QR & Barcode StudioQR Studio

Micro QR Code Generator

Micro QR is a miniature QR code with a single finder pattern, built for very small surfaces such as electronic components and tiny labels. It holds up to 35 digits or 21 alphanumeric characters. Enter short data and export a crisp symbol.

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What Micro QR is used for

Micro QR is part of ISO/IEC 18004, the QR code standard. With one finder pattern instead of three and a quiet zone of only two modules, it takes much less space than a regular QR code for short data. It is used for part numbers, lot codes and serial numbers on components, circuit boards and small medical or cosmetic items.

Note that most built-in phone camera apps do not read Micro QR; it is meant for industrial imagers and dedicated scanner apps, such as the one in QR & Barcode Studio.

Versions M1 to M4

  • M1: 11×11 modules, numeric only, up to 5 digits, error detection only.
  • M2: 13×13 modules, up to 10 digits or 6 alphanumeric characters, error correction L or M.
  • M3: 15×15 modules, up to 23 digits, 14 alphanumeric characters or 9 bytes, level L or M.
  • M4: 17×17 modules, up to 35 digits, 21 alphanumeric characters or 15 bytes, levels L, M or Q.
  • Alphanumeric mode covers uppercase letters, digits and a few symbols; lowercase forces byte mode and fewer characters.

Printing tips

Keep the two-module quiet zone clear on all sides. Choose the module size from your printer or marker resolution; at 0.2 mm per module an M4 symbol is only about 3.4 mm square plus quiet zone. Use uppercase where possible to stay in alphanumeric mode. High contrast between modules and background is essential at this size; verify with ISO/IEC 15415.

How to make it

  1. Select Micro QR in the barcode generator.
  2. Enter a short value, ideally digits or uppercase text.
  3. Let the app pick the smallest version, or set M1 to M4 and an error correction level.
  4. Export SVG or PDF for marking or label software.
  5. Test with the in-app scanner or your production imager.

Frequently asked questions

Why doesn't my phone camera read Micro QR?

Most default camera apps only decode regular QR codes. Use a scanner app that supports Micro QR.

Can Micro QR hold a URL?

Only a very short one, up to about 15 bytes in M4. For links use a regular QR code.

Micro QR vs Data Matrix?

Both suit small items. Data Matrix scales to much larger data and is common in DPM; Micro QR is efficient for very short strings.