Printer's Tip

Understanding 2D Codes

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2D codes have a similar function and appearance to one-dimensional barcodes, but hold more data and offer a new way to deliver information by linking to a website or other online destination from a mobile phone (aka mobile tagging). There are many companies that offer 2D code technology. The two that we used to create our examples were ScanLife and Microsoft Tag.

2D codes are showing up in many popular IT and website magazines and are one of the newest solutions advertisers are using to drive traffic to their websites. The codes, which come in many different forms, can be designed in black and white by using a program such as ScanLife or—with Microsoft Tag's new software—as a four-color image. The tags are easy to use, as readers simply download a free application to their internet-enabled mobile phone and take a picture of a code. At that point, readers are redirected to the web page associated with that code.

2D codes can be used to amp up marketing efforts and draw more attention to the ad or campaign. They can be:

• Placed on the cover of a magazine and linked to a website or digital magazine
• Put on business cards
• Incorporated into a print ad
• Placed on billboards, signs, etc. as they can be as big or small as you wish
• Used to integrate marketing campaigns
• A way to incorporate mobile, one of the fastest growing advertising avenues
• Linked to almost anything: websites, photos, coupons, wallpaper downloads, articles, videos, etc.

Designing the code is easy. Go online to ScanLife, Microsoft Tag, or one of the many other options to register and begin building your customized tag. Tags can incorporate logos or pictures, or can be a more generic design. Microsoft Tag and Scanlife offer examples, FAQs, and step-by-step instructions on their websites.

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