Handy Tips when Creating Codes

Having a go at generating your own code? To ensure your mobile codes are accessible and achieve the best results, see the checklist below.

Mobile Code elements	Recommendations
Minimum code size	For easy scanning, we suggest codes should be at least 2 cm x 2 cm. Codes this size can hold up to 60 characters. As the number of characters and information contained within a mobile code increase, code sizes will need to expand accordingly.
Aspect ratio	Should be 1:1 Do not shrink the code below its original size.
Scanning distances	A 2cm x 2cm code can be scanned from 10 cm away. To scan over further distances you will need a larger code. For outdoor displays like billboards, we suggest you visit the site and hold the Telstra Code Reader up to the intended display area. View the zoom and focus capabilities to determine how large the code will need to be for easy scanning. You can also check the angle and orientation of the billboard at certain times of the day – to determine if sun glare can be avoided.
Handset accessibility	Not all camera phones are created equal. To ensure your code can be read by the widest audience, we suggest you test it across a range of different devices.
Display surface	A flat surface is strongly recommended for the display of your mobile code.
Colour	A black code on a white background provides the best contrast and improves the ability to decode.
Mobile websites	For optimal viewing, ensure mobile code links are to mobile (not PC) websites. They provide a better user experience as they’re specially tailored for mobile phone browsers. Make sure web addresses are typed correctly and test them thoroughly.
Medium	Codes can be printed/displayed on the following mediums: Newspapers Magazines Posters Billboards LCD / Plasma screens T-shirts Business Cards
Minimum code module size	1 mm or greater.
White space surrounding the code	For best results, we suggest 4 modules of white space around the code. A module is the smallest pixel of a QR Code.

How do mobile codes work?

The Telstra Code Reader supports two of the most common international mobile code standards – Quick Response (QR®) and Data Matrix. Quick Response codes have been chosen as the Telstra standard mobile code due to their distinct appearance and level of acceptance. Quick Response codes are made up of 3 key components:

1. Orientation points – quick response codes include 3 orientation points that ensure codes can be scanned and decoded at any orientation or angle.
2. Error correction – quick response codes include an error correction feature that allows slightly damaged code (eg. smudges and marks) to be successfully scanned and decoded.
3. Encoded information – embedded URL, SMS, contact details or plain text.

For successful scanning and decoding, mobile codes require a border of white space around the code. For optimum readability, a white space depth of 4 modules is recommended. A module is the smallest pixel of a QR Code.