Yep, it’s a QR code stencil generator! The F.A.T. Lab is pleased to present QR_STENCILER, a free, fully-automated utility which converts QR codes into vector-based stencil patterns suitable for laser-cutting. Additionally, we present QR_HOBO_CODES, a series of one hundred QR stencil designs which, covertly marked in urban spaces, may be used to warn people about danger or clue them into good situations. The QR_STENCILER and the QR_HOBO_CODES join the Adjustable Pie Chart Stencil in our suite of homebrew "infoviz graffiti" tools for locative and situated information display.
CONTENTS
ABOUT THIS PROJECT
QR codes are a form of two-dimensional barcode which are widely used to convey URLs and other short texts through camera-based smartphones. A variety of free tools exist to generate QR codes (such as the Google Charts API) and to read them (such as TapMedia’s free QR Reader for iPhone app). Our QR_STENCILER is a Java-based software utility which loads a user-specified QR code image — from which it then generates a lasercutter-ready, topologically correct stencil .PDF. As Fred Trotter has pointed out, QR codes contain stencil islands in unpredictable configurations. QR_STENCILER automatically detects and bridges these islands, using thin lines that are minimally disruptive to the highly robust QR algorithm. It does so through the use of two basic image processing techniques: connected component labeling (sometimes called blob detection) and 8-connected chain coding (sometimes called contour tracing). QR_STENCILER was created with Processing, a free, cross-platform programming toolkit for the arts.
Closeup of a QR code lasercut in 1/8"-thick fiberboard. The QR_STENCILER automatically thickens corners between squares (left) and generates "bridges" to connect stencil islands (center). The level (amount) of island bridging is user-adjustable.
Accompanying the QR_STENCILER are the QR_HOBO_CODES (see below), a set of 100 lasercutter-ready QR stencil designs created with the QR_STENCILER software. These stencils can be understood as a covert markup scheme for urban spaces — providing directions, information, and warnings to digital nomads and other indigenterati. We present these as modern equivalents of the chalk-based "hobo signs" developed by 19th century vagabonds and migratory workers to cope with the difficulty of nomadic life. Indeed, our set of QR stencils port a number of classic hobo annotations to the QR format ("turn right here", "dangerous dog", "food for work") as well as some new ones, with a nod to warchalking, that are specific to contemporary conditions ("insecure wifi", "hidden cameras", "vegans beware").
Examples of 19th- and 20th-Century "hobo signs". Sources: Fran DeLorenzo (left), Wikipedia (right).
DOWNLOAD & INSTRUCTIONS
QR_STENCILER has been tested in MacOSX 10.6.8, but (since Processing is a cross-platform toolkit) it should work in Windows or Linux as well.
LICENSE
The QR_STENCILER software is provided "as is", without warranty of any kind. QR_STENCILER is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. You are free to distribute, remix, and modify QR_STENCILER, so long as you share alike and provide attribution to FFFFF.AT. The repackaging of QR_STENCILER as or into commercial software, is expressly prohibited. Please note that QR_STENCILER also enjoys protections under the GRL Repercussions 3.0 license. More details about QR_STENCILER’s license and warranty can be found in the preamble to its main code file, QR_STENCILER.pde; for other uses, please contact us. The 100 QR_HOBO_CODES and their respective stencils are hereby dedicated to the public domain.
25-minute wait png | stencil |
assholes png | stencil |
bad coffee png | stencil |
bad food png | stencil |
bad tempered owner png | stencil |
bad water png | stencil |
be alert png | stencil |
be quiet png | stencil |
be ready to defend yourself png | stencil |
beware pickpockets png | stencil |
bike thieves png | stencil |
boring png | stencil |
broken meter png | stencil |
camera perverts png | stencil |
camp here png | stencil |
cars ticketed png | stencil |
caveat emptor png | stencil |
changing table png | stencil |
cheap drinks png | stencil |
check cashing png | stencil |
civilized place png | stencil |
contraception available png | stencil |
cops active png | stencil |
cops inactive png | stencil |
danger png | stencil |
dangerous homophobes png | stencil |
dangerous neighborhood png | stencil |
dishonest scalpers here png | stencil |
dog png | stencil |
food for work png | stencil |
free doctor png | stencil |
free out-of-date food png | stencil |
free wifi png | stencil |
get out fast png | stencil |
go straight png | stencil |
good cheap food png | stencil |
good coffee png | stencil |
good for a handout png | stencil |
good to kids png | stencil |
good veg-burger png | stencil |
good water png | stencil |
GPS is incorrect png | stencil |
great dumpster png | stencil |
habla espanol png | stencil |
has showers png | stencil |
help if sick png | stencil |
here is the place png | stencil |
hidden cameras png | stencil |
high-fee ATM png | stencil |
hold your tongue png | stencil |
insecure wifi png | stencil |
it’s fake png | stencil |
just ignore him png | stencil |
keep away png | stencil |
keep going png | stencil |
kind family png | stencil |
lax oversight png | stencil |
look down png | stencil |
look up png | stencil |
lots of outlets png | stencil |
mean to children png | stencil |
nice bathroom png | stencil |
no bathrooms png | stencil |
no changing table png | stencil |
no fee ATM png | stencil |
no outlets png | stencil |
no pets png | stencil |
no privacy png | stencil |
open late png | stencil |
over-priced png | stencil |
over-rated png | stencil |
owner gives to GOP png | stencil |
owner has a gun png | stencil |
perverts png | stencil |
pissoir png | stencil |
Plan B sold here png | stencil |
prostitution sting png | stencil |
scammers png | stencil |
sleep in barn png | stencil |
speed trap png | stencil |
stay low png | stencil |
strong phone signal png | stencil |
talk religion get food png | stencil |
tell a hard luck story here png | stencil |
test market png | stencil |
those aren’t real png | stencil |
toll road png | stencil |
tramp camp png | stencil |
tramps arrested on sight png | stencil |
turn left here png | stencil |
turn right here png | stencil |
unexpectedly good coffee png | stencil |
unsafe area png | stencil |
use gloves png | stencil |
used frying oil available png | stencil |
vegans beware png | stencil |
well guarded png | stencil |
will give to get rid of you png | stencil |
work available png | stencil |
worth saving png | stencil |
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
QR_STENCILER was created by Golan Levin and Asa Foster III with support from the STUDIO for Creative Inquiry at Carnegie Mellon University. Thanks to Ben Fry, Andreas Schlegel, Marcus Beausang, Neil Brown & Judy Robertson for the terrific code they have made available online. A tip of the hat to Fred Trotter, Jovino, Ric Johnson, le Suedois, Patrick Donnelly, David J. Burden, Matt Jones and others who have gone down similar or related paths. Additional thanks to Andrea Boykowycz for creative input. Some of the QR_HOBO_CODES are adapted from or inspired by designs presented elsewhere by Fran DeLorenzo and Cockeyed.com. "QR code" is trademarked by Denso Wave, Inc.
KEYWORDS
Barcode, QR code, stencil, QR code stencil, graffiti, grafitti, graffiti research, graf technology, street art, culture jamming, tactical media, urban messaging, locative media, situated visualization, contextual computing, lasercut, laser cutter, digital fabrication, template, chalk signs, chalk, spray paint, spraypaint, fffffat lab, hobo culture, hobo signs, warchalking.
COMMENTS
The expressions published in this site are all in the public domain. You may enjoy, use, modify, snipe about and republish all F.A.T. media and technologies as you see fit.
Any recommemded sites that will create the lasercut boards?
[…] Here is a link to his post on his new laser-cutter QR code stencil generation code. Along with his first application, a remake of hobo-coding. […]
Google ‘lasercutting service‘ to find a bureau near you, or check the Architecture or Design departments of your local university.
In your opinion which is the best QR code generator? I’ve tried several ones within the past year, but many provide messed-up & non-readable QRs.
This is a nice one I use often (other than generating my own with software libraries)
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
For lasercutting you can use ponoko.com, send in your design & shipped anywhere
Narnua, thanks, you’re awesome.
very cool! thanks!
You might want to double check your codes/names….looks like some of those codes up there are rearranged…..
[…] Veja mais […]
[…] The Free Art and Technology Lab have released a free utility which converts QR Codes into vector based stencil patterns suitable for laser cutting. QR_STENCILER solves the Fred Trotter problem of stencil islands by automatically detecting them and bridging the stencil islands with thin lines that have a minimal effect on scanning (image below). The software runs on MacOSX 10.6.8. and is available under a Creative Commons copyright license. […]
[…] their QR Code stencil pattern generator the Free Art and Technology Lab released a set of 100 laser cutter ready QR stencil designs representing the digital equivalent of chalk-based “hobo signs“. This covert markup […]
This is very cute, and huge kudos for your work, but, some musings…
How small can you make these can still have them be effective? 1′ square stencils are a little big for the average urbanista, and the size also severely limits the range of stencils one could carry. Could you make them palm-sized and colour them with a sharpie? Or, better still, create some kind of hand-portable, Arduino-based QR graffiti printer (allowing you to leave any QR code you choose at any location)…
@Kieran I’m working on a boxed set of 100 delrin mask sheets, which are 7″x7″. Each cell in the QR codes is around 0.25 – 0.33″, depending on the message. This is just large enough to color in with a sharpie or paint pen, but it’s more convenient to use a small (pocket) spraypaint can, such as Krylon Short Cuts (3oz can) or Duncan Tulip Fabric Spray Paint (2oz can).
@corgimas, is there a specific example which is mis-labeled or mis-linked? The HTML was auto-generated; there “shouldn’t” be any errors. In all cases the text links appears below the corresponding image.
I tried running a few of them off the screen with my phone and they came up mixed – but they were other codes on the page, not like the codes did not work at all!!!! Sorry i did not take any notes on them!!!
r
@Apostolos – As I suggested in the text, I like the Google QR generator, documented at http://code.google.com/apis/chart/image/docs/gallery/qr_codes.html. To generate a QR code with this tool, follow this URL in your browser:
LINK — then start fiddling with the URL!
@corgimas – I just exhaustively checked the hobo codes; all of the images are correctly labeled and linked. If you point your phone at a page full of different QR codes, however, it’s impossible to guarantee which one of the codes your phone will select to read.
Golan, neat. Used your code to generate a transparent PNG “stencil” of sorts.
Do you think its possible to alter the code to work with any 2D 1bit graphics (ie just black / white pixels)?
Here’s a nice collection of early/original hobo signs. Use as you see fit, and enjoy:
http://supersecretclubhouse.blogspot.com/2011/02/secret-hobo-signs.html
[…] fellow “gentlemen of the countryside”. The finest FATL scientists have come up with a program that generates stencils of QR Codes. The code can be sprayed onto any surface, and can be read by all smartphone-equipped […]
@Rich – in principle, it would be quite easy to modify my code to produce stencil patterns from arbitrary black-and-white images. However, to produce the best results, the QR_STENCILER relies on the assumptions that (1) the input image consists of axis-aligned squares and rectangles, and (2) that these rectangles are sized according to integer multiples of some basic grid size. The code might still “work” (in some basic sense) if these assumptions are not true. But I would have written the code quite differently if I was dealing with such a general problem.
[…] their QR Code stencil pattern generator the Free Art and Technology Lab released a set of 100 laser cutter ready QR stencil designs representing the digital equivalent of chalk-based “hobo signs“. This covert markup […]
@narnua, thanks much for your terrific suggestions. I’ve incorporated them into the main blog post.
Geoffrey Dorne has kindly translated the QR_HOBO_CODES into French: http://graphism.fr/les-hobo-signs-de-2011-seront-des-qr-codes-vagabonds-armezvous-de-vos-tlphones/. He’s done a nice job maintaining the idiomatic flavor of the texts :) In his honor I’ll shortly produce a set of French QR stencils.
[…] We present QR_STENCILER, a free, fully-automated utility which converts QR codes into vector-based stencil patterns suitable for laser-cutting. Additionally, we present QR_HOBO_CODES, a series of one hundred QR stencil designs which, covertly marked in urban spaces, may be used to warn people about danger or clue them into good situations.* […]
You can also find your local Fablab or hackerspace, most Fablabs and some hackerspaces have lasercutters:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fab_lab
http://hackerspaces.org/
Nice tool ! – im playing with now …and we have 3 laser engravers… hit me up ill make you one for free just to play with the laser :)
[…] (“insecure wifi”, “hidden cameras”, “vegans beware”). Here’s how to install the app, and some samples. We present the design of an adjustable lasercut stencil pattern for pie-chart […]
[…] ones would call the cops on sight. Now there’s a 21st century version created by New York-based Free Art and Technology Lab —hobo QR codes, those squiggly little boxes you scan with your smartphone. They take the form of […]
[…] Levin at fffff.at writes: Yep, it’s a QR code stencil generator! We present QR_STENCILER, a free, […]
Cool idea, I’ve been working on something similar but the software to streamline the process is a huge improvement.
If I may offer a suggestion, black spray chalk is an easier-to-use alternative to powdered chalk. It’s pretty hard to find compared to white spray chalk but one place that sells it is here: http://artprimo.com/catalog/molotow-chalk-spray-paint-p-1122.html
cool dude! i had a project just like it I put up a few months ago. didn’t have the java program to make it automatically though.
I had a project just like this, although I didn’t have the java to made the .pdf for me automagicly.
My nerdbait QR stencil
@Brainspore – thanks for the tip! Feel free to add a link to your related work if you have a page for it.
[…] codes with messages you might need to go about modern life. Instructions and examples are located on his website (contains some adult […]
wow – thanks for this tool ! we jsut made a few on our laser … took all of 5 minutes :)
[…] in-depth step-by-step process is outlined over at Free Art & Technology (the brilliant minds behind the Media Artist Contingency Plan), but here’s the high-level […]
[…] Code Stencil Generator of the Day: The folks at fffff.at have created an app that generates a QR code stencil design for any text you choose. Just lasercut and add paint, and […]
[…] QR_STENCILER and QR_HOBO_CODES The QR_STENCILER is a free, fully-automated utility which converts QR codes into vector-based stencil patterns suitable for laser-cutting. Source: fffff.at […]
I do like this – perhaps clean graffitti could be done doo I’d the stencil is placed in a very green stone surface and is treated with a bleach solution? We’re at http://www.qrcodemaker.co.uk if you want to try us out.
[…] mai întâi să generaÈ›i un cod QR È™i pe urmă să intraÈ›i aici, unde găsiÈ›i tot ce vă trebuie pentru a-l transforma într-un […]
[…] soft pour créer vos pochoirs est en téléchargement libre sur leur site, disponible à cette adresse. Voici la procédure de […]
I don’t get it. Say you use the “free wifi” stencil you provided. When I click on that where do i go to learn what the QR code is saying? When a person clicks on your code for free wifi it just shows me the code. It needs to say “Free Wifi” on a smartphone to know what the message is. So your codes need to connect online someplace. How can I see those messages?
@Charles, in order to decode a QR code image (whether downloaded, stenciled or otherwise), you will need a “QR code reader”, such as an app on your smartphone. When you point the reader’s camera at the QR code, you’ll be able to see the “hidden” text which is embedded in the code.
[…] QR Code Stencil Generator and QR Hobo Codes | F.A.T.Our QR_STENCILER is a Java-based software utility which loads a user-specified QR code image — from which it then generates a lasercutter-ready, topologically correct stencil .PDF […]
[…] wheel on my Google Reader: scroll, scroll, scroll, scroll. Adding stars to interesting posts like this one, this one and this […]
What program do you all recommend to read them with on your phone? iPhone or Android, or both, if possible.
Thanks!
[…] desires a stencil QR code simply has to create a QR code as one would usually do and then upload it into a program that turns the QR code into a file that can be printed by any local company that offers […]
I love the high/low tech approach, and this project is funny and insightful.
That said, a peeve: is the transphobic “those aren’t women” one really necessary?
[…] most bizarrely, Golan Levin and Asa Foster III have created QR_HOBO_CODES, a series of one hundred QR stencil designs which when marked in urban spaces, may be used to […]