How to Make a QR Code in 7 Easy Steps

地板。天花板。浴室摊门。这些只是您找到QR码的几个地方。实际上，他们变得如此生机如此45％的购物者used marketing-related QR codes in 2021.

There's no denying the popularity and convenience of the QR code. But, what exactly is it? Why is it so popular? How can you create one for your next marketing campaign?

继续阅读以学习QR码背后的魔术以及如何创建自己的魔术。

QR codes typically look like this:

并非每个QR码的形状都像一个完美的正方形。有时他们有独特的图案，颜色和徽标displayed inside. You'll find them in non-digital spaces like direct mail, signage, billboards, and even TV shows where you can scan the code on the screen using your phone.

Both barcodes and QR codes can be scanned using a laser or a smartphone as long as the tool being used has the correct capabilities of reading vertical and horizontal data. Although most smartphones scan QR codes automatically, many won't scan barcodes so easily — you'll need a特殊应用for that.

Does the rise of QR codes mean traditional barcodes are a thing of the past? Of course not. Traditional barcodes are still a common way for businesses to identify consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and manage their product inventory.

Image Source

Image Source

However, there are several differences between barcodes and QR codes — both in their uses and their characteristics. Below are three important differences.

QR Codes Are Shaped Differently

Barcodes通常是长方形的,这就需要扫描吗devices to read the barcode's data horizontally.QR codesare often square-shaped, displaying their data vertically和水平。

QR码容纳不同的数据

QR codes are often used differently than barcodes. Barcodes hold key product information at the point of sale, such as the price and name of the manufacturer. QR codes offer more passive and intangible information, such as location data and URLs to promotions and product landing pages.

QR码容纳更多数据

Due to a QR code's square shape, it can hold much more data compared to a barcode. QR codes can hold hundreds of times more encrypted characters than a barcode can.

We learned a little bit about how barcodes and QR codes differ, but how exactly do QR codes work?

假设消费者看到QR码。他们可以拿出移动设备，下载免费的QR码扫描应用程序，或者简单地使用手机的相机，并扫描QR码以获取有关他们看到的信息的更多信息。

If you wanted to create, say, a bus stop advertisement promoting your podcast, you could display a QR code on that printed ad that brings people right to your iTunes page when they scan it with their phones. Pretty simple, right?

The QR code creation process is pretty straightforward. Here's how to get started.

Step 1: Choose the type of content you're promoting.

First, you'll need to choose your favorite QR code generator. If you need some ideas,check out our list。对于此示例，我们将使用qr-code-generator.com。

选择您希望QR码在用户扫描后显示的内容类型。您可以从10种内容类型之一中进行选择，如下面的屏幕截图所示。

We're going to promote a URL that directs users to our podcast.

Step 2: Enter your data in the form that appears.

Once you select the type of content you're promoting with this QR code, a field or form will appear where you can enter the information that corresponds with your campaign.

If you want your QR code to save contact information, for example, you'll see a set of fields where you can enter your email address, subject line, and associated message.

为了保存指向我们播客的链接，我们将简单地在出现的字段中输入URL，例如：

Step 3: Consider downloading a dynamic QR code.

See the option below for "dynamic"? One significant pitfall to making a QR code is that you can't edit the data it contains once you print it. But with dynamic QR codes, you能edit this data.

With a free membership to QR code generators like qr-code-generator.com, you can print a dynamic QR code, scan it, and pull up an editable form where you can modify the data your visitors will receive when they scan the QR code themselves.

Step 4. Customize your QR code.

The fun part of creating QR codes is customizing the design of the codes to fit your brand. Want your code to look like your logo? Go for it. Want it to reflect your website's design scheme? No problem.

使用QR-Code-generator.com，我们可以通过单击“顶端”按钮来自定义QR码，如下屏幕截图所示。请记住，并非每个QR代码制造商都提供此设计选项 - 取决于您要生成的QR代码，您可能会发现一些工具的功能有限。

Of course, you can customize your QR code further — adjusting the colors, adding a logo, creating social options, and more.

Keep in mind, however, that some customizations can make it more difficult for QR code scanning apps and smartphone cameras to properly read the code. To cover your bases, it's a good idea to generate two versions of your QR code — one plain version and another with your preferred design.

Speaking of this...

步骤5：测试QR码以确保其扫描。

Don't forget to check to see if the QR code reads correctly, and be sure to try more than one QR code reader. A good place to start is the free toolGoogle Goggles, which takes a picture and then tells you what link or item it “reads to.”

Another great free tool is the appQR Code Reader, which automatically takes you to whatever it “reads.” Most smartphones these days include a built-in QR code reader, so you should test to make sure your code is readable there, as well.

Step 6: Share and distribute the QR code.

除非人们看到，否则QR码将无法完成工作。因此，请确保您提出共享代码的分发计划。这可能包括将其显示在印刷广告，衣服上，或者在物理位置上可以拿出手机进行扫描。

Scroll down for more tips onproperly displaying a QR code。

Step 7: Track and analyze performance.

Just like any marketing campaign, you should follow up on any collateral or campaigns using QR codes to see whether they're actually working. How much traffic comes from each specific code? Are people scanning your code but not redeeming their offer once they get to the landing page? Or are they not even compelled enough to scan your QR code in the first place?

了解这些问题的答案将有助于您进行故障排除和调整性能较差的QR码，以更紧密地反映出那些工作的QR码。

我建议你include a UTM tracking code on your URLso you can better measure performance— this is particularly important if you useclosed-loop marketing analytics或者，如果您对广告系列执行更多的深入报告。

How to Use QR Codes (And How Not to)

Now that you see how simple the QR code creation process can be, let's talk about some best practices that'll increase the likelihood that your QR code actually gets used.

显示您的QR码在这里方便扫描。

Put QR codes in places where scanning them is easy and there's enough time for the consumer to scan the code. While you may often see QR codes on billboards and TV commercials, they're not exactly the most user-friendly locations. It's a safety hazard to entice people to pull out their phones while driving to scan a code, and a 30-second commercial might not be enough time for someone to find their phone and scan the TV.

Instead, think of places where consumers have the time and ability to scan the code. Places with a strong Wi-Fi connection will help, too.

Optimize the QR's destination page for mobile devices.

Mobile-optimize the page to which you're sending people. Consumers will be using their phones when scanning the QR code, so they should arrive at a page with a positive mobile experience.

Include a CTA that prompts people to scan your QR code.

Offer a call-to-action (CTA) with the code — that is to say, tell people what they're supposed to do when they see the code, and what they'll receive if they scan it. Not everyone knows exactly what a QR code is, and those that do won't be motivated to scan it unless they're sure there's something worthwhile on the other side.

Don't limit your QR code to one mobile scanner.

Don't require a special QR code scanner. Your QR code should be app-agnostic so anyone can scan your code with any reader. A lower barrier to entry makes success more likely for you and the user.

Use your QR code to make someone's life easier.

不要仅出于使用QR码而使用QR码。例如，营销人员通常会思考：“我该如何用在线体验弥合离线体验？嗯... QR码！”那不是错的，但这也不是正确的。

If you have content that makes sense to deliver to a mobile user, and you have an appropriate channel to do it (see use #1 at the beginning of this section), it's more likely your QR code will drive results.

Earlier, we showed you an example of how to create your own QR code, but you don't have to create it from scratch. A QR code generator can speed up the process (and take a lot of math out of it, too.)

There are tons of QR code generators out there. The best ones give you many customizable options for using your QR code, and compatibility with just about all mobile QR code reader apps.

选择QR码生成器时要寻找的其他内容是您是否可以实时跟踪和分析性能并设计品牌独特的代码。

Below are some of our favorite QR code generators that make custom QR codes quick and easy to create.

1.凯瓦

Kaywa是一个简单的，无聊的QR码生成器，可为优惠券，URL和联系信息创建基本代码。只需输入您的信息，选择是要动态代码还是静态代码，然后生成它。

Why we like it:

If you're using your QR code as part of a marketing campaign, you can track analytics through Kaywa when you create an account. That way, you'll have the latest data on who engaged with your code, where they engaged, and when.

2.goqr.me

goqr.meis a simple QR code generator that works best with short URLs, but it can be used to store text, geolocation, and event data. Simply click on the icon that corresponds to your data and fill in the fields.

Why we like it:

You'll get a live preview of your QR code in real-time which speeds things up if you're adding finishing touches to your marketing campaign. For an additional fee, you can also have your logo added to your QR code by a GOQR.me-affiliated designer for a custom look.

3.Shopify的免费QR码生成器

QR codes work best when you have something to offer the people who scan them. And chances are, you're probably selling to people who buy products online with their phones every day.

Why we like it:

Shopify makes it easy to create a QR code in just one click. The best part is that you don't have to own a Shopify store to use this free tool.

4.Visualead

Looking for a one-of-a-kind QR code that suits your brand to a "T"? Visualead is the tool we recommend for the job.

Why we like it:

视觉QR码很受欢迎，并且比典型的黑白代码可以对用户产生更多的兴趣。这意味着您可以看到此类QR码的更多扫描和参与度。

5.The-qrcode-generator.com

The-qrcode-generator.com features a simple UI that lets you create a unique QR code in minutes. Simply add your URL or the information you want to share and your QR code appears instantly.

Why we like it:

如果你创建几个二维码s at once, you might find it worthwhile to download theGoogle Chrome extensionfor a faster workflow.

6.QR Stuff

As one of the more robust QR code generators, QR Stuff can create codes for just about any type of data you want to share with the world. YouTube videos, Zoom meeting invitations, and even bitcoin information are supported through this tool.

Why we like it:

在仅三个步骤中，您将拥有一个免费的，可自定义的QR码，可以正常运行并看起来很棒。另外，您可以创建的代码数量没有限制。

7.Qr-code-generator.com

We used this QR code generator in ourhow-to guide above, and for good reason. Qr-code-generator.com is a simple tool that's user-friendly for even the least tech-savvy of us. Simply drop your link into the box, and let the generator do all the work.

Why we like it:

qr-code-generator.com是直观的。它将自动检测您添加的URL类型，并在几秒钟内生成QR码。

8.QR代码猴子

如果你的二维码看起来对你很重要,but you don't want to pay extra for a custom design, try QR Code Monkey. Once you add your URL, you can change the color, add a logo, and further customize the pixels in your code at no cost.

Why we like it:

With QR Code Monkey, the design possibilities are virtually limitless. All you need to create a branded QR code is a creative eye and a little patience.

立即创建QR码

Now it's your turn! You've spent enough time scanning QR codes, why not make your own? Follow the steps in this article and use one of the free QR code generators we've recommended to put your business, project, or event out there in the real world.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in January 2021 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.