Where can I place QR a code?

So you’ve successfully made your own QR code! Now the question is, where do you put it? Where can you put it? You swear you’ve seen QR codes everywhere, but are there limits to where they can be placed? 

In this piece I will go over all the different places you can display a QR code. So let’s get started! 

What is a QR code?

A QR code is an encoded image containing data that can be scanned by a mobile phone, tablet, or other device. These codes are typically square and made smaller black and white squares, almost like a jumbled up chess board. 

Upon scanning, these codes can be used to access URL links, personal information, images, videos, social media links, menus, check in pages, text, additional information, and more. QR codes were invented in the 90s but have exploded in use because of their easy access and versatility, proving to be especially useful during the COVID 19 pandemic of 2020. 

Print media

In the real world, QR codes exist as simple 2D images. Therefore, they can be placed anywhere you can print something, all you need to do is create the code, attach it to whatever media you are using, and allow an audience to scan it. 

Some examples include: 

• Business cards 
• Fliers and posters 
• Restaurant menus 
• Stickers
• Convention badges 
• Resumes
• Museum placards 
• Print invitations 
• Product packaging

And more!

Digital media

In addition to physical and print media, QR codes displayed on a digital screen can also be scanned to access the same amount of content. It’s likely that if you see a QR code on a website or in a film or TV show that it is scannable and will reward you for doing so. 

Examples include: 

• Movies and TV shows 
• Video games 
• Websites
• Digital advertisements 

Other uses

General QR code creation tips

• Know your audience: If you’re certain that most of your intended audience doesn’t know how to use QR codes or just don’t like them, then don’t use them. 

• Keep instructions clear: Provide clear instructions on how to use and scan QR codes as well as where the codes will redirect to. 

• Place codes on a flat surface: To make sure that codes are still scannable, only put them on flat surfaces, like walls, tables, posters, or fliers. 

• Use high contrast: If using custom colors on a code, make sure that the colors are distinct enough from each other to be read as a QR code. 

• Make sure codes are visible: Don’t place codes where patrons are unlikely to see them. 

• Only use codes when necessary: If an alternative exists that’s easier for all parties involved, use that. 

• Test on multiple devices: Make sure your codes work whether scanned on an Android device, iPhone, tablet, or other device.

Monitoring code usage

With the tools available on QR Code Developer, as well as other code generators, you can monitor the usage of any code you create. This can include how many times a code has been scanned, where it has been scanned, on what device, using what browser, and more. With these tools, you can figure out which codes are reaching the most people and where to focus any advertising efforts. 

With QRCodeveloper you can monitor:

• Number of scans
• Number of scans by operating system
• Scans by browser
• Scans by country
• Scans by city
• Scans by language
• Unique scans