Micro QR Code Scanner
Add Micro QR Code scanning to your mobile application or website
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Turn smartphones into fast & reliable Micro QR Code scanners
The Scanbot Micro QR Code Scanner SDK delivers exceptional performance even under challenging conditions – such as damage or when scanning extremely compact codes commonly found in space-constrained applications. With its ability to read codes as small as 11×11 modules, your users get instant reads for seamless workflows on any smart device.
Key benefits include:
- Offline scanning: The Scanbot SDK works 100% on-device, ensuring both uninterrupted performance and data security.
- Enterprise-grade support: Get dedicated chat support via Slack, Teams or email for any issue. Includes free assistance during the integration phase.
- Flat pricing model: Cost stays the same no matter how much your user base or scanning volume grows.
Quickly scan Micro QR Codes online
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How this scanning tool works
Our free online Micro QR Code reader scans codes directly through your camera or on imported images. This barcode scanner works in any browser, no app download or signup needed. Enjoy real-time camera view scanning or decode barcodes on pictures in seconds – just point your camera at the Micro QR Code or import an image file to instantly access the encoded data.
This tool is powered by the Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK!
(We don’t store any images or data you import. Everything stays on your device.)
Understanding Micro QR Codes
What are Micro QR Codes?
The Micro QR Code is a smaller version of the traditional QR Code, designed for applications where space is limited. It is a two-dimensional (2D) code that was standardized in 2004 under Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS-X-0510), and is widely used in different industries like electronics and manufacturing. Its small footprint makes it ideal for marking electrical items such as circuit boards, components, and other products where QR Codes would be too large.
Its small size is achieved by reducing the number of position detection patterns to one instead of three and by minimizing the quiet zone to be only two modules wide. It is still readable by most standard QR Code readers. Despite their small dimensions—starting at only 11×11 modules—they can store up to 35 numeric or 21 alphanumeric characters. They can also encode kanji characters and binary data besides alphanumeric data.
With error correction levels ranging from L to Q, Micro QR Codes can still be scanned and decoded even if up to a quarter of the code is damaged.
Applications of Micro QR Codes
Electronics
Micro QR Codes are often used on small electronic components like circuit boards for tracking information, serial numbers, manufacturing details, and usage instructions.
Security and authentication
Micro QR Codes are often employed on ID cards, access passes, and security tags to store encrypted information such as employee details or access permission.
Retail and warehousing
They help manage inventory for small items like jewelry, electronics accessories and product tags by providing product details, stock levels, and pricing information.
Structure of a Micro QR Code
Micro QR Codes are compact variants of standard QR Codes, designed to encode essential information in a smaller space. Their structure consists of four main components:
- Data modules: These are small square or rectangular elements that form the data area of the Micro QR Code. They encode information as binary data, with black modules representing 1 and white modules representing 0.
- Finder pattern: They have one finder pattern, unlike standard QR Codes which have three. This is a square bull’s eye sign located in one corner of the code, allowing for quick and accurate scanning at any angle.
- Timing pattern: They have one row and one column of alternating black and white modules. This pattern helps determine the symbol version, density and ensures proper synchronization during scanning.
- Quiet zone: This is a margin space around the code, typically two modules wide for Micro QR Codes (compared to four modules for normal QR Codes). It helps scanners identify the code’s boundaries.
Micro QR Codes come in four versions (M1 to M4), with sizes ranging from 11×11 to 17×17 modules. Their data capacity levels vary based on the version.
Advantages of Micro QR Codes
- Compact size: They contain less information than the normal QR Code. However, Micro QR Codes still have sufficient storage capacity to include URLs and SKU codes.
- Error correction: Advanced error correction mechanisms (from L to Q levels) allow them to remain readable even if partially damaged or obscured.
- Scalability: Micro QR Codes encode numeric and alphanumeric data, allowing them to meet the specific data capacity needs of smaller applications.
- Versatility: They can be scanned from any angle, offering flexibility in various settings especially where space is constrained.
Why choose the Scanbot SDK for Micro QR Code scanning?
The Scanbot Barcode Scanner SDK is specifically designed to handle the challenges of decoding Micro QR Codes in real-world scenarios.
What sets us apart:
- Exceptional performance: Reliably decodes even damaged, low-contrast or distorted barcodes.
- High-speed scanning: Read Micro QR codes in as little as 0.04 seconds.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Easily integrate with Android, iOS, cross-platform, web, Windows, and Linux platforms.
- Customizable UI: Customize the ready-to-use components to match your app or website design.
- Privacy-first: Operates offline for complete data security.
Whether your use case involves Micro QR Codes, UPCs or any other barcode, the Scanbot SDK delivers the accuracy, speed, and reliability you need to succeed.
Related Barcode Types:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Micro QR Code used?
Micro QR Codes are commonly used in electronics and manufacturing. Their compact size makes them perfect for labeling electrical components, and other items where traditional QR Codes would be too large.
What is the difference between a QR Code and a Micro QR Code?
Even though they are a variant of regular QR Codes, the two types differ in several aspects. Micro QR Codes are, as the name suggests, smaller in design and structure. Instead of three, they have only one position detection pattern and a significantly reduced data capacity compared to QR Codes of 15 bytes of binary data to 2,953 bytes of binary data. Ultimately, they are used for cases where space is limited and only minimal information needs to be encoded.
How could Scanbot SDK help you with Micro QR Code scanning?
The Scanbot SDK supports Micro QR Codes and delivers exceptional performance in challenging environments, including damaged or curved barcodes, with a scanning speed of under 0.04 seconds for seamless workflows. Try it now with a free trial license.