How To Set Error Correction

Error Correction in barcodes refers to the ability to maintain barcode readability despite visual defects or encoding errors. These damages can arise due to factors such as printing imperfections, smudges, scratches, or variations in scanning conditions. Error correction is a major factor in determining which type of barcode encoding is suitable.

In general, 2D barcodes have a higher tolerance to defects compared to 1D barcodes due to the following factors:

• Data Capacity: 2D barcodes can store significantly more data than 1D barcodes as they encode data both horizontally and vertically, accommodating alphanumerics, binary data, images, and more.
• Redundancy: 2D barcodes have multiple layers of data encoding, allowing information extraction from any remaining intact sections even when part of the barcode is damaged.
• Compactness: 2D barcodes are suitable for limited spaces due to their compact shape.
• Flexibility: 2D barcodes can be scanned from various angles and orientations.

Quickstart: Use Error Correction Level in QR Code Creation

This short example shows how effortlessly you can generate a QR code with IronBarcode, setting the error correction level to Medium. Developers can get up and running in seconds using the CreateQrCode method with size, content, and error correction level.

:path=/static-assets/barcode/content-code-examples/how-to/set-error-correction.cs

// Import the necessary namespace for barcode generation
using IronBarCode;

// Create a QR code with the specified URL, size, and error correction level
GeneratedBarcode mediumCorrection = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCode(
    "https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", // URL to be encoded in the QR code
    500,                                       // Size of the QR code (500x500 pixels)
    QRCodeWriter.QrErrorCorrectionLevel.Medium // Error correction level to handle distortions
);

// Save the generated QR code image as a PNG file with the specified filename
mediumCorrection.SaveAsPng("mediumCorrection.png");

' Import the necessary namespace for barcode generation
Imports IronBarCode

' Create a QR code with the specified URL, size, and error correction level
Private mediumCorrection As GeneratedBarcode = QRCodeWriter.CreateQrCode("https://ironsoftware.com/csharp/barcode/", 500, QRCodeWriter.QrErrorCorrectionLevel.Medium)

' Save the generated QR code image as a PNG file with the specified filename
mediumCorrection.SaveAsPng("mediumCorrection.png")

Error Correction Comparison

Below is a sample set of QR Code images, each representing the same value but with varying levels of error correction. As observed, higher error correction levels lead to more complex QR code images, offering greater fault tolerance.

Highest Error Correction

High Error Correction

Medium Error Correction

Low Error Correction