR Code. When end-users scan it, they’ll be redirected to the location on the maps application on the phone. 

6. Phone Call QR Code

Phone QR Code allows you to encode a phone number in it. When end-users scan it, they can readily give a call on the encoded number rather than having to manually type it.

7. Email QR Code

It allows you to encode the recipient’s email address. When end-users scan it, the email gets generated on their phone with the recipient’s address in the required field. They can then write the subject and email body to hit the send button. 

8. SMS QR Code

Want your users to send a pre-drafted SMS to you? An SMS QR Code can help you do it. When scanned, it loads a pre-drafted SMS along with the recipient’s phone number. It also allows the end-users to edit the SMS before sending it out.

D. How to generate QR Codes via API

Now you know the types of QR Codes you can generate via API and their designing potential. The next question is—how to create one?

To do that, you’ll need a suitable QR Code API provider. Using Scanova’s QR Code API, here’s how you can proceed:

1. Go to QR Code API and sign-up for the free trial

Note that you will get the first 50 API requests for free when you sign-up.

2. On the page that loads, you’ll see your cycle usage with details such as total allowed requests, requests used, and days remaining. Here, you’ll also see the option Get API Key. Click on Create

Note that if you choose to sign-up via Google and click on Create, you’ll receive a 6-digit code on your email address. Copy it and paste it into the dialog box. You’ll then be able to see your API Key.

3. Copy the API key and click on Documentation on the dashboard

4. As you scroll down a bit, you’ll see the Authorize button on the right

5. Click on the Authorize button. A window will open prompting you to paste the API key in the value box. Once you’ve pasted it, click Authorize 

6. Select the relevant QR Code category and click Test

7. Add the content you want to encode in the QR Code and start customizing the QR Code by specifying its size and other designing parameters 

8. Once you’ve finalized the QR Code content and other parameters, click Execute

9.Here, you’ll see various responses such as Curl, Response URL, and Response Body. When you scroll down a little, you’ll also see the image of a QR Code with encoded content

10. Now copy the Response URL and integrate it into your information system or mobile application

Note that it is always advisable to test scan the QR Code before integrating with your system.

That’s it. That is all you need to know about how QR Codes are generated programmatically via API. You can now go ahead and generate your own QR Codes integrated with your system or mobile application.