Micro QR Code Generator for Tiny Labels and Parts

What makes Micro QR different

Micro QR was introduced by Denso Wave as a compact version of the QR code. Instead of three finder patterns, it has a single one in the top-left corner, and the quiet zone is only two modules instead of four. This saves a large share of the area, so a Micro QR code can be a fraction of the size of the smallest regular QR code holding the same data.

The trade-off is capacity and compatibility. Micro QR holds at most 35 digits, and most phone cameras do not recognise it. It is intended for industrial scanners reading parts, circuit boards and small components.

Micro QR versions and capacity

When to use Micro QR

• Use it for short serial numbers on small parts, PCBs and medical devices read by industrial imagers.
• Use a regular QR code if consumers will scan it with a phone camera.
• Use Data Matrix if you need more data in a similar small area, or if your industry standard requires it.
• Always test with the actual scanner on the production line, since not every imager has Micro QR enabled by default.

What each Micro QR version holds

Micro QR trades capacity for its single finder pattern, and the remaining allowance depends on the mode. Numeric digits pack most efficiently, byte data least. Version M1 accepts numeric data only, so no amount of trimming will fit a URL or a contact into it.

Error correction narrows too. The smallest versions offer fewer levels than a full QR code, so a Micro QR with a logo sitting on top of it is a worse bet than the equivalent QR symbol. When the payload and the space allow it, step up one version rather than dropping the error correction.