A link QR code is a code that opens a web address when someone points a phone camera at it. It takes people from paper to your website, menu, form, catalog or social media profile, without anyone having to type a thing.
- The address is stored in the QR code itself, so it never expires and has no scan limit.
- You can paste the link with or without https:// at the start.
- The shorter the link, the simpler the QR code pattern and the easier it is to scan.
- Here at QR Code Free Forever it's free and needs no sign-up, and the link you type never goes through our server.
What is a link QR code for?
For any situation where you want someone to open a page without typing the address. A few uses that work well:
- Digital menu on the table at a restaurant, bar or cafe.
- Registration and tickets: an event poster pointing to the sign-up form or the ticket page.
- Catalog and online store on a flyer, shopping bag, storefront or label.
- Manual, recipe or how-to video printed on the product packaging.
- Social media: an Instagram profile, YouTube channel or TikTok on a sticker, card or banner.
- Schools and courses: an activity, workbook or video lesson in printed material.
How to create a link QR code
- Copy the address. Open the page and copy it from the browser bar, or use the app's Share button.
- Paste it into the Link field. With or without https:// at the start: the generator fills it in for you.
- Customize it, if you like. Pick the colors and the shape of the dots and corners, always with dark dots on a light background.
- Check the scan test. The site tries to scan its own QR code and warns you if it might fail. If the warning appears, increase the contrast.
- Download. The PNG, from 200 to 4,000 px, works for screens and regular printing; the SVG is the right format for a print shop.
- Test with your phone. Point the camera at the QR code on the screen and see if it opens the right page.
Short or long link: does it matter?
It does. Every letter of the address turns into little dots in the pattern. A long link makes a denser QR code with smaller dots, which is harder on the camera when the code is printed small or scanned from far away. A short link makes a simpler QR code that is easier to scan.
Links copied from apps often come with a tail of parameters after the question mark (Instagram, for example, adds ?igsh=). You can usually delete that part and the link still opens the same page. Just test it before printing.
And you don't need a link shortener. The original address always works, while a third-party shortener can go offline or start charging, taking your QR code down with it.
Tips for a QR code that works the first time
- Contrast: dark dots on a light background. A light QR code on a dark background works on newer phones but may fail on older scanners.
- Quiet zone: leave a margin around the code about the size of 4 dots, with no text or artwork touching it.
- Size: at least about 0.8 × 0.8 in (2 × 2 cm) when printed. For scanning from a distance, the QR code's side should be about one tenth of the distance: scanned from 3 ft (1 m), about 4 in (10 cm).
- Mobile-friendly page: whoever scans the QR code has a phone in hand. Make sure the site looks good on a small screen.
- Two phones: test on an iPhone and an Android before sending it to the print shop.
Things to watch out for
A static QR code always goes to the same address. If the page moves or goes offline, whoever scans it lands on an error page. So favor stable addresses, like your home page or menu page, over the link to a promotion that will end.
See also
- WhatsApp QR code with a pre-filled message, for people who would rather chat than visit a website.
- QR code to download an app from both stores, which sends each phone to the right store.
- Wi-Fi QR code, which pairs nicely with the menu on the table.
Frequently asked questions
Does a link QR code expire?
No. The address is stored in the QR code itself, which keeps working as long as the destination page is online, with no time limit and no scan limit.
Can I change the link after printing?
Not with a static QR code: to change the destination, create and print a new one. Changing the destination after printing will be possible with the dynamic QR code in the upcoming Pro plan.
Can I use a link QR code on commercial materials?
Yes. Commercial use is allowed: packaging, menus, ads, storefronts or any material for your business.
How do I know how many people scanned the QR code?
A static QR code goes straight to your link without passing through us, so there is no scan count here. One workaround is to add UTM parameters to the link and track visits in Google Analytics (the QR code gets a little denser). A scan counter with stats will be part of the Pro plan.
Does it work with Instagram, YouTube or Google Forms links?
It works with any address that opens on a phone. When a link has its own app, like Instagram or YouTube, the phone usually opens it right in the app.