How to make, scan and use QR codes

Task guides. Each one ends with a working generator, prefilled.

• A QR code brand approval workflowSeparate brand review, payload approval and physical scan acceptance before a print run.
• Build a QR code register for your organisationA spreadsheet that keeps printed codes accountable, from destination ownership to replacement.
• Hand over a QR campaign without losing its destinationsA practical handover pack for agencies, employees and clients who need to maintain printed codes.
• How to 3D print a QR codeTwo colours beat relief: swap filament at the module layer. Modules 2 mm or larger, matt filament, code face printed flat. SVG extrudes straight into CAD.
• How to add a logo to a QR codeSet error correction to Q or H, place the logo centrally at under about 20% of the code area, give it two or three modules of clear space, and verify the…
• How to add a QR code to a business cardDecide vCard or URL, print at 1.6-2 cm minimum on the back, as vector, clear of the edges - and proof one card before the run of 500.
• How to add a QR code to a livestream overlayAdd a PNG image source in OBS, at least 200 px on a 1080p canvas, in a corner clear of captions and webcam. Static overlays stay sharp at any bitrate.
• How to add a QR code to a PDFBest route: place the code in the source document before export, as SVG so it stays vector in the PDF. Editing a finished PDF or regenerating also work.
• How to add a QR code to a resumeLink it to your portfolio or LinkedIn, print at 1.8-2 cm in a corner of the header, and know that ATS software ignores images - the code is for human readers.
• How to add a QR code to a websiteAn img tag with the UseQR API URL does it in one line - but only for cross-device moments. A QR code pointing at content the visitor could just click is noise.
• How to add a QR code to a YouTube videoEnd screens and cards can't hold a QR code: burn it into the frames. At least 25% of frame height, on screen 10 seconds or more, away from player UI.
• How to add a QR code to an email signatureReference a hosted image URL - the UseQR API link works directly - at 100 to 120 px, and test in dark mode, where email clients invert colours and kill codes.
• How to add a QR code to an Instagram storyYou can add the code as an image sticker, but story viewers hold the phone it's displayed on. In-app, the link sticker wins; QR pays off cross-device.
• How to add a QR code to ShopifyUpload a static PNG to any section, use the /discount/CODE URL trick for coupons, or generate per-product codes in Liquid with a keyless API. No app needed.
• How to add a QR code to SquarespaceUpload the PNG to an Image block, or point an img tag at a keyless QR API from a Code block. Upload at 2× display size so compression never costs you modules.
• How to add a QR code to WixAdd the PNG with an image element: free and permanent. Wix QR apps exist but charge subscriptions for what a static image does for nothing.
• How to add a QR code to WordPressUse an Image block, no plugin needed. QR plugins that render via third-party services leak your URLs; a static PNG or keyless API call keeps pages clean.
• How to add UTM parameters to a QR codeTag the encoded URL so analytics attribute scans, and know the density cost: a full UTM set can push a code up three versions and shrink every module.
• How to change what a QR code points toThe modules are the data: a printed static code can't be re-encoded. Your real options: change a redirect you control, reprint, or plan dynamic next time.
• How to edit a QR code after printingInk can't be edited, but destinations can, if you own the domain. Sticker-overs work with caveats, and reprint economics are better than they look.
• How to embed a QR code in HTMLThree ways - an img tag with the API URL, the /q/ direct path for markdown, or inline SVG with zero external requests. With sizing, lazy-loading and alt text.
• How to engrave a QR codeEngraving has no ink: contrast comes from oxide, dye removal or shadow. Pick the right process per material, invert artwork on dark anodise, test one first.
• How to generate QR codes in bulk from a spreadsheetExport a CSV with one row per code, upload it, and download a ZIP of images, a grid PDF, or Avery-format label sheets. Verify every code decodes before…
• How to make a high-resolution QR codeWork out pixels from print size (cm × DPI ÷ 2.54), and generate at that size, up to 4096 px. Or skip the arithmetic entirely and download SVG.
• How to make a QR codePick the type, enter your details, check the size against the scanning distance, and download SVG for print or PNG for screens. With UseQR the whole…
• How to make a QR code as an SVGChoose SVG at download or add format=svg to the API URL. A vector QR code scales to any size with perfectly sharp modules and weighs a few kilobytes.
• How to make a QR code for printDownload SVG (or 300 DPI PNG at final size), size it by scanning distance, keep a 4-module quiet zone, print modules in 100% K, and proof at real size.
• How to make a QR code in CanvaCanva's built-in QR app handles plain URLs. For any other type, or real styling control, generate an SVG at UseQR and upload it to your Canva design.
• How to make a QR code in ExcelIn Microsoft 365, =IMAGE("https://useqr.app/api/v1/qr?data="&ENCODEURL(A2)) renders a QR code in a cell. Older Excel needs VBA or an offline bulk tool.
• How to make a QR code in FigmaFigma has no native QR generator. Paste an SVG from UseQR (Figma renders vectors losslessly) make it a component, and skip plugins that upload your data.
• How to make a QR code in Google DocsInsert → Image → By URL with a UseQR API link puts a QR code in a Google Doc in one step, no download, no upload. Docs stores its own copy of the image.
• How to make a QR code in Google SheetsOne formula: =IMAGE("https://useqr.app/api/v1/qr?data="&ENCODEURL(A2)): puts a live QR code in a cell. Fill it down and every row gets its own code.
• How to make a QR code in Google SlidesInsert → Image → By URL with a UseQR API link drops a QR code onto a slide in one step. Size it for the farthest viewer and keep it on screen long enough.
• How to make a QR code in IllustratorPlace the SVG from UseQR (use format=svg-tiny if Illustrator complains) recolour fills only, never strokes, keep it grouped, and export PDF for print.
• How to make a QR code in NotionPaste https://useqr.app/q/your-data.png into an image block's Embed link tab, or use markdown image syntax. One URL, no file, works in databases too.
• How to make a QR code in PhotoshopPhotoshop is raster - generate a 300 DPI PNG at the final printed size, place it as a smart object, and never upscale. Effective PPI is the number to watch.
• How to make a QR code in PowerPointInsert the SVG (PowerPoint renders it sharp at any size) one code per slide, sized at a tenth of the distance to the back row, shown long enough to scan.
• How to make a QR code in WordInsert the PNG or SVG, set the exact size in cm via the Layout dialog, and use square text wrapping. For many codes, mail merge with an IncludePicture field.
• How to make a QR code work offlinePut the data in the payload, not behind a URL. WiFi, vCard, text, calendar and geo codes work in airplane mode; anything that opens a link does not.
• How to make a sheet of QR code labelsUse the free sticker sheet tool for identical or numbered codes on Avery stock or an A4 grid PDF, or the bulk tool for one code per spreadsheet row.
• How to make a transparent QR codeToggle the transparent background in the generator or add bg=transparent to the API URL, download PNG or SVG, and re-check contrast against what shows through.
• How to make Avery labels with QR codesPick the Avery preset (5160, 5163 or L7160), in the sticker sheet or bulk tool and print the PDF at 100%. Exact label sizes, capacities and traps included.
• How to make one QR code do different things by deviceEncode one URL you control and branch on the user agent, server-side or in JS. Works well for app downloads, but you now run a redirect service.
• How to make QR codes from a spreadsheetUpload the spreadsheet to the bulk tool (.xlsx works directly, no CSV export needed) map columns with merge fields, and download a ZIP of verified codes.
• How to proof a QR code with a print shopSend vector artwork with written do-not rules (no resampling, no rich black, no scaling), then demand a hard proof at final size and scan it before sign-off.
• How to put a QR code on a mugKeep the code under about 1/6 of the mug's circumference (~4 cm on a standard 11 oz mug) use sublimation or fired decals for dishwasher survival.
• How to put a QR code on a t-shirtScreen print or vinyl beat DTG for QR edges. At least 10 cm on the chest, dark modules on a light panel, and test the shirt worn: fabric drape distorts codes.
• How to put a QR code on packagingPlace the code on a flat panel clear of folds and seams, size it for hand-held scanning, use EC Q or H for crumple zones, and know when GS1 rules apply.
• How to recover a lost QR code designScan any surviving print to recover the exact payload, then regenerate. Styling can't be recovered from a scan, and the remake may look different yet work.
• How to shorten a URL before making a QR codeA 78-char URL needs version 5; a 28-char link needs version 3: modules 27% bigger at print size. But a shortener in your ink is a dependency forever.
• How to test a QR code before printingVerify it decodes, check the payload character by character, print at final size, scan with old phones in bad light, and probe the damage margin. A checklist.
• How to track QR code scans without a paid toolPoint the code at a URL on your own domain carrying UTM parameters, and read the results in your own analytics. That gives you scan counts, timing and…
• How to use Google Analytics with QR codesTag encoded URLs with UTMs, read them in GA4's traffic acquisition report, field-test with Realtime, and know which scans GA can never see.
• Provide an accessible fallback for QR servicesMake the same task possible without a smartphone camera, mobile data or visual access.
• How to add a QR code to a LinkedIn bannerPlace a ~300 px code in the right third of the 1584×396 banner, encoding your profile URL. Desktop viewers scan it; mobile viewers are the caveat.
• How to add a QR code to a Zoom backgroundBuild a 1920×1080 background with the code in an upper corner, and don't flip it. Zoom mirrors your self-view only; participants see it the right way round.