Published On: December 3, 2024Categories: Articles

A QR code (quick response code) is a type of barcode system for storing and retrieving different kinds of textual information from website links, email addresses, locations, phone numbers, Wi-Fi settings, etc. Want a really deep dive?  Check out this tutorial.

For this article, I’m focusing on a narrow (but very common) use of QR codes to present a website link to people scanning the code with their cameras.

Because QR codes are printed and the embedded information can’t be changed; I’ve found the following steps to be helpful.

  1. Use a URL shortening service which allows you to create a shortened URL and also lets you modify (this is critical) the destination URL later on should the destination change.
  2. Use the shortened URL to create your QR code.
  3. When printing, be sure to leave some whitespace around the code so cameras can pick it up easily.

Example Scenario

Suppose you run a restaurant and want to have a QR code on the table to point guests to your online menu.

What happens if you change to a different service/website for your menu and the destination URL changes? You don’t want to have to print all new QR codes again.

By using a URL shortening service, you can just modify the URL you embedded in the QR code and update the destination URL.

So for another example, if my QR code used https://webco.pro/rick as the shortened URL. I could change the destination URL later if YouTube takes down the video.

URL Shortening Services

URL shortening services are everywhere. When choosing one, I look for three things:

  1. Can I use my own domain name?
  2. Can I modify the destination URL later on?
  3. What is it going to cost me?

Beyond that, everything else is just nice-to-haves (like analytics).

Currently, I really like short.io as a service. Their service checks off all the boxes and is easy to use.
Bitly.com is probably the most widely known but you need to have a paid subscription to modify destination URLs.

QR Code Generators

Websites which help you create QR codes are also very common. When choosing one, look for the following:

  1. Can I export the QR code to a .svg graphic for high quality printing?
  2. Can I customize the code (add a logo, change shapes, etc.)?
  3. Can I easily embed a variety of information like links, text, email address, GPS coordinates, phone number, etc.?

Any online search will pull up options but keep this QR Code Generator bookmarked.

Reminders

  • Keep in mind that QR codes are meant to exist in the offline world.
  • Don’t embed a QR code in an email or other electronic document (like a pdf that isn’t being printed).
    Just include the actual link in your email or document (preferably the same shortened URL).
  • In other words, don’t make people pull out their phone to scan a QR code on a website just to be able to click on a link. Just saying.