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Creating Custom QR Codes: A Complete Guide

By QR Scanner Team
QR CodesCustomizationGuideTutorial

Creating Custom QR Codes: A Complete Guide

Creating custom QR codes opens up endless possibilities for sharing information quickly and professionally. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about creating different types of QR codes and customizing them to match your brand.

Understanding QR Code Types

QR Scanner supports multiple QR code types, each designed for specific use cases:

URL QR Codes

Best for: Website links, landing pages, social media profiles

How to create:

  1. Select "URL" type
  2. Enter your website URL (include https://)
  3. Customize appearance
  4. Generate and save

Use cases:

  • Business websites
  • Product pages
  • Social media profiles
  • Landing pages
  • Online menus

Text QR Codes

Best for: Plain text, messages, instructions

How to create:

  1. Select "Text" type
  2. Enter your text content
  3. Customize appearance
  4. Generate and save

Use cases:

  • Instructions
  • Messages
  • Notes
  • Promotional text
  • Information sharing

WiFi QR Codes

Best for: Sharing WiFi network credentials

How to create:

  1. Select "WiFi" type
  2. Enter network name (SSID)
  3. Enter password
  4. Select encryption type (WPA, WPA2, etc.)
  5. Customize and generate

Use cases:

  • Home networks
  • Business WiFi
  • Guest networks
  • Public spaces
  • Events

Contact QR Codes (vCard)

Best for: Sharing contact information

How to create:

  1. Select "Contact" type
  2. Enter name, phone, email, organization
  3. Add optional details (address, website)
  4. Customize and generate

Use cases:

  • Business cards
  • Networking events
  • Contact sharing
  • Professional profiles
  • Team information

Email QR Codes

Best for: Pre-filled email messages

How to create:

  1. Select "Email" type
  2. Enter email address
  3. Add subject (optional)
  4. Add message body (optional)
  5. Customize and generate

Use cases:

  • Customer support
  • Feedback forms
  • Contact information
  • Marketing campaigns
  • Support requests

Phone QR Codes

Best for: Quick phone number dialing

How to create:

  1. Select "Phone" type
  2. Enter phone number (include country code)
  3. Customize and generate

Use cases:

  • Business phone numbers
  • Support lines
  • Emergency contacts
  • Sales numbers

SMS QR Codes

Best for: Pre-filled text messages

How to create:

  1. Select "SMS" type
  2. Enter phone number
  3. Enter message text
  4. Customize and generate

Use cases:

  • Marketing campaigns
  • Support requests
  • Feedback collection
  • Quick communication

Step-by-Step Creation Process

Basic Creation Steps

  1. Open Generate Tab

    • Tap the "Generate" tab in QR Scanner
    • Select QR code type

  2. Enter Information

    • Fill in required fields
    • Verify information accuracy
    • Add optional details

  3. Customize Appearance

    • Choose colors or gradients
    • Add logo (optional)
    • Adjust size and settings

  4. Preview and Test

    • Review QR code preview
    • Test scan functionality
    • Make adjustments if needed

  5. Save or Export

    • Save to app history
    • Export to photo library
    • Share directly

Customization Options

Color Customization

Solid Colors:

  • Choose from preset color palettes
  • High-contrast options for scannability
  • Branded colors for professional look

Gradients:

  • Popular gradient presets
  • Custom gradient builder
  • Bold and subtle options

Best Practices:

  • Maintain high contrast
  • Test scannability after customization
  • Consider brand colors
  • Ensure readability

Logo Integration

Social Media Logos:

  • Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
  • LinkedIn, YouTube, WhatsApp
  • TikTok, Spotify, and more

Custom Logos:

  • Upload your own logo
  • Adjust size and position
  • Set background color
  • Control border radius

Important Tips:

  • Use high error correction (H level) with logos
  • Keep logo size reasonable (20-30% of code)
  • Ensure logo doesn't cover finder patterns
  • Test scannability after adding logo

Size and Quality Settings

Error Correction Levels:

  • L (Low): ~7% error correction
  • M (Medium): ~15% error correction
  • Q (Quartile): ~25% error correction
  • H (High): ~30% error correction (recommended for logos)

Size Options:

  • Standard export
  • HD export (1024px) - Premium feature
  • Adjust quiet zone for better scanning

Best Practices for QR Code Creation

Content Best Practices

  1. Keep URLs Short: Use URL shorteners if needed
  2. Verify Information: Double-check all entered data
  3. Test Before Sharing: Always test QR codes
  4. Use Appropriate Type: Choose right type for use case
  5. Include Instructions: Add text near code if needed

Design Best Practices

  1. Maintain Contrast: Ensure high contrast for scanning
  2. Appropriate Size: Minimum 1x1 inch for printing
  3. Error Correction: Use higher levels for logos
  4. Clean Design: Avoid overly complex patterns
  5. Brand Consistency: Match your brand colors

Technical Best Practices

  1. Test Scannability: Verify code scans reliably
  2. Multiple Devices: Test on different devices
  3. Various Conditions: Test in different lighting
  4. Print Quality: Use high-quality printing
  5. Backup Codes: Save codes in app history

Use Case Examples

Business Cards

Setup:

  • Use Contact QR code type
  • Include name, title, company, contact info
  • Add company logo
  • Use brand colors

Result: Professional digital business card

Restaurant Menus

Setup:

  • Use URL QR code type
  • Link to online menu
  • Add restaurant logo
  • Use brand colors

Result: Contactless menu access

WiFi Sharing

Setup:

  • Use WiFi QR code type
  • Enter network credentials
  • Customize with logo
  • Print or display

Result: Easy guest network access

Marketing Campaigns

Setup:

  • Use URL QR code type
  • Link to landing page
  • Add campaign branding
  • Track with analytics

Result: Trackable marketing tool

Troubleshooting Creation Issues

Code Won't Generate

Solutions:

  • Check all required fields are filled
  • Verify data format is correct
  • Ensure app has necessary permissions
  • Try different error correction level

Code Doesn't Scan

Solutions:

  • Increase error correction level
  • Improve contrast
  • Reduce logo size
  • Test on different devices

Export Issues

Solutions:

  • Check storage permissions
  • Ensure sufficient storage space
  • Try different export format
  • Restart app if needed

Premium Features

Upgrade to Premium for:

  • Unlimited saved QR codes
  • All gradient presets
  • Custom logo upload
  • Social media logos
  • HD export (1024px)
  • Custom hex color picker

Conclusion

Creating custom QR codes is both an art and a science. By understanding different QR code types, following best practices, and using customization options effectively, you can create professional QR codes that serve your needs perfectly.

Remember: Always test your QR codes before sharing, maintain high contrast for scannability, and use appropriate error correction levels when adding logos or customizations.

Ready to create professional QR codes? Download QR Scanner and start creating beautiful, customized QR codes today. Download QR Scanner now.