How to create a QR Code?

• Contents
• With logo
• iOS and Android
• Chrome Extension
• Next key steps
• Use-cases
• Industries
• Brands
• Make a QR Code
URL to QR
QR with app
Google form QR
Email a QR
PDF to QR
vCard QR
FB QR Codes
Address QR
Coupon QR
Bespoke QR
Deep Link
Document QR
Phone QR
MP3 QR
Image QR
Voice QR
• FAQs
Free codes
QR Codes limit
Internet
Expiry
GENERATE QR CODE

How to make a QR Code with logo for free?

You can customize your QR Code to your liking and in sync with your branding to make them as personalized as you desire. Follow the steps below to add a logo.

• STEP 1: Look up a QR Code generator
• STEP 2: Decide what kind of QR Code you want to make.
• STEP 3: Choose between static and dynamic.
• STEP 4: Now, click on ‘Upload Logo’ to upload your logo
• STEP 5: Click on ‘Generate QR Code’ and test to ensure your QR Code is scannable
• STEP 6: Download your free QR Code

Learn how to design a fully custom QR Code

Pick a template

How to create QR Codes with an iPhone or Android phone?

#Method 1: Using an app

1. Search for a ‘QR Code generator’ on the App Store or Google Play Store.
2. Download it and create your QR Code.
3. Save your QR Code on your smartphone or share it to your desktop

There are several apps that allow you to create a QR Code on iPhone or Android but they have several limitations. You have to rely on an additional app to create QR Codes and it is hard to test the QR Code or download it in a specific size.

You can circumvent all of these issues by using the mobile version of Beaconstac’s QR Code tool. Instead of a clunky app, you can see the highly optimized version which allows you to make QR Codes for free online.

#Method 2: Using a web generator

• STEP 1: Look up a QR Code generator. On Android or iPhones, you can look up Beaconstac’s QR Code platform to make QR Codes online for free right from your smartphone. This lightweight, mobile-friendly QR Code generator will help you create a QR Code quickly.
• STEP 2: Decide what kind of QR Code you want to make. It could be a YouTube QR Code, Website QR Code or even a Plain Text QR Code.
• STEP 3: Choose between static and dynamic. A dynamic QR Code can evolve with your changing needs. So, if you are looking to create a Website QR Code for a business card, choose a dynamic QR Code.
• STEP 4: Customize your QR Code. Change the color of your QR Code as per your needs. You can even add a logo at this point. A customized QR Code stands out in a sea of black and white QR Codes.
• STEP 5: Generate and test your QR Code. Make sure your colorful QR Code is scannable and performs the intended action. To test your QR Code on Android 9 and higher, you can save the QR Code to your gallery and click on the Google Lens icon to test it. For iPhones, you can Airdrop it to your Mac or send it via email to your computer and then use the iPhone’s camera to scan the QR Code.

  Scanning QR Codes with iPhone and Android: The easy way

• STEP 6: Download it. You can then save it on your phone as PNG, EPS or SVG and use it for free forever. Once you download the image, it is saved to your phone’s image gallery.

Tips for printing your QR Codes

• Check the glossiness of the surface and material type on which the QR Code is printed. Reflective, rugged, rough surfaces reduce the scannability of the QR Code.
• Don’t go further below than the smallest size recommended for a QR Code. Any QR Code below the size of 1 cm x 1 cm (0.4 inches x 0.4 inches) could be unreadable.
• Use a vector format to download and print your QR Codes. This format enables you to vary the size of the QR Code according to your requirements.

Beaconstac offers a contrast checker that allows you to ensure your colorful, customized QR Codes are still scannable.

Read our ultimate guide to QR Code printing for detailed information

How to create a QR Code with a Google Chrome Extension?

Ever wanted to share things on the go? You can now convert any URL into a QR Code with the Easy QR Code Google Chrome Extension. No sign up and no additional information required.

Once you add the extension to your Google Chrome browser by clicking on ‘Add to Chrome’, any URL you visit can be changed into a QR Code that can you share instantly.

Click on the extension in your browser and your QR Code is created instantly. Customize the image by clicking on ‘Settings.’

You can even save your preferences so that you create the same color QR Codes next time too.

If you want to use the QR Code offline or in other places. you can save the QR Code as an image by right-clicking on it, copy the URL or customize it further on the Beaconstac QR Code generator.

CHOOSE A THEME

Pick a template

Congratulations, You made a QR Code! What next?

Creating a QR Code is half the job done. The other important half is how you are going to use the QR Code. The multipurpose nature of QR Codes lets the use case be best left to the creator’s imagination.

Here is a list of things businesses can do with QR Codes

The next step after creating a QR Code is to think about where you want to place them or where not to put them? How can you use them? How do you educate your targeted consumers about how to scan your QR Code? These are a few things which you have to think about as your next plan of action.

Where to place QR Codes (and where not to)?

The flexibility of size allows the QR Codes perfect for placement on any type of surface. This is if the surface and the place meet some required conditions. Since QR Codes are contextual, you can target the information based on where you place them. It's even possible to get a QR Code tattooed onto your body. Yes, some people do that also!

The best cases of QR Code placement are on:

• Print media
• OOH advertisements
• Store windows
• In-store signage
• Product packaging
• Flyers and handouts
• Direct mails and catalogs
• Digital business cards
• Shopping bags
• Clothes and accessories

The placement of QR Codes is dependent on the surroundings and the type of surface. It is essential to fulfilling these requirements; otherwise, your QR Codes may not work.

The following conditions describe where not to place QR Codes:

• Do not place them where no one could see them. Otherwise, what is the point of having them, right?
• Keep them in those areas where the internet connection is stable. You want your users to click on the attached link and be able to land on the desired page.
• Do not place them on distorted materials, shiny materials, or cylindrical objects. These places are not ideal for any QR Code scanner to work its magic.

How to use a QR Code correctly?

The following points are the keys to a well thought out plan in using QR Codes:

• Lead people to something useful upon scanning the QR Code. Don’t place it there for the sake of using it on your campaigns.
• Don’t send people to a site that is not mobile optimized. Remember, QR Codes should improve convenience, not the opposite.
• Use QR Codes only in scannable locations where there is good internet connectivity or mobile network available.
• Use CTA frames to state whether it is fruitful for a specific user to scan it. E.g., show that the QR Code will start the Apple app store download so that Android users do not try to scan it.

How to make sure your consumers know how to scan a QR Code?

Marketers will plan a QR Code marketing campaign to the dot. But they still forget the most crucial aspect of the campaign; the customer. If your customers don’t even know or are hesitant to scan a QR Code, your campaign is futile.

QR Codes are making a return, and it's about time everyone gets themselves up to speed. Until then, it is your responsibility to educate your consumers about how to scan your QR Code. You can do it in one of the following ways:

• Share details about how to scan and what is going to come upon scanning the QR Code. You should always keep the text instructions and the QR Code in proximity.
• Place QR Codes near predictable spots for people to connect the dots immediately. For example, a QR Code on the table at a restaurant will most likely lead to their online menu or app. Make the placement of the QR Code contextual, and then you only have to ask them to scan using their mobile phone.

  Educate your store staff about QR Codes. Ask your team always to be ready to help out any individual struggling with scanning the QR Code.

Design tips to customize a QR Code to attract more scans

#1 Color palette

Colors always attract attention to QR Codes. But this could backfire if the color combination isn’t right. That is why it’s essential to go with your brand colors for the color theme if you aren’t sure. Next, it is vital not to use too many color schemes as they deem the QR Code unscannable. Use a 40% contrast between the background and foreground colors that help the QR Code stand out. Finally, take help from suitable websites such as Canva and Adobe Color to decide the right color gradient.

#2 Logo

Always try to use a square-shaped, high-quality image of the logo to add to the QR Codes. It helps to avoid compromising in the design. The same goes for background images about the quality. Make sure you place the logo in the center of the code to keep the scannability. You can increase or decrease the logo’s size using a slider from the dashboard of the QR Code generator.

#3 Size of the QR Code

The smallest scannable size of a customized QR Code must be at least 1 cm x 1 cm. The size of the QR Code should vary according to your marketing collateral. A QR Code on a billboard must be more significant than that of a QR Code on a brochure. As any great chemist would say, the right proportion is the key here.

#4 Quiet zone

A quiet zone is a space around the corners of the QR Code. Always leave out a quiet zone around to help scanners detect the QR Code better. The least criteria for a quiet zone are to have it four times the width of the QR Code modules. Overcrowding the quiet zone by entering a lot of data in the code shrinks the size of pixels. This makes the QR Code very difficult to scan.

#5 CTA frame

Adding complimentary frames around the QR Code amplifies its visual appeal. Also, the call-to-action message compels the user more to scan the code. You can place the CTA in the center of the code. But putting it on the frame with colorful borders might give the code that extra appeal.

What can you use QR Codes for?

There are a number of ways marketers and businesses can use QR Codes to drive their ROI.

• 1. Virtual business card: QR Codes can be used to share contact information instantly.
• 2. Send preset SMSes: You can use QR Codes to send a preset text message to a predetermined recipient.
• 3. Send emails: Leverage QR Codes to send emails complete with subject and recipient.
• 4. Call businesses: Businesses can have users call them instantly by scanning QR Codes.
• 5. Discounts and coupon codes: QR Code coupons are very popular amongst businesses and customers alike.
• 6. Navigation: Businesses can direct in-store traffic by creating a QR Code to reveal the location on Google Maps.
• 7. Add events to calendar: QR Codes take out the manual work of adding events to your calendar. Scanning a QR Code does the job for you.
• 8. Connect to the WiFi: Customers no longer need to ask for the password to connect to the store’s WiFi. All they have to do is scan the QR Code.
• 9. Follow social media profiles: Scanning a QR Code allows consumers to instantly follow social media profiles.
• 10. App downloads: Businesses can encourage app downloads through QR Codes that lead to the user’s respective App Store.

Learn the best QR Code marketing use cases for businesses

Create QR Codes for retail

You can create different types of QR Codes for retail throughout the store to implement different use cases.

On Products

1. Video QR Codes: Let your consumers see your products in action with a Video QR Code. This can either be an advertisement for the product or a way to educate the consumer on the right way to use the product. If you have a product that can be used for more than one purpose, instead of having cluttered packaging, you can use a Video QR Code.

   Here’s everything you need to know about Video QR Codes

2. Scan and Go QR Codes: With e-commerce threatening the very existence of retail, a long checkout line can lead to higher cart abandonment rates. Let consumers skip checkout lines and scan QR Codes to add products to their cart and checkout instantly. Decathlon, Walmart and Zippin leverage this technology to create better customer experiences.
3. QR Codes for re-ordering: Increase post-purchase engagement by letting your customer re-order the product by scanning the QR Code on the packaging. Attach the specific link of the product from your online store in the QR Code. Alternatively, you can also let consumers scan the QR Codes and call or email you to order the product.
4. Facebook QR Codes: Want to grow your Facebook page? Place a Facebook QR Code on the product to enable shoppers to like, follow and leave a review online.

How to use Facebook QR Codes the right way

5. Coupon QR Codes: According to Juniper Research, 1.05 billion users will use digital coupons. The QR Code on the product can serve as a coupon QR Code. Want to display a different discount at different times in the day, week or month? Choose dynamic QR Codes. A dynamic coupon QR Code will allow you to change the offer code in real time.

On Mannequins

1. Image Gallery QR Code: Use an image gallery QR Code to show off the entire collection to potential buyers.
2. Scan to trial QR Code: Allow VIP customers to scan the QR Code on a mannequin to have the outfit sent to their trial room. Nike’s flagship store uses these scan to trial QR Codes

In the store

1. Instant Checkout QR Codes: Why hold up the line when your customers can instantly checkout online? Allow them to scan QR Codes to purchase their items online. Decathlon and Nike have implemented these Scan and Go QR Codes in their stores.
2. Call QR Code: Retailers can use this to offer assistance to shoppers. When customers scan the Call QR Code, they can make a call to the store’s assistants who can immediately come over and assist them. This can also be used by a customer to get in touch with the customer support team if there is an unresolved issue.
3. Email QR Code: Want your customer’s feedback instantly? Place these email QR Codes in your store to let them scan and email you with their feedback instantly.

Outside the store

1. Call QR Code: You can place this QR Code on OOH ads to allow a potential buyer to call the store and make enquiries.
2. Google Maps QR Code: Don’t let your customers get lost or stuck in traffic. Place a Google Maps QR Code on print ads or OOH ads to help them navigate using the shortest route.
3. Coupon QR Code: Drive more customers to the store by offering them a coupon QR Code that they can redeem at checkout .

Brands that use QR Codes in retail successfully

Popular brands that use QR Codes for retail

Lifestyle

Lifestyle Stores has launched an app, Lifestyle Buddy, that allows shoppers to scan QR Codes at stores and place orders online. This also enables shoppers to get personalized product recommendations.

Iris Nova

The Drug Store, Iris Nova’s brand new store, is a cocktail bar that features alcohol-free drinks with some innovative ingredients that uses QR Codes to prompt shoppers to pay via text.

Hedone

Part of the increasingly popular C-beauty phenomena, Hedone is a digital native brand in China that leverages the power of social media beauty influencers to sell to customers who want to purchase beauty products made in China. There are unstaffed booths placed in shopping malls that allow customers to access them with a QR Code and use the booth to freshen up their make-up or try out new Hedone products.

Guess x Alibaba

Alibaba has partnered with Guess to pilot its FashionAI concept in Hong Kong. Shoppers use a QR Code to check in and as soon as they pick up an item, it appears in a smart mirror. The items are RFID enabled and the smart mirror suggests other products to complete the look.

6 top tips for successful QR Code campaigns

#1. Define your objectives for the QR Code campaign

Once you create a QR Code, you would want your customers to scan it. But it is more important to think about what goals will it fulfill for both customers and you.

It is imperative to ask yourself what you intend to achieve from this QR Code campaign. Are you looking to provide product information? Or you want to incentivize mobile purchasing behavior through coupons and loyalty rewards? Are you looking for engagement with your brand and products via social media, email, or phone call?

The more precise you are about your purpose, the easier it will be for you to measure its success

#2. Customize and personalize with quality QR Codes

Almost all smartphones can natively scan QR Codes with lightning speed. This has paved the way to customizable QR Codes, which you can use in your campaign.

Make sure the QR Codes resemble your brand identity and are recognizable. You can add your brand colors and logos or a background image on the QR Code to make it stand out.

For a QR Code campaign to be successful, you can deliver personalized offers at each stage. Offer relevant promotions, coupons, or even free consultations based on the consumer persona.

#3. Add a powerful CTA

Sometimes all you have to do is ask for it. Placing CTAs on your QR Codes work best if they have some incentives for the consumer upon scanning. Consider your CTAs on QR Codes as the world's shortest elevator pitches. For instance, you’ll see high scan rates if your code says, “Scan this code for an exclusive gift” or “Scan it to get a coupon code.”

A compelling CTA can improve a QR Code campaign’s engagement, help in brand recall, and increase ROI.

#4. Link to a mobile-friendly or mobile-optimized site

Almost all the QR Code scans in your campaign will happen via smartphones. You don’t want your customers to click on the link and land on a site that is not mobile optimized

At least the landing page should be mobile friendly and adjustable after a double-tap.

One important consideration is to build the site around the desired user experience. Use a responsive screen for horizontal and vertical orientation. Test many times on different mobile devices with different operating systems.

#5. Look beyond scan analytics

Distribute your QR Codes on omnichannel platforms such as social media, SMS, and email. Drive your audience from print media to social media websites, store pages, lead forms.

Have several touchpoints for your QR campaign and look beyond the scan numbers. You can look at other indirect metrics to judge the success of a campaign. Such parameters include increased traffic to your website, more followers on Twitter, more likes on the Facebook page.

Be imaginative, purposeful, and experimental with your QR Code campaigns. Running such a campaign not only benefits you but your consumers as well.

#6. Deliver value to your customers

QR Codes are mere tools that connect the consumer with your product or service. It is you as the marketer who gives value to your QR Codes. How you use them determines the value derived from it.

QR Codes can serve as a simple lead generation tool for you. How are you generating your leads now? If you can use what is working for you currently and make it better, more attractive, or more accessible with QR Codes, you are on the right track.

Make a QR Code for your use case

How do you turn a URL into a QR Code?

On Beaconstac's QR Code platform, all you have to do is enter the URL of the website or webpage that you need a QR Code for and customize it as needed. You can add a logo, change the color and download in PNG format.

Discover how to convert URLs into a QR Code

How do I make a QR Code for an app?

Create a universal link for an app and utilize that URL in Beaconstac's QR Code generator to create a QR Code. When this QR Code is scanned, it will direct users to their respective App Store.

All you need to know about App Download QR Codes

How do you set up a QR Code to link to a Google form?

After creating your Google form, get the URL and insert it in Beaconstac's QR Code tool to create a QR Code which when scanned asks users to fill out your Google form.

How do I email a QR Code?

Create a QR Code that when scanned triggers an email. To do this, choose “Email” as the QR Code type in the generator and enter the Receiver’s email, the Subject, and the body. When this QR Code is scanned, it opens up the default email provider on the smartphone and all the user has to do is press ‘Send'.

How do I turn a PDF into a QR Code?

You can now share PDFs with a PDF QR Code. Simply take the link of your PDF and input it in the QR Code generator. Generate your QR Code to share it as a standalone image or place it on a poster.

PDF to QR Codes: A complete guide

How to create a vCard QR Code?

A vCard QR Code when scanned allows anyone to save your contact information instantly. You can create one by entering your first name or business name, phone number and email address in the QR Code generator. Customize it to keep it in sync with your branding by adding color and your logo to the QR Code.

Explore vCard QR Codes

How to create a Facebook Messenger Scan code?

You can now add anyone on Messenger without searching for their profile online. Open your Messenger app on your smartphone and click on your profile. You will find two options: My Code and Scan Code. Tap on Scan Code to add someone online. Tapping on Scan Code will open up your camera and scan someone’s Messenger Code to add them instantly. Your Messenger Code is ready-made and you can see it when you click on your profile.

UPDATE: Facebook Messenger’s Scan Codes will no longer work after August 15, 2019. To continue driving users to your Messenger, you can now use QR Codes with a m.me link.

Here’s how you can create your new Facebook Messenger QR Code -

• 1. Open the QR Code generator
• 2. Paste the link https://m.me/(your-page-name). So, for Beaconstac’s Facebook Messenger, the link would be https://m.me/beaconstac
• 3. Click on ‘Generate QR Code’, test it and download it.

Related: Know more about Facebook killing off their Messenger QR Codes

How do I create a QR Code for an address?

Bitcoin Address: Copy your Bitcoin Address and paste it in the QR Code generator. Your QR Code is now ready to be tested and downloaded.

Physical Address or Location: You can create a Google Maps QR Code, Waze QR Code or Apple Maps QR Code to provide exact navigation details to the person scanning the QR Code. Refer to our helpful guide on how to create a Location QR Code for more information.

How can I create a QR Code coupon?

Create a QR Code coupon in 3 easy steps.

• 1. Copy the Coupon Code and paste it in the ‘Text’ QR Code.
• 2. Generate the QR Code and customize it.
• 3. Test it before you download or embed it.

Read more about Coupon QR Codes here

How to create bespoke QR Codes?

A bespoke QR Code is one that you can completely customize. However, creating a designer QR Code may inadvertently cause it to become unscannable. It is highly recommended that you scan the QR Code and test it before downloading, printing or embedding it.

How do you create a QR Code that deep links to a mobile app?

Create a universal link for your mobile app and convert it into a QR Code. If the user already has the app downloaded, that app or a particular page on the app will instantly open. If they don’t have the app, you can designate a Fallback URL to prompt the user to download the app or open the web version of the app.

How do you make a QR Code for a Word document?

A QR Code for word document is useful when the information needs to be shared with a large audience. There are 4 simple ways for creating a QR Code for your word document.

1. Create a URL QR Code by uploading the document to a cloud server or to Google Doc.
2. Convert the document to PDF and create a PDF QR Code.
3. Create a Rich Text QR Code.

We have already discussed how to create QR Codes for Google Forms, a URL, and PDF. Take help from those methods to create a QR Code for your word document. A rich text QR Code is created by encoding the QR Code with the text we want to display after scanning.

How to generate a QR Code to save or call a phone number?

A phone QR Code when scanned allows you to call or save a phone number encoded in the QR Code. The process of creating a phone number QR Code is the same as creating a vCard QR Code. Select a QR Code generator like Beaconstac and look for vCard or Contact or Phone number option.

How can I create a QR Code to play my audio file?

An audio file or MP3 QR Code will play a sound when scanned. It is one of the best solutions for promoting a new music album, cultural and tourist places such as museums, and event management. To create a QR Code you can choose any generator that gives an option for MP3 files. Add or upload the file when the option is provided and download the QR Code.

How to create a QR Code for a photo?

A photo or image QR Code displays a photo upon scanning. You can also add an image gallery to the QR Code. This type of QR Code has its use for photographers, real estate agents, or hotels to display items.

Create an image QR Code by selecting the image option of any QR Code generator. Most of the generators like Beaconstac provide free trials for the image QR Code option. There you can upload a single image or an image gallery link to display your work.

Learn how to create an image gallery QR Code for your business

How do I play a voice recording from a QR Code?

Create a QR Code for your voice recording by using the MP3 QR Code option. First, change your voice recording file to an MP3 file by using an online converter. Now you can upload this MP3 file while creating an MP3 QR Code.

FAQs

Are QR Codes free?

Yes. Beaconstac’s QR Code tool allows you to create QR Codes for free without asking you to sign up. Some of the common types of QR Codes are absolutely free and there is no limit to the number of times it can be scanned whereas some advanced QR Codes can be accessed with a free trial or the Starter plan.

Do free QR Codes have a limit?

Most online QR Code generators offer a free trial or limit the number of scans for the QR Code you create but that is not the case with Beaconstac’s QR Code generator. You can use it forever with unlimited scans.

Does scanning a QR Code require the Internet?

No. You can scan all QR Codes without the Internet. However, if the QR Code requires you to open a URL, you will need the Internet for this.

Do QR Codes expire?

If you choose a QR Code from most free QR Code generators available online, they expire in 14 days and start redirecting to their own website.