QR Code Generator: How to Create QR Codes That People Actually Scan
QR codes are everywhere—but most of them underperform. The fix isn’t “try harder.” It’s better value, better design, better placement, and better measurement. This guide gives you the exact checklist.
On this page
Table of contents
If you’re building a campaign, you’ll want the tracking section (UTMs + trackable links).
Quick answer
How do you create a QR code people actually scan?
Use a clear CTA, high-contrast design, correct print size for the viewing distance, and a fast mobile destination. Then track performance by placement so you can improve.
The 6-step formula
- 1) Offer a clear benefit (“Scan for menu”, “Get 10% off”, “Save contact”).
- 2) Link to a fast, mobile-friendly page (not a generic homepage).
- 3) Use high contrast and preserve the quiet zone (space around the code).
- 4) Size it correctly for distance; bigger is safer for print.
- 5) Place it where scanning feels natural (waiting moments).
- 6) Track outcomes using Links + UTMs.
Diagnosis
Why most QR codes don’t get scanned
QR codes don’t “fail” because people hate scanning. They fail because the experience is unclear or annoying. Here are the most common causes we see in the real world.
The trust problem
- No CTA (users won’t scan a mystery code)
- Unbranded placement (looks suspicious)
- Destination feels risky or irrelevant
- Inconsistent brand signals
Fix it with a clear CTA and brand cues like a QR code with logo.
The scan friction problem
- Too small for the distance
- Low contrast or busy background
- Printed poorly (blur/ink bleed)
- Placed on glossy or curved surfaces
Fix it with size, contrast, and placement—then test on multiple devices before printing.
Motivation
Make people want to scan
The best QR code strategy is simple: make the outcome obvious and valuable. Your CTA is not decoration—it’s the reason scanning happens.
Menu
“Scan for menu” (fast, mobile, readable).
Offer
“Scan to claim 10% off” (immediate value).
Contact
“Scan to save contact” (low effort, high utility).
Best practice: QR → choice → action
If multiple actions are possible, don’t cram them into one destination page. Use a mini hub that presents 2–5 clear options. Build that destination with Kompi Links and update it anytime without changing the printed QR.
Design
Design rules for reliable scanning
The goal is reliability, not novelty. Make scanning effortless under imperfect conditions.
Design checklist (do this)
- Dark code on a light background (high contrast)
- Preserve the quiet zone (clear margin around the code)
- Keep background clean (avoid textures/gradients behind)
- Use a logo carefully (small + centered + tested)
For branded codes, use /qr-code/with-logo so the logo is applied safely.
Avoid these design traps
- Low-contrast colors (light gray on white)
- Busy images behind the code
- Overly stylized modules that reduce detectability
- Logo too large or too low-contrast
If you want to keep branding consistent across materials, align QR colors with your palette and test print.
Print
Size & print checklist (where most QR codes fail)
If your QR code is too small, people won’t scan. If it prints blurry, it won’t scan. Size and print quality matter.
Rule of thumb: distance → size
Start here: for every 10 cm (4 in) of scanning distance, make the QR code at least 1 cm (0.4 in) wide. Increase size for posters, outdoor signage, or quick-scan environments.
Table tent
Bigger than you think—people scan while seated.
Poster
Test from real distance; increase size for fast scanning.
Packaging
Avoid curved glossy areas; test ink/finish before mass print.
Placement
Placement that actually drives scans
QR codes work best in “waiting moments”: where people have a second and a reason to scan.
Restaurants
Tables, counter signs, receipts—add “Scan for menu”.
Events
Entry points, check-in desks, flyers—use UTMs per placement.
Retail
Shelf talkers, packaging, inserts—offer instructions or a deal.
Destination
What should your QR code link to?
Your destination determines whether scanning feels worth it. Make the next step obvious, fast, and mobile-first.
Best destinations (high conversion)
Destinations that usually underperform
- Generic homepage (too many choices)
- Slow pages or non-mobile layouts
- PDFs that are hard to read on mobile (when avoidable)
- Dead ends with no CTA
Measurement
Track what works: scans are nice, outcomes are better
If you can’t measure performance by placement, you can’t improve. Track clicks, signups, bookings, and purchases.
The simplest tracking setup
- 1) Create the destination link or hub in Links.
- 2) Add UTMs using UTM Builder (per placement).
- 3) Generate your QR code in QR Code Generator using the tracked URL.
What to measure weekly
- Clicks by placement (poster vs flyer vs table tent)
- Conversion rate on the destination page
- Drop-offs (slow load, unclear CTA)
- Repeat scans and returning visitors (if applicable)
Use cases
High-performing QR code use cases
These are the scenarios where QR codes consistently shine—because scanning feels natural and the value is clear.
Restaurants & cafes
Menu, ordering, Wi-Fi, loyalty, reviews.
- Use a clear CTA: “Scan for menu”
- Place where guests pause: tables, counter, receipts
- Keep it large enough to scan while seated
Networking & sales
Contact card, calendar link, portfolio, pricing.
- Send to a contact card + next actions
- Use branding for trust at scan time
- Keep the destination minimal and mobile-friendly
Events & pop-ups
Check-in, schedule, signups, lead capture.
- Use UTMs per placement to compare performance
- Keep CTA specific: “Scan to check in”
- Put codes where lines form (waiting moments)
Packaging & retail
Setup guide, tutorials, warranty, offers.
- Offer immediate utility (instructions, guide, deal)
- Avoid glossy curves when possible
- Test print before mass production
Want a modern QR experience?
Explore KR Codes for more branded, modern QR-style experiences that feel premium and trustworthy.
Video
Watch: the QR workflow that increases scan rates
A quick walkthrough: destination → QR → placement → tracking. (Remove this section if you don’t ship the video file.)
Checklist
Copy/paste checklist for QR codes that scan
Use this before you print. It catches the mistakes that destroy scan rates.
Scan reliability
- High contrast (dark code on light background)
- Quiet zone preserved (clear space around the code)
- Sized for distance (bigger is safer)
- Tested on multiple phones (iOS + Android)
- Printed cleanly (no blur, no ink bleed)
Conversion & trust
- Clear CTA next to the code (tell users what they get)
- Fast mobile destination (no pinching/zooming)
- Destination matches CTA (no bait-and-switch)
- Brand cues (logo/colors) for legitimacy
- Tracking in place (UTMs per placement)
FAQ
QR code generator FAQ
Do QR codes still work in 2026?
Yes. Most smartphones scan QR codes with the default camera. QR codes work best when the value is clear, the code is easy to scan (size + contrast), and the destination loads fast on mobile.
Why don’t people scan my QR code?
The most common reasons are: no clear call-to-action, poor contrast, the code is too small for the viewing distance, printing issues (blur/ink bleed), reflective placement, or a slow/bad destination page.
What should my QR code link to?
Link to the next step users actually want: a menu, booking page, product page, offer, contact card, or a focused mini landing page—avoid generic homepages unless they’re truly the best next action.
Static vs dynamic QR code: which is better?
Dynamic QR codes are usually better for marketing because you can update the destination and measure performance without reprinting. Static QR codes are fine for permanent, unchanging info.
Does adding a logo hurt scanning?
Not when done correctly. Keep the logo small, centered, and high-contrast, preserve the quiet zone, and test with multiple devices. A logo can increase trust and brand recognition.
How big should a QR code be on print?
A practical rule of thumb is: for every 10 cm (4 in) of scan distance, the QR code should be at least 1 cm (0.4 in) wide. Increase size for posters, outdoor signage, and fast-moving environments.
Can I track QR scans and performance?
Yes. Use trackable destinations (short links or link hubs) and add UTM parameters per placement/campaign to see which QR placements drive clicks and outcomes.
What’s the best QR code setup for restaurants?
Use a fast, mobile-first menu page and place the QR code where guests naturally pause (tables, counter, receipts). Add a clear CTA like “Scan for menu” and keep the code large enough to scan while seated.
Kompi tools
Turn QR scans into measurable results
Generating the QR is step one. The destination and tracking determine whether it converts.
QR Code Generator
Create QR codes fast and reliably for any destination.
Explore →
QR Code With Logo
Add branding for trust and recognition at scan time.
Explore →
Links
Create trackable mini pages and link hubs for QR destinations.
Explore →
UTM Builder
Measure placements and campaigns with clean attribution.
Explore →
QR Menus
Mobile-first menus designed for fast table scanning.
Explore →
K-Cards
Digital business cards and mini landing pages for networking.
Explore →
More reading
Next articles to build your QR strategy
Publish these next and interlink them to build authority around QR code generation, design, and tracking.
Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: What’s the Difference?
When to use each—and what marketers should choose by default.
Read →
QR Code Size & Placement Guide (Print Specs That Maximize Scans)
A practical sizing guide for posters, tables, and packaging.
Read →
How to Track Offline Marketing with QR Codes + UTMs
Attribute results by placement so you can scale what works.
Read →