What is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information in a pattern of black and white squares. When scanned with a smartphone camera, QR codes can instantly direct users to websites, display text, share contact information, connect to WiFi networks, and much more.
QR codes have become essential tools for businesses of all sizes. They bridge the gap between physical and digital experiences, making it easy for customers to access information with a simple scan.
Step 1: Choose Your QR Code Type
Before creating your QR code, decide what action you want it to perform. Common QR code types include:
- URL QR Codes: Direct users to any website or landing page
- vCard QR Codes: Share contact information that can be saved directly to a phone
- WiFi QR Codes: Allow guests to connect to your WiFi network instantly
- Email QR Codes: Open an email draft with pre-filled recipient and subject
- SMS QR Codes: Open a text message draft to a specific number
- WhatsApp QR Codes: Start a WhatsApp conversation with one scan
For most marketing purposes, URL QR codes are the most versatile choice since they can link to any web content.
Step 2: Select Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes
This is one of the most important decisions you will make:
Static QR Codes
- Free to create
- Content is permanently encoded
- Cannot be edited after creation
- No scan tracking or analytics
- Best for: permanent content that will never change
Dynamic QR Codes
- Require a subscription
- Destination URL can be changed anytime
- Full [scan analytics](/features/qr-code-analytics) (location, time, device)
- Shorter, cleaner codes
- Best for: marketing campaigns, business use, anything that might need updates
For business use, dynamic QR codes are almost always the better choice. The ability to update your destination and track scans provides invaluable flexibility and insights.
Step 3: Create Your QR Code
Here is how to create a QR code using QRDex:
- Sign up or log in at qrdex.io
- Click "Create QR Code" from your dashboard
- Select your QR code type (URL, vCard, WiFi, etc.)
- Enter your content (the URL, contact info, or other data)
- Enable scan tracking if you want analytics
- Customize your design (colors, shapes, logo)
- Generate and download your QR code
The entire process takes less than two minutes.
Step 4: Customize Your QR Code Design
A well-designed QR code gets more scans. Here are customization options to consider:
Colors
You can change the foreground and background colors to match your brand. Important rule: always maintain high contrast between foreground and background. The foreground (the squares) should be darker than the background.
Shapes
Modern QR code generators let you customize the shape of the modules (the individual squares). Options include rounded corners, dots, and other patterns.
Logo
Adding your logo to the center of a QR code increases brand recognition and builds trust. QR codes have built-in error correction that allows them to remain scannable even with a logo overlay.
Step 5: Test Your QR Code
Before printing or publishing your QR code, always test it:
- Test on multiple devices (iPhone, Android)
- Test in different lighting conditions
- Test at the size you plan to print
- Verify the destination loads correctly
A QR code that does not scan is worse than no QR code at all. Take the extra minute to test.
Step 6: Download in the Right Format
Choose the right file format for your use case:
- PNG: Best for digital use (websites, social media, emails)
- SVG: Best for print (infinitely scalable, always crisp)
- JPG: Acceptable for digital, but PNG is usually better
For print materials, always use SVG format. It ensures your QR code looks sharp at any size.
QR Code Size Guidelines
Your QR code needs to be large enough to scan reliably:
- Business cards: Minimum 0.8 x 0.8 inches (2 x 2 cm)
- Flyers and posters: Minimum 1 x 1 inch (2.5 x 2.5 cm)
- Billboards: Scale up proportionally for viewing distance
A good rule of thumb: the scanning distance is roughly 10 times the width of the QR code. A 1-inch QR code can be scanned from about 10 inches away.
Best Practices for QR Code Placement
Where you place your QR code matters as much as how you design it:
- Place QR codes where people can pause to scan (not on moving vehicles)
- Ensure adequate lighting
- Avoid reflective surfaces that cause glare
- Add a call-to-action ("Scan for 20% off" works better than just "Scan me")
- Do not place QR codes where there is no cell signal
Start Creating QR Codes Today
Ready to create your first QR code? Sign up for QRDex and start generating professional, trackable QR codes in minutes. With dynamic QR codes, custom branding options, and detailed analytics, QRDex gives you everything you need to run successful QR code campaigns.