QR codes

Every QR code points at one of your short links. Because the code holds the short link rather than the final address, you can change where it goes at any time without reprinting anything.

Create a QR code

1. Create the short link first, if you haven't already. See Create a link.
2. Open QR codes. Under Create a QR code, choose the Short link and optionally give it a Name, such as "Shop window poster".
3. Choose Create QR code. Its page opens with a preview and download buttons.

You can also choose QR code on a link's page. Make a separate QR code for each place you print it (poster, flyer, packaging) to see which one gets scanned most.

Each new QR code counts towards your monthly QR code allowance. See Monthly allowances.

Download formats

Need a different size of PNG? The API can make one from 128 to 4,096 pixels wide.

Colours and margins

Pro and above. On the QR code's page, under Appearance:

• Foreground and Background: pick any colours, as long as the foreground is darker. Light-on-dark codes and colours that are too close together (contrast below 4:1) are refused, because many phones can't scan them.
• Margin (modules): the blank border around the code, from 2 to 10 squares wide. Keep the standard 4 unless space is very tight; scanners need it to find the code.
• Error correction: how much of the code can be damaged or covered and still scan. Low about 7%, Medium about 15% (the default), Quartile about 25%, High about 30%. Higher levels make the pattern denser, so use them only when you need them, such as outdoors or with a logo.

On the Free plan, QR codes use dark graphite on white, which scans best.

Logos

Business plan.

1. On the QR code's page, under Logo, choose a PNG file up to 256 KB. A square logo with a transparent background works best.
2. Choose Add logo. The logo goes in the middle and the code switches to High error correction so it still scans.
3. Download it and test a printed copy with a few different phones before a big print run.

To take the logo off, choose Remove logo.

Printing tips

• Size: at least 2 cm across for something held in the hand. For signs, a useful rule is 1 cm of code for every 10 cm of scanning distance: a code read from 2 metres away should be about 20 cm across.
• Keep the margin clear. Don't let text, edges or images touch the code.
• Contrast: dark on light, on a plain background. Avoid glossy surfaces that reflect light.
• Test first. Print one copy at the final size and scan it with an iPhone and an Android phone.
• Tell people what they'll get, such as "Scan for the menu", next to the code.
• Don't delete the link while printed codes are out there. To stop it temporarily, pause it; to send people somewhere new, change its destination.

Scan figures

• Each QR code's page shows how many times people have scanned it.
• Scans also count as clicks on the link, and appear as the QR channel in analytics, so you can compare printed and online traffic.
• Archive QR code hides a code from your list. Printed copies keep working, because the link does.

Common problems