<h2>Converting a file or link to QR code: Statistics on QR technology use in 2022. Part 3: Africa</h2>
QR technology brings significant benefits in any area of human life. You can add a file or link to QR code for business, personal use, government agencies, charities, etc.
This fact confirms users around the world widely use QR technology. The additional benefits of using a QR code generator are determined by the specific service you choose to apply.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">Statistics on the use of QR codes in Africa</h3>
The scans statistics from previous years confirm the demand for interactive QR codes. However, American, Asian, and European countries conduct most data and surveys, so one might get the impression that people in other regions do not know what QR codes are.
Let's consider the peculiarities of using QR technology in African countries since users there are interested in creating and scanning QR codes no less than residents of other regions.
<h3>Adding a file or link to QR code: Most popular QR technology applications in Africa</h3>
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Add link to QR code.png" alt width="350" height="200" />Adding an URL to QR code for use in the mobile app market 
Let's take a look at the smartphone market in Africa: Samsung (21%) is the most popular option that is followed by Huawei (12%); and then TECHNO (9%), Itel (6%), and Xiaomi (6%) round out the top five. Android smartphones dominate in this region, but mobile apps for Africans are available not only in Google Play but also in the App Store.
Because of the increase in the number of mobile gadgets on the continent, many brands create and advertize their mobile applications. They actively attract new users by providing discounts, special offers, and other benefits for buyers. For example, in Uganda, the largest online retailers can add a link to QR code, thus allowing you to quickly and easily install applications on your smartphone.
Converting a PDF to QR code for blended learning
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Convert PDF to QR code.png" alt width="350" height="200" />South Africa is actively integrating the idea of blended learning, which combines traditional (offline) and interactive (online) methods. Therefore, you can often see QR codes in textbooks. Their purpose is to improve the quality of education and increase students’ motivation. A good example is Algeria, where almost all children can access mobile devices.
How does it work? Imagine a student reading a paragraph from a chemistry textbook. After getting acquainted with the theoretical part, they can scan the QR code and proceed to the study of multimedia material; for example, they can watch a video of a chemistry experiment. Also, by adding a PDF to QR code in advance, you can redirect students to the necessary information, allow them to send questions to the teacher, etc.
Adding medical data to QR code for use in healthcare
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Generate QR from a file.png" alt width="350" height="200" />The global pandemic has changed the way healthcare works around the world. It has become an impetus for many countries to improve outdated systems, and Morocco is a good example of this.
The initiative to provide electronic services in hospitals has become widespread since it aimed to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection in Morocco. It implies the possibility of getting online consultations, issuing necessary certificates, etc.
Moreover, a specific Moroccan Electronic Perspective application has been created to minimize the speed and spread of the coronavirus. This app contains information about medical appointments for the patient. A person can come to a pharmacy, be identified through a QR code containing prescription data, and receive medicines eliminating the need to contact many people.
In previous articles, we have already considered how residents of Europe and America use the options provided by QR codes. Today, following the example of different African countries, we observe new trends in QR technology. This is because users discover new possibilities for development by adding a file or URL to QR code!

Statistics on QR technology use in Africa | QR codes popularity in different African countries | How users wordlwide add a file or URL to QR code

Practice of converting an image, video, link, or PDF to QR code in African countries

Learn more about QR code usage statistics in Africa

Objective research on the application of QR technology worldwide. Part 3. Africa

<h2>Converting a file or link to QR code: Statistics on using QR technology in 2022. Part 4: Australia</h2>
The versatility of modern QR codes allows for encoding any desired content and placing them in diverse locations. In general, users can add any file or URL to QR code for personal or commercial purposes.
The QR code generator multifunctionality can explain this variety of options. Let's pay attention to current examples of how QR technology has been successfully implemented in various areas of life in Australia.
<h3>Adding a file or link to QR code: Most popular QR technology applications in Australia</h3>
Converting an URL to QR code for contactless payments
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Payment with QR code.png" alt width="350" height="200" />Cash transactions have long faded into the background. Most shoppers in Australia prefer to make non-cash payments for goods and services using payment cards or smartphones in stores, pharmacies, restaurants, and wherever possible.
The global pandemic has further increased this trend. Now people are trying to make contactless payments to avoid unnecessary contacts as much as possible. In Sydney and other Australian cities, 90% of establishments provide an opportunity to pay for goods and services through QR codes.
Turning a registration form to a QR code to register visitors contactlessly
Multifunctional QR codes allow for contactless registration of visitors in public places, for example, cinemas, airports, government offices, concert halls, etc. This approach minimizes contact between people, reduces waiting times, and virtually eliminates paperwork.
You need to create a QR code with a form to fill out to register visitors in any establishment contactlessly. Next, you need to place the code in a shop window or other prominent place so people can easily scan QR codes. This is exactly how SA Health (the sanitation station in Adelaide, South Australia) works.
Adding a description of goods to a QR code to apply in the fashion industry
<img style="float:right;margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px" src="/files/blog/QR codes in fashion.png" alt width="350" height="200" />
At first glance, fashion and QR technology have no common ground. But the developers of Klarna, the Australian application, focused on women's clothing sales, managed to find the perfect solution.
Instead of walking down the runway in glamorous outfits, Klarna models walked down the runway in identical pink robes, holding images with QR codes to scan. The viewer needs to point the smartphone camera at the code to follow the link and get acquainted with the presented outfit in detail.
Converting a PDF to QR code for use in printed magazines
Print magazines are in particular need of effective marketing tools to remain competitive. The publishing house can create interactive covers thanks to the QR code generator. The Australian magazine Adnews is an excellent example.
To make interactive, creative, and inspiring content, the editors of this magazine decided to apply QR technology, namely, to create a QR code with a version in PDF format and place it on the covers. For the first time, this idea was implemented in the issue dedicated to the results of 2020. At that time, QR technology saw a surge in its popularity and editors successfully converted a PDF to QR code.
Adding text to a QR code to make invitations and event programs
<img style="float:right;margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px" src="/files/blog/QR code for event.png" alt width="350" height="200" />
Putting all the detailed information about the event on a standard invitation takes a lot of work. Another thing is to make a QR code with a detailed description of the event’s time, date, location, and planned activities. You can add information in text format, but you can upload a link, image, or PDF to QR code as well.
Whether you organize a conference, concert, exhibition, or another event, you should tell all potential visitors about it in detail and in advance. To do this, Australian event agencies generate QR codes with a detailed description of all scheduled events so that participants can familiarize themselves with the schedule.
The analytics of QR code scans shows that QR codes are successfully integrated into all spheres of human life on any continent. Examples of their implementation in Australia show that we are now seeing a surge of interest in QR technology, and its popularity will only grow.

Statistics on the use of QR technology in Australia | Popularity of QR codes in modern Australia | How users from around the world add a file or URL to QR code

Practice of converting an image, video, link, or PDF to QR code in Australia

Learn more about the statistics of QR codes’ use in Australia

Objective research on the application of QR technology worldwide. Part 4. Australia

<h2>Converting a file or link to QR code: Statistics on QR technology use in 2022. Part 2: Europe</h2>
It is logical to talk about the popularity of QR codes in Europe today. But until some time ago, the number of codes and their scans was hardly above zero. From 2019 to 2022, various studies showed the opposite result. Users have begun extensively using QR technology and actively adding a file or URL to QR code.
Let's discover how the opinions and preferences of users in Europe have changed regarding the significance of QR codes. Statistical data for individual countries demonstrate the role of QR codes for a modern European.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">Statistics on the use of QR codes in Europe</h3>
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/PDF to QR code.png" alt width="350" height="200" />Until 2019, only 5% of Europeans used QR codes while shopping, according to Statista. A higher rate was demonstrated by residents of Germany, where 9% of users have installed a QR scanner application on their smartphones.
As of 2020, the data have changed significantly. According to MobileIron statistics, more than 54% of those surveyed have used QR codes regularly. Among them, 67% of respondents agreed that QR technology significantly simplifies their lives. This survey was conducted among citizens of Germany, Holland, Great Britain, France, and Spain.
There are plenty of similar studies of user behavior in Europe. They all demonstrate a significant increase in interest in QR technology in the past few years. This means that Europeans have begun to take advantage of QR technology and convert a link, presentation, business card, and PDF to QR code.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">Adding a file or link to QR code: Most popular QR technology applications in Europe</h3>
Converting a PDF to QR code for a driving license
Drivers in Denmark always have an electronic driver's license at hand. They don't have to carry hard copies of documents and worry about fines for not having them.
Thanks to adding QR codes to electronic driver's licenses, police officers can check documents for authenticity. To do this, they simply need to scan the QR code on the virtual driver's license.
Adding medical certificates to QR codes for border control service
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Files to QR code.png" alt width="350" height="200" />Ireland is one of the countries showing significantly increased attention to QR technology. In the last quarter of 2019, the number of interactive code scans exceeded 1 million. Thus, creating and scanning QR codes has become a common practice for the Irish.
Due to the global pandemic, the Irish authorities have created a special passport for immigrants. Upon arrival in the country, each person must fill out an electronic form, and after receiving a unique QR code, it must be shown at the border control. The analytics of QR code scans shows that most migrants use this tool.
Turning a URL to QR code for use on product packages 
Norway is actively using QR technology to inform customers about the quality of the products sold. Buyers do not need to request additional documents from sellers or make official requests to specialized authorities. Instead, they simply scan the code on the packaging or product label to read the information on the official website of the brand.
For example, the Norwegian Seafood Association collects the necessary data on fish products. You need to scan the QR code on the product packaging to find out detailed information about its origin, storage, and expiration dates.
Adding documents to QR codes for voting
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Docs to QR code.png" alt width="350" height="200" />Estonia has developed an online voting system. For this, the i-Voting program was created. A QR code acts as an identifier analog for a voter, simplifying the process of expressing will. Thanks to this code, citizens can also ensure their vote has been counted.
If you are interested in learning more about the statistics on QR technology use in America, check out our previous article. In the following publications, we will consider the experience of using QR codes in Asia, Africa, and Australia. The latest data shows that users worldwide widely apply technology and use it to convert a file or link to QR code.

Statistics on QR technology use in Europe | QR codes’ popularity in different European countries | How users from around the world add a file or URL to QR code

Practice of converting a video, link or PDF to QR code in European countries

Learn more about QR code usage statistics in Europe

Objective research on the application of QR technology worldwide. Part 2. Europe

<h2 style="text-align:justify">Converting a file or link to QR code: Statistics of QR technology use in 2022. Part 1: North and South America</h2>
Most marketers and business people consider QR technology as a powerful promotional tool. The possibilities are endless with the ability to add any file or URL to QR code.
QR technology offers a simple yet highly effective approach to enhancing any project. It is used by small businesses, multi-million dollar brands, government organizations, charitable foundations, and more. The high demand for QR code generators further emphasizes the compelling reasons to leverage its advantages.
Let's look at the statistics of QR codes use in America. Real numbers will be more impressive than the theory of the meaning and role of QR technology for businesses and regular users.
Important: when analyzing the data of the application of QR codes in America, we are talking about the countries of North and South America, namely, the USA and Mexico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Canada, and other states on both continents.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">Statistics of QR codes’ use in America</h3>
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/QR code facts.png" alt width="350" height="200" />Surprisingly, according to the Inc Magazine study of 2012, 97% of customers in America did not know what a QR code was. Furthermore, only 6.2% of smartphone users knew how to scan codes and regularly did it.
The same data were observed until 2017, when Snapchat, the popular social network, introduced a new Snapcode function. As a result, users began to scan such codes 8 million times a day to add new friends, use filters, open the necessary sites, etc.
In the same year, another world corporation joined the QR technology development. Apple developers updated iPhones and introduced a QR code scanner. This meant that users got the opportunity to scan QR codes without the need to install third-party applications.
Thus, the pace and scale of QR code usage increased markedly: in 2018, approximately 34% of users scanned codes, and in 2020 their number reached a record 94%.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">Adding a file or link to QR code: The most popular areas for using QR technology in America</h3>
Turning an URL to QR code to pay for goods and services
According to Statista data for the 2021st year, more than 11 million families in the United States scanned QR codes to perform payment operations. Americans note that they began to scan codes more often due to the global pandemic. The statistics confirm this: according to Statista, at the beginning of 2022, almost 19% of users in the United States scanned QR codes to make payments.
<img style="float:right" src="/files/blog/QR payment.png" alt width="350" height="200" />According to PYMNTS statistics, people pay for goods and services by using:
- bank details (72.4%);
- QR code (66.5%);
- credit or debit card (63.1%);
- electronic wallet (60.2%);
- POS terminal (51.6%).
Adding a PDF to QR code to use on the goods’ packaging
QR technology is especially in demand to label product packaging in Canada. According to Statista figures, 57% of buyers scan QR codes on labels to learn more about manufacturers, participate in competitions, download recipes, play games, familiarize themselves with brands, etc.
Converting a link to QR code for product labeling
<img style="float:right;margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px" src="/files/blog/Banana QR code.png" alt width="350" height="200" />QR technology is especially valued in tourist countries such as Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Belize. Tropical Ecuador is a good example of a country that applies QR codes effectively. It is known not only for opening bohemian resorts with all the comforts but also for exporting 24 million tons of bananas around the world annually. QR code stickers are placed on the bananas so customers can learn more about the product.
Adding documents to a QR code for use in the administrative area
QR codes are very multifunctional when it comes to administrative procedures. For instance, QR technology allows you to register a business in Salvador easily. And the Uruguayan government obliges offline shops and restaurants to place QR stickers in their halls with detailed information on how they pay taxes.
In other articles, we discussed the statistics of the use of QR codes in other continents, namely Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. If you're interested, check out the relevant information on why and how users worldwide use QR technology to add a file or URL to QR code.

Statistics of QR technology use in America | The popularity of QR codes in Canada, Mexico, the USA, and other countries | How users add a file or URL to QR code

Practice of converting a video, link or PDF to QR code in North and South America

Learn more about the statistics of QR code use in America

Objective research on QR technology use worldwide. Part 1. America

<h2>Types of QR codes and their fundamental differences: convert a file or URL to QR code</h2>
For an ordinary user, all QR codes look the same: black squares are on a white background and enclosed in a square frame. Such a two-dimensional structure is easily read by a camera or a specific application on a mobile device.
The "inner world" of the code is way more interesting: you can add a text, video, link, or PDF to QR code, apply a specific encoding, set additional properties, etc. All QR codes work on the same principle but are classified into several groups.
<h3>Classification of QR codes by content</h3>
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Content for QR codes.png" alt width="350" height="200" />
Several types of code exist depending on the content you want to encrypt. You can add:
– text to QR code (descriptions, posts, ads, slogans, and other types of text with a limited number of characters);
– URL to QR code (a regular link that will redirect the user to any site on the Internet);
– audio file to QR code (music, books, podcasts, playlists, and other files in a supported format that will be displayed after scanning);
– video file to QR code (implies the creation of a code with a short or long video in a supported format and with an acceptable upload size).
- PDF to QR code (manuals, instructions, books, and other text content).
There is a large number of QR code types that vary depending on QR code generator options. Among other popular options are codes with electronic business cards, data for automatic connection to Wi-Fi, application in the App Store or Play Market, etc. So you can convert almost any file or URL to QR code.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">Classification of QR codes based on the option of making changes</h3>
There are 2 QR code types in this classification: static and dynamic. Most services provide users the possibility to create static codes for free and the option to generate dynamic codes upon buying a subscription. At the same time, QR codes of dynamic type are of the greatest interest to users.
<img style="float:right;margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px" src="/files/blog/Edit QR codes.png" alt width="350" height="200" />
A static QR code is the simplest code that can be generated for free on any modern service. Visually, it does not differ from dynamic code, but it is significantly limited in its functions. Its content cannot be edited, but the code fits most personal and business tasks.
A dynamic QR code is the most functional code, which is in great demand among users. Once you’ve created such a code, you can edit it in the future: change the title, content, design, and other features.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">QR code encodings</h3>
There are several ways to encode information into a QR code. To date, 4 generally accepted encodings are used:
– digital (if you need to encode only numbers from 0 to 9);
– alphanumeric (if you need to use numbers, Latin letters, symbols);
– byte (suitable for any characters);
– based on hieroglyphs (for encrypting Chinese and Japanese writing).
This approach allows user X to create a QR code that will transmit any data, and user Y can quickly receive this information by instantly scanning the code through a mobile device.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">Barcode vs QR code</h3>
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Encodings of QR codes.png" alt width="350" height="200" />Some users use the term "barcode" when converting a file or link to QR code. However, you should distinguish a QR code from a barcode. They differ in many factors starting from visual to technical ones.
The barcode has a linear structure, and the QR code has a two-dimensional structure. The barcode can store and transmit only data about a product (article, price, etc.), and any content can be encrypted in a QR code, including a link, video, audio, image, text, etc.
It doesn't matter to users what type of encoding the QR generator will use. They need to have the possibility to create QR codes with any content that can be quickly customized and easily edited as needed. To do this, use our GET-QR functional generator!

How dynamic QR codes differ from static ones | Features of converting a file or URL to QR code | How QR codes vary depending on the content

Find out about the types of QR codes and their detailed classification

Find out what QR codes you can generate quickly and for free

QR code classifications: how to add a file or link to QR code

<h2>What is a QR code: the start of a technology that has become the future, or Why to convert a file or URL to QR code</h2>
A few decades ago, a simple bar code was not of mass interest to people. Such matrix signs were usually not noticed by anyone. And in the modern world, they are everywhere: inside buses, on restaurant tables, on huge signs, and even on regular business cards. 
This is because users worldwide are actively using QR technology to convert a link, text, video, and PDF to QR code. So, what is a modern QR code, how, and most importantly, why create it? We have answers to all these questions. What’s more, we will discuss the benefits of converting a file or URL to QR code.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">What is a QR code: basic concepts</h3>
<img style="margin-left:15px;margin-right:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Types of QR codes.png" alt width="350" height="200" />The abbreviation "QR" stands for Quick Response. The development of QR codes was carried out in Japan: the Japanese company Denso registered this term as a trademark in 1994, which further led to the massive QR technology use and conversions of a file and link to a QR code. In fact, from this moment, the countdown of the history of the QR technology development begins.
The QR code consists of 4 encoding modes: numeric, alphanumeric, Chinese characters, and binary system. This allows user X to add a text, link, image, or PDF to QR code transmitting any data, and the user Y to receive this information quickly.
There are 2 types of QR codes:
- static. This is the simplest code that can be generated on most QR services. Its major drawback is the inability to edit content and track the statistics of scannings. However, many users will find it convenient to add a file or link to the QR code if they do not plan to change its content or track analytics;
- dynamic. This is the most functional and popular code. The user can edit all elements: title, content, design, and other QR code features. The dynamic code will keep you from reprinting and redistributing the image for scanning.
Important: the QR code and barcode are not the same. They have different functionality.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">Key QR code benefits</h3>
The modern QR code provides an endless list of possibilities. You can generate a QR code with any content thanks to the QR code generator:
<img style="margin-right:15px;margin-left:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Benefits of QR.png" alt width="350" height="200" />– Text (product description, article, slogan);
– Link (to any website on the Internet);
– Audio file (music, podcast, playlist, audiobook);
– Video file (film, video instruction, presentation);
– App Store or Play Market app;
– Email;
– Data for connecting to Wi-Fi;
– Electronic business card.
The user is not restricted in using QR technology as it provides many options. For example, you can create a QR code to invite people to chat, make a purchase, order a utility bill payment service, or advertize a company. It is up to you which content to encrypt into the QR code.
Dynamic QR codes are especially valuable for business. On the one hand, it is a highly effective online and offline advertising tool. Any advertising campaign will only benefit if it is built with QR technology support. On the other hand, companies can broadcast their brand identity through QR codes, using corporate colors and unique design elements for decoration. Such a simple approach will help develop branding, grow brand awareness among the target audience, and increase the brand’s significance in the market.
<h3 style="text-align:justify">How users began to add a file and URL to QR codes actively</h3>
QR technology began to reach the peak of its popularity in 2020. In truth, modern marketers, business people, advertisers, and regular users worldwide have been familiar with QR codes much earlier. However, not all QR technology advantages were in great demand.
<img style="margin-right:15px;margin-left:15px;float:right" src="/files/blog/Popular QR codes.png" alt width="350" height="200" />For example, restaurant guests are accustomed to using paper menus to learn more about the range of dishes and drinks in the establishment. They may have known that by scanning a code on a table or flyer, they could access the same information directly on their smartphone. But everyone got used to the usual way of life, where QR codes were an interesting feature, nothing more.
The global pandemic, COVID-19, quarantine, and lockdown – these previously unfamiliar keywords have changed our usual way of life by 180°. Now the priority for everyone is social distance maintenance, contactless paying options, and online services. Therefore, it is unsurprising that businesses, government agencies, and regular users have become ubiquitous in using the QR code generator.
In addition, using QR codes is as simple as possible. You need:
– point the smartphone camera at the code;
– get acquainted with the content that will be displayed on your screen.
You can use the QR code in only one rare case: if you do not have a smartphone with a camera. Even less often, there are situations when the camera does not scan the image. In this case, install the QR scanner application on your smartphone - and the problem is solved.
Now everyone can create a QR code and encrypt almost any content. It is enough to use an online QR generator and make a QR code from a link or file. If you choose a service that allows you to create dynamic codes, you can use advanced features: track scanning statistics, edit content, change design, and so on. So the choice is yours: how and in which format to use the QR technology!

What is a QR code for business and regular users | How QR codes emerged and why they became popular | How to convert a file or link to QR code

QR code: meaning, types, benefits, and examples of use

Benefits of using QR technology and adding a file or URL to QR code