How many times have you come across these pixilated squares? On the pages of your favorite magazines, on your shopping bags, even on your cereal box, QR codes seem to be everywhere these days!

QR codes have quickly replaced URLs as a quick and easy way to get to a web page, video or  other digital experiences, right on your smartphone.

Want to get started on the QR code scanning craze? First, you need to install a QR code reader on your phone. There are lots of apps to choose from for every type of mobile device. Try NeoReader for the iPhone®, Barcode Scanner for Android® phones, and ScanLife for Blackberry®, iPhone or Android.

Once your app is installed, all you need to do to scan a QR code is to take a photo of the code. Then, depending on the app you have, it will ask you if you want to visit the target, or perform the action. The QR code will either take you to a website, show a video, send an SMS message, add the company to your contacts, follow them on Twitter, or add them as a Facebook friend.

That’s all there is to it! Happy scanning!