How to make a QR code from a URL

If you’ve seen a QR code out in the wild, whether it be on an advertisement, poster, business card, or whatever else, then it’s likely that the code is connected to a URL link and that scanning it will take you to said link. This is especially convenient since you don’t need to type in or remember a potentially long and complicated web address into your browser, just scan with a phone and you’re set!

What are QR codes?

QR codes are special images that have been encoded to contain data. This data can then be scanned by a phone, tablet, or other device in order to access a variety of media and information. This can include images, text files, videos, tracking information, and access links for Facebook pages, Youtube videos, and official websites.

QR codes are highly versatile and easy to make through a service like QR Codeveloper. Not only do you have lots of options for the type of information you want to link to a QR code, but you can greatly customize the appearance of the codes themselves, changing the color, size, and even going for a more out there and artistic look.

How can you use QR codes with URLs

URL links are perhaps the most common item to be accessed via a QR code. Since just about everything online can be accessed via a URL address, including on mobile apps, any website page or link could be made into a QR code! Some examples covered on this very site include:

And more! Additional information on how QR codes relate to each of the topics above can be accessed through the links attached.

How to generate a QR code for a URL

Step 1: Copy the URL.

Step 2: In QR Code Developer, select Create Code. 

Step 3: Select the Website option.

Step 4: Name the code and paste the address into the bar.

Optional: Click on the pencil icon in the Preview window to further customize the look of your code.

Step 5: Click Generate. 

Step 6: Test on multiple devices.

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

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.

Since almost all content online can be accessed some way or another via a URL link, and QR codes can be paired with URLs, the possibilities for QR codes with URLs is pretty much endless! URLs are by far the most well known and commonplace use of QR codes in modern society, despite the technology being originally developed to track shipments. If you want to create your own URL QR codes, then there’s no better place to do so then right here with QR Code Developer! Our free tools allow you to make, edit, and customize QR codes of all types in a way that’s simple and easy to understand. Get started today and see just how easy it can be!

Spencer Pines

Spencer Pines

Spencer Pines is a content producer and journalist with a background in SaaS communications, digital storytelling, and tech reviews. With a career that began in his teens, Spencer has developed Read more...

FAQ

Are URL links the only thing you can attach to a QR code?

No. QR codes can also be generated for images, documents, wifi sign in, and other forms of content. The technology was actually invented as a means of tracking shipments.

What kind of content can be accessed via URL?

Pretty much any page online can be accessed via a URL link. This includes both desktop websites and pages on mobile apps.

Do I need to hire someone to create a QR code?

No. QR codes can be generated on your own and often for free through a service like QR Code Developer.

Where can I place a QR code?

QR codes can be placed on just about any flat surface. This includes fliers, posters, stickers, business cards, billboards, and even on a screen like in a movie or video game.

Do QR codes need to be a certain size to be readable?

No. QR codes can be as small as a dime or as big as a football field. As long as a device can read the whole code, then it can be scanned.