An Overview of the QR Code Google API and Its Alternatives
Years ago, the QR code Google API was popular among developers due to its simplicity.
However, many users online have reported encountering errors when using it. Fortunately for developers everywhere, other applications can be used to make QR codes.
In this article, we explore what the Google API for QR codes was and why it was shut down. We also cover other QR code generator API services that have emerged over the years and the benefits of using each one.
Table of Contents
- Can I get a QR code from Google?
- What is Google API?
- How to generate QR code with Google API?
- Google Chart API QR code example
- Why is the Google API QR code not working?
- What are the alternatives to QR code Google API?
- How to generate QR codes using a dynamic QR code platform online
- What are the benefits of using a custom QR code platform
- Add QR codes to your applications with QR TIGER QR Code Generator
- FAQ
Can I get a QR code from Google?
The answer to this question is yes. You can generate a QR code with Google. However, the QR codes API integration can no longer be used to make one.
While there was a Google API for QR code generation, users on various online forums reported errors when using it.
There are still some ways to create QR codes with Google. One way is to install an app that works with Google applications.
Another way is to use Google Chrome to generate a static QR code for the website you are currently visiting. To do this, perform the following steps:
- While you are on the website you want to share, find and click the share button.
- Click the “Create a QR code” button.
- Download your QR code.
What is Google API?
An API is a set of rules and protocols that allows two pieces of software to communicate and share features and functions.
The acronym is short for Application Programming Interface and is an easy way of sharing data between different organizations.
An example of an API being used is the ability to log in using different accounts on certain websites.
Have you ever wondered how you could log in to different websites with your Facebook or Google accounts?
Well, this is achieved when the website checks the API to see if you are already logged in to your desired platform. If you are not, a pop-up window opens, asking you to log in.
With that in mind, a Google API is a set of tools that the tech giant provides to developers who wish to integrate Google services into their applications.
How to generate QR code with Google API?
In 2007, Google released a service called Google Chart API. This service creates graphical charts from data that users provide by constructing a URL address that includes the information they wish to visualize.
In time, Google added a new chart type to the API that allowed users to create QR codes. Below are parts of the URL needed to generate a QR code:
- http:// or https:// - These are necessary to tell the client that you are using an HTTP session.
- chart.googleapis.com/chart - It’s the location of the Google Chart API on the server.
- chs - This is where you set the size of the QR code’s pixels.
- cht - It’s how you tell the API what type of chart you want to generate. In this case, you will type “qr”.
- chl - This is where you place the content of your QR code.
- choe - It is where you choose the type of encoding to use for the QR code.
Google Chart API QR code example
To demonstrate how the Google Chart API would be used to create a QR code, here is an example:
When this URL is included on your website, it generates a QR code that displays the word “Hello” when scanned.
Since the size set is 150x150, the QR code size will be 150 pixels wide and 150 pixels high. Meanwhile, the type of encoding used to make the QR code is UTF-8.
This URL can then be used anywhere. For example, it can be used as a QR code for Google Sheets online.
Unfortunately, entering this URL into your web browser or using it on your website will result in a 404 error.
Why is the Google API QR code not working?
For a long time, this API was used by many users to create QR codes. However, the company began deprecating this service back in 2012.
It eventually shut the entire service down in 2019. Since then, users have been forced to look for alternative QR code solutions to integrate into their applications.
What are the alternatives to QR code Google API?
Fortunately for developers worldwide, there are other ways to integrate QR codes into your websites and applications.
QR TIGER API
If you’re wondering how to make an editable QR code and looking for an API, look no further than the QR Code API of QR TIGER. You can have 3,000 to 10,000 requests per month.
Link the generator to the following software:
- Google Analytics - have QR code scans report reflect on your dashboard
- Canva - create dynamic QR codes in your designs without switching tabs
- Hubspot - integrate the generator on your existing workflows
- Monday.com - generate QR codes within the Monday.com ecosystem
- Zapier - lets you connect the generator to over 3000 apps in the Zapier marketplace
With this integration, you can generate custom-designed dynamic QR codes for a variety of content types. The platform provides customization options for patterns, eyes, and colors.
One of many essential QR code facts is that you can update your codes (content and design) at any time, set an expiry, protect them with a password, target an audience using geofencing, track and receive reports in-platform and email, and reach out to previous scanners using Google Tag and Facebook Pixel.
QuickChart API
With the Google API QR code not working anymore, many users recommend using QuickChart instead. Similar in many ways to the deprecated Google Chart API, it also allowed users to generate QR codes.
What sets this apart from Google’s API is that it allows the customizing of QR codes. Using additional parameters, users can set the color of their codes.
The API can also generate images and captions. Images are placed at the center of the QR code, while captions are added below.
goQR.me API
Another API integration platform that is often recommended is goQR’s QR code API. Generating QR codes with this service is very similar to our Google Chart API QR code example. However, this API uses its own parameters.
Also, unlike Google Chart API, you can also create customized QR codes through goQR.
Third-party QR code libraries
APIs aren’t the only ways of generating QR codes. Thanks to the internet, almost everyone has access to a bunch of libraries that can generate codes for your applications.
When it comes to programming, a library is a collection of pre-written codes created by programmers. These codes allow others to add more functionality to their applications without writing their own codes from scratch.
Several programming languages like Python have libraries that can generate QR codes. When choosing which library to use, remember the language used to program your application.
Online QR code maker platforms
If APIs and libraries are too much to take in, then this last alternative is what you need. Online QR code platforms are very capable of doing all the hard work for you.
How do QR codes work for different applications? It all depends on the data you store in them.
For them to create your desired code, you will have to provide the correct information to encode. For example, you can have a QR code Google form as long as you provide the link to one.
Several generators online also provide comprehensive customization options for your QR codes. From unique shapes to eye-catching colors, this alternative to Google Chart API can provide you with the most unique QR codes for your application.
How to generate QR codes using a dynamic QR code platform online
Even though the Google Chart API QR code deprecated years ago, QR codes can still be created online.
To make one with an online dynamic QR code platform, follow these steps:
1. Open the best QR code generator on your browser.
2. Choose the QR code solution that fits your needs.
3. Fill in the blanks with the requested information. This will depend on the QR code solution you choose.
4. Click the Generate dynamic QR code button.
5. Personalize your QR code. You can change the code’s eyes, patterns, and colors. Don’t forget to add your company’s logo and a frame with a call-to-action tag.
6. See if your QR code works by performing a quick scan test with your smartphone.
7. Download your QR code as a PNG or SVG file and share it with the world!
What are the benefits of using a custom QR code platform
Using the QR code Google API integration feature was a convenient way to add QR codes to your website back in the 2010s. However, companies these days require more sophisticated ways of generating QR codes.
This is where modern QR code software comes in. Here are just a few benefits of using them over the deprecated Google API.
Diverse customization options
Do you ever wonder how certain colors affect your feelings? For example, seeing the color blue might cause you to calm down and relax, while seeing red might make you feel more passionate or energized.
Color has long been thought to influence others' thoughts. In fact, colors are often used to communicate information quickly and efficiently. Customizing your QR codes is a great step to take to enhance your messaging.
With a QR code generator with logo, you will have access to a wide array of customization options for your codes. You can color your codes to catch people’s attention or build trust and comfort.
Some platforms also provide a number of shapes and patterns to truly make your QR code unique.
Improved branding
Having a customized QR code can help establish your brand identity and increase recognition, which is important for the effectiveness of any marketing strategy.
Improving your branding also builds trust in your content. By creating unique QR codes that match your branding strategy, your audience is more likely to scan your code without hesitation.
It also makes it easier to spot fake QR codes from entities that want to imitate your style.
Ability to edit content
One benefit of using a dynamic QR code generator is the ability to edit a QR code at any time.
While this could be possible with Google’s deprecated API, QR codes made this way are always regenerated when changes are made. When using online QR code software, the QR code stays the same even when the content behind it is updated.
Access to tracking and analysis features
With a dynamic generator, you also get access to QR code tracking and analytics. By using these features, you gain insight into the kind of people that access the content in your QR codes. Metrics that are tracked include:
- total number of scans
- number of unique scans
- time and location of scans
- device used to scan your QR codes
Enhanced security
Last but not least, using a custom QR code platform leads to better security for you and your audience.
This is achieved by following guidelines and practices established by governing organizations. An example is the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard, which is the best-known merit for information security management systems.
Add QR codes to your applications with QR TIGER QR Code Generator
While Google Chart API has been shut down for several years, QR codes continue to be generated worldwide. This is a testament to the technology's effectiveness and the ingenuity of those who recognize its potential.
If you want to make QR codes without the QR code Google API, look no further than our dynamic QR code software. In addition to several QR code solutions and customization options, we are GDPR, CCPA, and ISO-certified.
Join over 850,000 brands worldwide and make your QR codes with us today!
FAQ
How do I get an API QR code?
To get a QR code with an API, you will need to send a request to the API’s endpoint. How the request is constructed will depend on the API you use.
How do I generate a QR code for a URL?
To generate a QR code for a URL, you can use an API or QR code software online. When using QR code software, you provide the URL before generating your code.
Is generating QR code free?
Several platforms generate QR codes for free. However, this doesn’t always apply to dynamic QR code generation. Some platforms allow the free generation of only a handful of dynamic QR codes. Others require signing up and subscribing to a paid plan.
