2D Barcode Writer
How to Generate Micro QR Codes Using Aspose.BarCode for .NET

How to Generate Micro QR Codes Using Aspose.BarCode for .NET

This article demonstrates how to generate Micro QR codes using Aspose.BarCode for .NET in C#. Micro QR codes are ultra-compact barcodes ideal for use on small labels, electronics, event tickets, or inventory tags where space is extremely limited.

Real-World Problem

When there’s not enough space for a standard QR code—such as on tiny components or product tags—Micro QR codes provide a smaller, scannable alternative for encoding short strings, URLs, or IDs. However, few tools support generating these microformats in .NET.

Solution Overview

Aspose.BarCode for .NET allows developers to generate Micro QR codes with configurable size, version, and visual style, making it easy to add compact barcodes to any C# workflow.

Prerequisites

Before you start, ensure you have:

  1. Visual Studio 2019 or later
  2. .NET 6.0 or later (or .NET Framework 4.6.2+)
  3. Aspose.BarCode for .NET installed via NuGet
  4. Basic knowledge of C#
PM> Install-Package Aspose.BarCode

Step-by-Step Implementation

Step 1: Install and Import Aspose.BarCode

Install the NuGet package and import the required namespaces:

using Aspose.BarCode.Generation;

Step 2: Create the Micro QR Code Generator

Instantiate the generator for Micro QR:

BarcodeGenerator generator = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.MicroQR, "ID1234567");

Step 3: Customize Micro QR Code Settings

Adjust size, version, or style as needed:

// Set module (pixel) size
generator.Parameters.Barcode.XDimension.Pixels = 6;
// Set Micro QR version (auto or specific)
generator.Parameters.Barcode.MicroQR.MicroQRVersion = MicroQRVersion.Auto;
// Optional: Set foreground and background color
generator.Parameters.Barcode.BarColor = Color.Black;
generator.Parameters.Barcode.BackColor = Color.White;

Step 4: Generate and Save the Micro QR Code Image

Export the barcode to PNG, JPEG, or any supported format:

generator.Save("micro-qr-code.png", BarCodeImageFormat.Png);

Step 5: Complete Example 

using Aspose.BarCode.Generation;
using System.Drawing; // Required for Color

class Program
{
    static void Main()
    {
        // Create Micro QR generator for an ID
        BarcodeGenerator generator = new BarcodeGenerator(EncodeTypes.MicroQR, "ID1234567");
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.XDimension.Pixels = 6;
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.MicroQR.MicroQRVersion = MicroQRVersion.Auto;
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.BarColor = Color.Black;
        generator.Parameters.Barcode.BackColor = Color.White;
        generator.Save("micro-qr-code.png", BarCodeImageFormat.Png);
        // Test output with a compatible QR scanner
    }
}

Use Cases and Applications

  • Asset or electronics labeling: Barcodes on circuit boards, medical devices, tools
  • Tickets and passes: Event, lottery, or transport tickets with limited real estate
  • Micro-inventory: Small jewelry, tiny products, specimen tracking

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Micro QR not scanning? Solution: Use clear, high-contrast colors and test the smallest size compatible with your scanner.

Challenge 2: Too much data for Micro QR? Solution: Limit data to short IDs or URLs; use standard QR for larger payloads.

Challenge 3: Micro QR looks blurry or jagged? Solution: Export at a higher pixel dimension and avoid resizing the output image.

Performance Considerations

  • Use the minimal version for smallest size (auto mode picks best fit)
  • Batch generate Micro QR codes for inventory with a loop in C#
  • Use memory streams for in-memory barcode export

Best Practices

  1. Limit data to essential content for Micro QR
  2. Test output with real-world scanners/devices
  3. Use proper file formats for your application (PNG for clarity)
  4. Document code text and version used

Advanced Scenarios

1. Generate Micro QR in Memory 

using (var ms = new MemoryStream())
{
    generator.Save(ms, BarCodeImageFormat.Png);
    // Use in-memory image as needed
}

2. Set Specific Micro QR Version 

generator.Parameters.Barcode.MicroQR.MicroQRVersion = MicroQRVersion.VersionM3;

Conclusion

With Aspose.BarCode for .NET, you can quickly generate Micro QR codes for any use case where space is limited. See more options in the Aspose.BarCode API Reference .

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