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Free Micro QR Code generator.
Micro QR Code is the compact QR variant with one finder pattern and 11 × 11 to 17 × 17 modules. Enter a short serial number and download the symbol.
How to create a Micro QR Code
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01
Enter a short identifier
Digits and capitals take the least room; lower-case letters are stored as bytes. The generator rejects ü, ß and € and picks the smallest version that fits.
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02
Keep the default level M
A higher setting changes only data that needs an M4: it gets level Q, or an error if Q has no room for it. M1, for up to 5 digits, only detects errors.
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03
Set the size and keep 2 modules clear
Set your printer's resolution (higher ones with a plan) and a module width in Pixel, then download PNG, which keeps that resolution. The image has no margin by default, so set a quiet zone or reserve 2 modules in your layout.
What Micro QR Code is and when it fits
Micro QR Code is the small member of the QR family in ISO/IEC 18004: one finder pattern instead of three, and a 2-module margin instead of 4. Its four versions, M1 to M4, hold at most 35 digits. Use it for short identifiers where a QR Code does not fit.
Where Micro QR fits, and which readers decode it
DENSO WAVE, developer of the QR family, designed Micro QR for areas smaller than a QR Code needs. With 0.17 mm modules, the smallest DENSO WAVE names for a common laser printer, an M4 and its margin fit a 3.6 mm square. GS1 does not support Micro QR, so it suits in-house marks and codes agreed with customers.
Check each scanner and app that must read the code. Zebra's DS2208 manual lists MicroQR among its 2D codes and enables it by default.
About half the area of the smallest QR Code
One finder pattern and a 2-module margin keep the footprint small. Margins included, an M4 spans 21 modules and the smallest QR Code 29, so the M4 needs about half the area. DENSO WAVE adds that Micro QR grows less as data is added.
Error correction takes 10 of the sample's 24 codewords. The scanner sets the smallest usable module, 0.1–0.25 mm for DENSO WAVE's own non-camera scanners, so print a test at the planned size.
Formats, serial number lists and TEC-IT software
The online generator creates one Micro QR Code at a time without an account, as GIF, PNG or JPG, and SVG with a plan. A list of serial numbers goes into a data sheet, which makes many codes after a free sign-in.
Barcode Studio includes Micro QR among its 2D codes, numbers series, imports CSV files and exports batches, also by command line. TBarCode SDK generates it inside your own applications through .NET, ActiveX or DLL components.
Micro QR Code at a glance
- Standard
- ISO/IEC 18004; JIS X 0510 since November 2004
- Versions
- M1–M4, 11 × 11 to 17 × 17 modules
- Character set
- Digits from M1; capitals, space and $ % * + - . / : from M2; bytes and Kanji from M3
- Capacity
- 35 digits, 21 alphanumeric characters, 15 bytes or 9 Kanji (M4, level L)
- Error correction
- M1 detection only; M2, M3 levels L, M; M4 L, M, Q
- Quiet zone
- 2 modules on all four sides
Micro QR versions, capacity and error correction
| Version | Modules | Level | Digits | Alphanumeric | Bytes | Kanji |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | 11 × 11 | detection only | 5 | – | – | – |
| M2 | 13 × 13 | L / M | 10 / 8 | 6 / 5 | – | – |
| M3 | 15 × 15 | L / M | 23 / 18 | 14 / 11 | 9 / 7 | 6 / 4 |
| M4 | 17 × 17 | L / M / Q | 35 / 30 / 21 | 21 / 18 / 13 | 15 / 13 / 9 | 9 / 8 / 5 |
The sample needs an M4: ABC- and -1234 are stored as alphanumeric characters, abc as bytes, 98 bits in all, against 68 in an M3 at level M.
Micro QR print size and quiet zone
Width with margin = (modules + 4) × module size, here at 4 printer dots per module:
| Version | With margin | 0.17 mm (600 dpi) | 0.254 mm (400 dpi) |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | 15 modules | 2.55 mm | 3.81 mm |
| M2 | 17 modules | 2.89 mm | 4.32 mm |
| M3 | 19 modules | 3.23 mm | 4.83 mm |
| M4 | 21 modules | 3.57 mm | 5.33 mm |
| QR Code version 1 | 29 modules | 4.93 mm | 7.37 mm |
Micro QR Code or another code
QR Code needs a 4-module margin but grows to 177 × 177 modules and 7,089 digits.
Data Matrix needs a 1-module margin: 10 digits take 14 × 14 modules with it, against 19 × 19 for Micro QR at level M. GS1 supports it.
MicroPDF417 stacks rows instead of forming a square and needs a 1-module quiet zone.
Han Xin Code is built for Chinese characters (GB18030) and large data, up to 7,827 digits, with a 3-module quiet zone.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about Micro QR Code.
What is the difference between QR Code and Micro QR Code?
Can a smartphone read a Micro QR Code?
Which error correction levels does Micro QR Code support?
Is Micro QR Code free to use?
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