Creating personalized barcodes in the Parallels Toolbox takes only minutes, making it one of the best ROIs for any business looking to enhance its marketing strategy. It's also an efficient way for individuals or organizations to share important information or links with relevant groups.
What is a QR code?
The earliest versions of this technology were machine-readable tracking codes for parts and equipment in the 1950s and 60s. It then evolved into the bar code found in supermarkets throughout the world in the 1970s and 80s. QR codes (Quick Response codes) made their debut in the 1990s, advancing the technology even further by increasing speed and storage capacity compared to simple bar codes.
Traditional bar codes have a smaller storage capacity because digital devices read them top to bottom with information usually arranged alphanumerically. A device such as a smartphone camera reads a QR code top to bottom and right to left, resulting in a significant increase in the information storage capacity.
QR codes made a big comeback in the US and Europe after decades of moderate use, though they enjoyed steady popularity throughout Asia over the years. The increased interest in QR codes was partly a result of two distinct developments.
- In 2017, Apple integrated QR code reading technology into the iPhone camera with an iOS 11 update. Android operating systems also soon adopted the technology, making QR code scanning as simple as taking a picture for anyone with a smartphone.
- In 2020-21, world events led to the rapid acceleration of the trend toward contactless payments, menus, check-ins, and verifications, which dramatically boosted the use of QR codes.
Why you should use QR codes for your business
QR codes are now an essential low input high return method for businesses to connect with their customers quickly and easily. The simplicity of using a QR code generator to create new QR codes appeals to business owners looking for new low-cost ways to reach prospective clients. The amount of information stored and actions taken makes the incentive for businesses that much stronger. All of this, combined with the rapid speed and convenience for customers accessing a QR code, creates a powerful marketing tool. As quickly as snapping a picture on a smartphone, customers can access relevant information and links. Popular business uses for QR codes include:
- Link to download an app
- Business card
- Coupons
- Link to website
- Contactless menus
- Contactless payments
- Link to location details
- Connect to Wi-Fi
How to generate a QR Code using Parallels Toolbox
When searching for the best QR code generator, Parallels Toolbox for Mac and Windows 10 offers an easy solution. Generating a QR code takes just five simple steps.
- Click on the Toolbox icon in the upper right-hand menu of the Parallels App
- Click on Utilities
- Click on Bar Code Generator
- Enter the content or link you want to encode in the QR code
- Click Save
The QR code generator software contained within the Parallels Toolbox takes care of the rest. The resulting QR code can be printed or shared online and will easily link your customer to any landing page for a full-scale marketing campaign, app, or payment system.
Conclusion
If you need to generate a QR code for a URL or to share important information with a group, the Parallels Toolbox offers one of the quickest and simplest methods to do this. With the increasing popularity and usefulness of QR codes, any business interested in increasing its market outreach needs to incorporate this tool into its marketing plans. Additionally, individuals and groups looking to provide access to information, a payments system, Wi-Fi, or a location, can instantly generate a QR code, saving time and frustrating delays.