QR codes connect the physical world to your website in one scan. They work on menus, business cards, flyers, product packaging, and shop windows.
What can a QR code hold?
- A website or landing page link
- Plain text or a phone number
- A Wi-Fi login
- Contact details (vCard)
- An email address or pre-filled message
How to create one
- Decide what it should open. A specific page works better than your homepage. For a restaurant, link straight to the menu.
- Generate it. Paste your link into a free QR code generator and download the image.
- Choose the right file type. Use PNG for screens and documents, and a vector format like SVG if you are printing at large sizes. If you only have SVG, a free SVG to PNG converter can help.
- Test it. Scan with at least two different phones before you print anything.
Design rules that keep it scannable
- High contrast: dark code on a light background works best. Avoid inverted colors, since some scanners struggle with them.
- Quiet zone: leave a blank margin around the code, roughly the width of four small squares.
- Size: aim for at least about 2 cm (0.8 in) wide for close-range scanning, and larger for posters or signs viewed from a distance.
- Error correction: most generators offer levels from L (about 7% recoverable) to H (about 30%). Higher levels survive scratches or a logo in the middle, but make the code denser.
- Short links: shorter URLs create simpler codes that scan faster.
Static vs dynamic QR codes
A static code stores the link directly, so it can never be edited. A dynamic code points to a redirect that you can change later, which is useful for printed materials that stay in circulation. Static codes are fine for permanent links.
Add a call to action
People scan more when they know why. Put a short line next to the code, such as “Scan to view our menu” or “Scan to book a table”.
Quick checklist
- Test on multiple phones and lighting conditions.
- Make sure the destination page loads fast on mobile.
- Do not stretch or squash the code.
- Keep a copy of the original file for reprints.
