Create your own QR code

QR codes are codes scanned with smart phone apps. They direct users to specific web pages or online promotions.

To create your own QR code:

1. Highlight, right click and copy the URL of the desired page(Ex: "http://www.tarleton.edu/library").

2. Go to Google.com. Type in "goo.gl" in the white URL box and you should get this screen:


3. Right click your mouse and paste your link into the box. Click "Shorten."


4. In the results section of the screen, click Details.


5. Your QR code should now be visible.



6. Take a screen shot of the QR code (instructions here) and save the image to a flash drive or your T: drive.


7. Now you can either print out the code on a piece of paper, or post it somewhere online for your friends to use. Be sure to test it out before you do so.

What is a QR code?

You may have noticed odd-looking codes like the one above popping up in magazine pages, web pages, and catalogs over the holiday season. They are known as QR codes.

QR stands for Quick Response. You scan the code using a smart phone (or a desktop computer with a webcam, if the code is on a piece of paper) and your phone's browser will be directed to a specific URL. QR codes are often used for publicity and/or discounts.

To scan the QR code above, you will need:

1. A smart phone
2. A QR code scanning app. Here is a list of apps that are compatible with different smart phones.

Directions:

1. Download a QR code scanning app. Note: This example uses an iPod Touch. Your screen may display differently.


2. Open the app on your smart phone.



3. Scan the code at the top of this entry.



4. The code should take you to the library's Facebook page.