A type of 2D matrix barcode which stores information as a series of pixels in a square-shaped grid. Typically, smartphones are used to scan QR codes, displaying an image of the code and converting it to, say, a standard URL for a website. QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric or 7,089 numeric characters and are clearly distinguished from datamatrix barcodes by large squares placed at three corners of the code, which are used for alignment. Compared to standard UPC barcodes, QR codes offer faster reading of the optical image and greater data storage capacity in applications such as product tracking and item identification.