What is encoding?
Encoding is the process of writing data onto an NFC tag or NFC label. It is similar to writing data onto a USB drive. On an NFC tag you can write, for example, a web address, text or a command.
In small quantities, NFC tags can easily be encoded using a mobile phone that supports NFC. For larger quantities we recommend using our services.
NFC encoding rules
To ensure that an NFC tag written by one phone is fully compatible with other devices, the encoding must meet a number of conditions laid down by the global creators of NFC technology – the NFC Forum organisation. Our company guarantees that all tags we encode will meet these requirements.
What can I store on an NFC tag?
The answer to this question depends on whether you want someone else to be able to read the stored data. All NFC-enabled phones currently on the market are able to read web (URL) addresses and text. The vast majority of them are able to read a phone number and a short SMS message. Most will also understand an e-mail. If you are going to use the NFC tag only yourself, you can also store on it, for example, a command for launching tasks that, when the device is held near it, can turn WiFi, the camera or, say, the ringtone on/off.
Using a special application, a business card (vCard) can also be stored on an NFC tag, although in this case compatibility problems may arise – not all phones are able to read this format.
Are NFC tags rewritable?
Yes. Encoding and locking are basically two completely different processes. You can encode, or write, NFC tags over and over again until you lock them. Locking is irreversible, and we therefore recommend it only if you are completely sure of the content written and know that you will never want to change it. A tag can be locked, for example, using the Tag Writer application from NXP.
Getting started with NFC encoding…
As we have already mentioned, to ensure compatibility between different operating systems and across mobile device manufacturers, the messages in NFC tags must be encoded according to certain standards. For encoding content into NFC tags and exchanging data via NFC communication, the NFC Forum organisation established a standard called NDEF – NFC Data Exchange Format. We send all NFC tags and labels formatted in this format, so you need not worry about incompatibility with other devices.
NFC encoding options offered at nfcmix.com
NFCmix.com can encode NFC tags according to your needs. Just write to us about how you envision it. When adding a product to the basket, for each tag you need to choose the state in which you would like to receive the NFC tag or NFC label. This choice is made right above the buy button in the product detail. This choice is made in the order form, where you will find a text field called Note to the order – specification and encoding. In this field you can describe exactly how you wish to have your NFC tags adjusted, both in terms of programming and visually. If anything is unclear to us, we will contact you before processing the order. Normally, however, we distinguish 4 options for preparing NFC tags and labels.
Empty / unformatted
We recommend choosing this option only if you know how content is uploaded to NFC tags. The tags will arrive unformatted, and before first use you need to upload content to the tag using an NFC device. Fortunately, most modern NFC applications can upload the information in a nice user-friendly interface exactly as needed. Let us mention, for example, TagWriter for Android. A problem may arise if you use the Windows Phone system, which cannot work with unformatted tags, and in that case we recommend using one of the other options.
Empty / NDEF format
This is the way we supply tags unless you explicitly request a different adjustment. In this case the NFC tag is fully prepared for your use, for uploading content or for use with phone-control applications. The tag is empty and formatted according to NDEF, so it is fully functional with all NFC phones, including phones with the Windows Phone operating system.
Point to the načti.mě URL management and lock
This option is ideal for content that is freely accessible and which you need to lock in the NFC tag. However, if you do not want to give up the ability to change this content, use our web management načti.mě (www.nacti.me).
!CAUTION! it does not yet support applications that change phone functions (SmartTags, Trigger, Tasker and the like).
Program a URL / Text with locking
Supply us with the web address you want to write to the tag, and we will handle it ourselves. Once the address is stored in the tag, we will lock the entire content so that it can never again be overwritten or erased.
Program a URL / Text without locking
Supply us with the web address and we will handle it just as in the previous case. Unlike the "with locking" option, this time we leave the tag unlocked, which means that when you want to erase or otherwise manage the tag's content, you will be able to do so without restriction. Likewise, other users (anyone) will also be able to overwrite the content.
Further options for programming tags
We can also supply you with tags programmed for far more advanced writes, such as various kinds of encryption, key changes, Mime-type, etc. We can also upload personalised content to the tags based on a supplied .xls or .csv file.
How can I write an NFC tag myself?
Options
First of all, we would like to say that encoding NFC tags is very simple, fast and free. Using an NFC-enabled phone and a suitable application, the whole thing takes just a few short moments.
Of all the available applications that are free to download, the one that seems simplest to us is the TagWriter application from NXP. NXP is, after all, the largest manufacturer of the microchips contained in most NFC tags sold, so it knows exactly how to do it. At the same time, this application guarantees full compatibility with all NFC Forum standards.
We have written a guide for you, following which truly anyone should be able to manage encoding. This guide works only for the Android operating system. For other operating systems there are similar applications, but none reaches a quality similar to the one described below.
1. Download the TagWriter application
This application is free to download on Google Play. So just open this virtual store, find NFC TagWriter by NXP in it and select "install".
2. Turn on the advanced features - "Advanced Features"
Got it installed? The very next step we recommend taking is to find the "Preferences" item in the application menu, click on it, and in its options find "Switch UI mode". After clicking it, select the option "Advanced Features". At the time we are writing these lines, this switch to the better version is completely free!
3. How to use the main menu?
The main menu lets you choose between "View" – i.e. browse the data already written on the NFC tag or label, "Create, write and store" – i.e. create, write and store new data, "Copy", and also "Tools" – i.e. tools for editing the tag's content.
Since we want to write something to the tag, we will choose the option "Create, write and store".
4. Create new content, or use one from history
If you have used the application before, you will find all the content you have used in the "History" list. If you are a newcomer, choose the "New" option – i.e. create new content.
5. Content options
The next screen will offer you a choice of various encoding options. Select "Bookmark" if you want to write a web address to the NFC tag.
6. Create a new bookmark
Select "Create new bookmark".
7. Type the required address
If you wish, you can enter into the "Description (optional)" field the name of the web address, although this will take up part of the free memory. In principle we recommend leaving this field empty. What you must not leave empty, however, is the "Internet Address (URL)" field, into which you write the required web address. Done? Click "Next" and further options will be shown to you.
8. Further options, choose the most suitable one
On this screen you can choose between encoding methods. Bear in mind that if you now tick and confirm the option "Apply soft protection", you will lock the NFC tag and will be able to erase or overwrite it only with the phone that performed the locking. Alternatively, you can choose "Permanent protection" and thereby prevent any further overwriting or erasing of the tag. So choose the option that suits you best and press "Next".
9. Encode your tag!
Now just hold the NFC tag to the phone and wait for the beep – confirmation of successful encoding. It takes a matter of seconds (or less).
10. Tag encoded!
And that's it. The screen will show the message "Store Successful" and below you can see the uploaded content. If you wish to lock the content, you can do so afterwards too, by selecting "Tools" in the main menu and then "Permanent Protect". We recommend this setting when using the tag in public places.
