QR Codes have made a comeback. Camera scanning instead of an app requirement and most likely, airport check-ins, have made these digital postage stamps top of mind. If you are considering adding QR codes to your arsenal of tools, here are a few things to ponder.

• How will you use these? Not in an email usually. They should move people from print to a digital format that provides added information or allows an action.
• What’s the goal? Just an action or do you require tracking?
• What format will you be going from and to? For example, a printed poster at a trade show that sends an SMS message when scanned or calls a phone number.
• Short-term or long-term use? Is your code intended to be used at one event or will you be printing it on a brochure or card that will be around forever?

In some cases, you may be able to use a free option – just make sure it is NOT a limited time trial. In general, if you do not sign in, a free code will always work, but you will not be able to edit it or track it. Check the specifics on the service you use for expiration and terms of use on a free code.

Free codes usually have the following limits:

• No tracking.
• No edits.
• Possible limits on size.
• Some limit file formats.
• Most limit style such as color, design and adding branding.
• Expiration date, depending on the service.
• Commercial use (check the terms of use).
• Potential scan limits.
• Limits on what you can do with a QR code such as view a web page, PDF, email, make a call, send a text, do a search, allow feedback, display an image gallery, MP3, Vcard, grant WIFI access, provide location data or allow a Bitcoin exchange.

If you are looking for a premium code package, this will open up a wealth of potential uses and tracking data. Packages range in cost based on the number of active QR codes, users and scans. Most range from about $7 per month for two codes to 250 QR Codes for about $50 per month. Depending on your goals, this may well be a worthwhile investment.