How to make a QR Code in three simple steps

How to make a QR Code in three simple steps

QR codes are huge in the world of business, and for good reason. With a QR Code scanner built into pretty much every mobile phone, you can give your marketing a boost as well as recognition, trust, and loyalty for your brand.

But how do you make a QR Code? And what kinds of benefits do they offer your business? In this guide, we’ll provide answers to these questions and more, so you know everything there is to know about making an effective QR Code.

How to make a QR Code

Making a QR Code is simple, but the effects might just blow your mind. Let’s break down the process in three simple steps.

Step 1 - First, select 'Create QR Code' which will take you to the page above. Then, choose your preferred QR Code type.

Step 2 - In the "URL" field, paste the link from the address bar or app you're linking to. You can also upload images, documents, and other files if you’re using different QR types, as you can see above.

Step 3 - Before you hit the download button, customize your QR Code with different colors, sizes, frames, and even your company logo. This helps it stand out and gives it more chance of being scanned.

Choosing the right type of QR Code

Before you commit to making your QR Code, you’ll need to consider the kind of code you’d like to create. As luck would have it, we have a wide range of QR Code types available on our website.

Some of the most popular options are:

  • QR Code for links: An effective way to share URLs with whoever you like.
  • App Store QR Code: Increase your app downloads.
  • Payments QR Code: Streamline ordering and take digital payments.
  • PDF QR Code: Share PDF files with a simple scan.
  • WiFi QR Code: Save time and share your WiFi details instantly.
  • Video QR Code: Attract more attention for your video content.
  • Social Media QR Code: Link users to all major social media platforms.
  • SMS QR Code: Create a pre-populated SMS message or something unique.
  • Dynamic QR Code: Track, edit, and access huge amounts of analytics.
  • Static QR Code: Ideal for single-use or individuals with limited requirements.
  • WhatsApp QR Code: Interact simply with your customers via WhatsApp.
  • Email QR Code: Gather feedback and streamline communication.

And these are just the tip of the iceberg. Discover the many QR Code formats we have available on our website.

What is a QR Code?

A QR Code is a computer-generated image containing digital information like websites, social media pages, and any other digital location. This makes them incredibly powerful, especially in today’s digital age.

They’re super simple to use too, and all users need to scan a custom QR Code is a smartphone with a functioning camera app. Understandably, the simplicity and range of applications available have made QR codes extremely popular for digital marketing.

Click here for a more detailed answer to the question: what is a QR Code?

Designing your QR Code

Customizing your code is crucial in a competitive marketplace, but what design choices are available with our QR Code Generator?

Get colorful

There’s no need to stick with black and white when we have such a vast range of colors to choose from. Select colors that match your branding and stand out from your competition, but be careful, and make sure your code contrasts its physical location so it can be scanned.

Unique frames

Adding a frame to your QR Code helps it get noticed by more people. Not just another code in the crowd, this helps you stick in people’s minds and encourage more scans. It also shows off your brand’s personality, giving you a playful edge that appeals to almost all demographics.

Add your company logo

Adding your company logo creates an instant level of brand recognition that will be associated with your QR Code. This helps build engagement for your business and goes a long way to turning interested prospects into loyal customers.

Size matters

Picking the right size for your QR Code is crucial. You don’t want it so small it isn’t noticed, but not so large that it overpowers and is offputting. Think about where your QR Code is being placed and work from there to find the perfect size.

Benefits of generating QR Codes

No additional, expensive hardware

Unlike traditional barcodes, users don't need a physical QR Code scanner to access code content. Instead, for the most part, all they need is a mobile phone with a functioning camera. This means that when you make a QR Code, the number of people you can target is almost limitless. Check out our complete QR Code guide.

Edit your QR codes simply

When you create QR codes, information might change and you may need to update your link. This is achievable with a Dynamic QR Code generator, but not a Static QR Code, which can't be edited once you click download.

Find out more about QR Code editing.

No expiration

QR codes, whether Dynamic or Static, don't expire. However, some codes have scan limits, meaning that they can't be scanned more than a set amount of times per month. When you create codes with a free trial, for example, you'll be limited to 250 scans per month and will only be able to generate Static Codes.

Your scan limit will increase depending on the QR Code pricing plan you pick, so you can keep your QR codes valid for longer. Most of the plans we have available offer unlimited scans.

Find more answers to the question: 'Do QR codes expire?'.

Simple to create and simple to use

We've covered how easy they are to generate, and when it comes to how to use a QR Code, it couldn't be simpler. Users just point their camera at the code, click the pop-up link that appears, and they can access the link in an instant.

Cross-promote your business

Giving you the chance to promote your online business to the physical world, and vice versa, QR codes are a brilliant way to connect with more customers. This increased interest can lead to more engagement and recognition for your company, as well as boosted revenue.

Communicate well

Whether it's answering questions with a Facebook Messenger QR Code, providing additional information with a QR Code on product packaging, or anything else, you can increase trust in your company and break down barriers with your audience.

Dos and don’ts of making a QR Code

Do test your QR Code

Testing is vital with your Custom QR Code and could be the difference between a high performer and a dud. If your code is the same color as the physical location it's placed, for example, then it may be difficult or even impossible to scan.

You should also make sure your link is correct when creating your code, so you aren't misleading users and wasting their time. Failing to do so will negatively affect your reputation and the trust people have in your business.

Find out more about QR Code testing.

Don't forget a call to action

Creating QR codes is all well and good, but a clear CTA can help your Dynamic or Static Code achieve more scans. It provides context that helps people make a decision about scanning, and adding something as simple as \"visit our website here\" onto your QR Code image can work wonders.

With lots of different CTAs for different QR types, from messages to adding a share symbol and more, take a look at some QR Code call to action examples.

Do check the quality of your QR Code image

Your generated QR codes are very easy to scan and can even be damaged and still fully functional. However, it's best to be as well-prepared as possible.

Valid only if they can actually be scanned, make sure you choose the correct level of quality for your code download, particularly if you're printing codes onto physical materials.

Don't be bland with your QR Code design

QR codes are becoming more popular so you'll need to figure out ways to stand out if you want to get noticed. While a clever CTA and positioning are crucial, you can also utilize different color schemes, frames, sizes, and more, including adding a company logo or other image.

All of these help codes stand out and give people more of a reason to scan your code.

Do print onto physical materials

Are you eager to spread the word of your digital presence into the physical world? It's extremely easy to do so with our free QR Code Generator.

By sharing your new QR Code on physical materials such as posters, flyers, or business cards, you can promote your business in locations that correspond to your customers. This helps you target more people and attract more interest online.

Don't just make one QR Code

When one custom QR Code isn't enough, you can create many free QR codes for different reasons. From running A/B tests to advertising numerous products or simply communicating different messages with your customers, our Bulk QR Code Generator is built for commercial purposes and can help boost your brand online.

Which industries work best for QR Codes?

Hospitality

Restaurants, bars, cafes, and hotels can massively benefit from QR Code tech. From advertising events and updates via QR Code posters to showcasing food and streamlining orders with a QR Code menu, the possibilities are endless for organizations in hospitality.

Marketing

Marketing and QR codes go hand in hand and the technology is being increasingly adopted around the world. Helping you spread the word about your business, connect with your audience, and streamline your digital campaigns, if you're in the marketing industry and aren't using QR codes, you're probably missing out.

Need inspiration for designs? Check out our QR Code samples.

Education

Create QR codes as an educator and speak to a captive audience of learners. Whether this is in a school, college, or other educational establishment, you can share an abundance of information with your learners in a quick and simple way, using a technology that they understand.

Used for providing links to events or lectures you're holding, classes, or even educational, interactive content to use in the classroom, the scope is huge when it comes to education and QR codes.

The health industry

Custom QR codes are great for the health industry and can help enhance trust between patient and doctor.

You can also provide information about scheduling appointments online and in the physical doctor's office or share videos with a QR Code detailing treatment and offerings provided by the healthcare professional.

How to use QR codes on different devices

While a mobile phone is the most popular way to scan your generated QR codes, you can also use a computer, tablet, or a Mac.

Scanning a QR Code with a desktop computer

The only difference between scanning codes on a mobile device and a desktop computer is that with a desktop, you'll need to click save image on the code, rather than scanning it using a mobile phone's camera app.

You'll then need to save the code image and use Google Lens to scan it. Scans are usually carried out using Google Chrome or the Chrome App, and the process can be followed whether you're using a PC or Mac.

Scanning QR codes with an Android mobile device

If you have an Android device running on Android 8 or above, you don't need to download any additional QR Code readers, but you will need to have Google Lens downloaded.

On the other hand, if your Android device was manufactured before 2018, or if it's running on anything less than Android 8 (Android Oreo), your camera app might not be enough to scan any QR Code. Don't worry, however, as there are lots of QR Code Scanners available to download that will have you scanning QR codes in no time.

Scanning QR codes with an iPhone

Unlike Android devices, iPhones don't require any app to scan QR codes effectively. However, you can still download a QR Reader if you want to access further features, but, as we've mentioned, you don't need to.

Scanning QR codes with an iPad

A similar scanning process applies to iPads as it does with desktop PCs, as you can download Google Lens and access downloaded QR codes with the Google Chrome app or browser. You can also use the iPad camera app to scan QR codes as you would with any mobile device.

Final thoughts

Creating a QR Code has never been easier than it is with QR Code Fusion.

Unlike other QR Code Generators, we have a range of affordable QR Code plans available with prices starting at just $6.99 per month. With masses of features and QR Code functionality to suit every purpose, be it individual or commercial, QR Code Fusion is the best place to create a QR Code today.

Take a look at our QR Code pricing plans.

QR Code FAQs

How can I create my own QR Codes?

Using our QR Code Generator website, you can create a QR Code with ease. Simply visit the link below, select a plan that suits your objectives, and get started creating your own QR codes for individual or commercial purposes.

How do I make a digital version of my QR Code?

Once you've generated codes with QR Code Fusion, simply tap download to save a digital version.

Available in many different formats, from standard image files like JPG and PNG to more print-friendly, high-quality files like PDF and SCG, you can generate QR codes in digital formats regardless of your operating system.

How to make a free QR Code

Lots of supposedly free QR Code Generators actually charge to create anything, but not with QR Code Fusion.

You can create a QR Code for no cost at all with our free trial option, which helps you get an understanding of the benefits of a QR Code and is ideal for one-time, small-scale campaigns. Then, we have QR Code Plans available for as little as $6.99, which are ideal for smaller businesses.

For larger organizations, we have a range of QR Code Generator Pro plans that can handle the creation of up to 3,000 unique Dynamic Codes, unlimited scans each month, advanced analytics, and more.

How to create a QR Code on my mobile phone

You can easily create QR codes on your mobile phone. Just log in to our QR Code Generator and design your code as you would from a desktop PC, following the below process:

  1. Select the QR Code type.
  2. Add your link.
  3. Customize your code.
  4. Tap create.

It's as simple as that and you can be well on your way to designing QR codes from your mobile phone in no time with QR Code Fusion.

Eager to get started? Take a look at our best QR Code Generator.

What are Dynamic QR Codes?

Dynamic QR Codes can help your mobile marketing efforts in a big way. Not only can you redirect users to a specific web page, or built-in landing pages on your website, but you can access scan statistics like time and date of scan, scan location, and more.

How big should my QR Code be?

You can generally go as large as you like when generating QR codes, but the minimum size you'll need to adhere to is 2x2cm. This ensures your code can be scanned by any device and means that your QR Code is also large enough to be noticed and scanned in the first place.

With our QR Code Generator, you can edit the size of your code simply. You can also send your code to print with any specification you like.

How to generate a QR Code for websites, PDFs, and more

Making any kind of QR Code follows pretty much the same format as we've detailed above. The only thing that will change is the URL you use.

With URL QR codes, for example, you'll enter the the link directly from the address bar to your chosen landing page. The same goes for a digital PDF, where you'll enter its digital destination.

For Social Media QR Codes, you should access the link through a desktop browser and paste it from there, rather than the app. This isn't a necessity but pretty much guarantees that your link will work across all devices.