Creating QR Codes for Print

What is a QR code and how does it help my print campaigns? 

A QR (Quick Response) code is a scannable barcode that instantly directs someone’s smartphone to a specific webpage. When placed on posters, flyers, or leaflets, it removes the friction of asking potential customers to type a long web address into their phones. They just scan and go straight to your product page, sign-up form, or contact page.

Should I put QR codes on my website to link to pages? 

In short: no. It is highly recommended not to use QR codes directly on your website, in digital PDFs, or in emails.

• The Physical-to-Digital Bridge: QR codes are designed exclusively to connect the physical world to the digital world.

• Poor User Experience: If a user is already browsing your website on their smartphone, they cannot easily scan a code displayed on their own screen. Even if they are on a desktop computer, asking them to pull out a second device to scan a code adds an unnecessary hurdle.

• The Solution: Always use standard, clickable text links or buttons for anything on a screen. Save the QR codes strictly for your printed materials!

How do I create a simple QR code directly from my web browser?

If you use modern web browsers like Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, creating a basic QR code takes just a couple of clicks and is completely free.

• In Google Chrome:
  1. Navigate to the specific webpage you want to link to.
  2. Click the "Share" icon (it looks like an arrow pointing right) located at the far right of the address bar.
  3. Select Create QR Code.
  4. Click Download to save the image to your computer.
  
  

• In Microsoft Edge:
  1. Navigate to your desired webpage.
  2. Right-click anywhere on the blank space of the page.
  3. Select Create QR code for this page.
  4. Click Download.

Note: Browser-generated QR codes are usually standard black-and-white. They are highly functional but not visually customisable.

What if I want to customise the QR code with my brand colours or logo? 

If you want a code that matches your branding, you can use free online generators. Popular and reliable free tools include:

• QRCode Monkey (qrcode-monkey.com): Excellent for adding your logo to the center, changing colors, and altering the shape of the code's pixels. It offers high-resolution downloads suitable for print.

• Canva (canva.com): If you are already designing your poster or leaflet in Canva, you can use their built-in "QR Code" app in the left-hand toolbar to generate and drop a code directly onto your design.

Will my free QR code ever expire? 

It depends on the type of code you create:

• Static QR Codes: The free methods mentioned above (browser, QRCode Monkey) generally create static codes. These encode the URL directly into the image. They will never expire and will work for as long as your webpage exists.

• Dynamic QR Codes: Some websites offer "free trials" for dynamic codes (which allow you to change the destination link later or track scanning stats). Be careful with these. Once the trial ends, the code on your printed posters will stop working unless you pay a subscription fee. Always look for "free static QR codes" to be safe.

How big should the QR code be on my printed materials?

To ensure older smartphones can easily scan it, a QR code should never be printed smaller than 2 x 2 cm (about 0.8 x 0.8 inches). For posters viewed from a distance, it needs to be much larger. A good rule of thumb is a 10:1 ratio—if the person is 10 feet away, the code should be at least 1 foot wide.

Are there any design rules I should follow for printing?

Yes! To ensure your QR code is readable by all phone cameras:

• High Contrast: Always keep a high contrast between the code and the background. A dark code on a white or light background is best. Never use a light code on a white background or a dark code on a black background.

• Quiet Zone: Leave a clear, unprinted border (called a "quiet zone") around the edges of the QR code so the scanner can recognise where it begins and ends.

• Test it: Before you print hundreds of leaflets, print just one copy on your home or office printer. Test scanning it with both an iPhone and an Android device to guarantee it works.