How to design and print your own QR code stickers.

You have probably come across a QR code - on posters, adverts, flyers and business cards. QR codes have grown in popularity over the last two decades. They are really useful for sharing information, especially when space on a poster, for example, is limited. It allows you to focus on the core message when creating your marketing materials. Adding a QR code that people can scan with their smartphones allows them to find more information, sign up to your newsletter or be directed to your website. It's the perfect way to connect the offline world with the digital world. All you need is a link and a QR code generator.

With Adobe Express, you can generate QR codes, adapt their design, and place them on your marketing materials. In this article, we explain how to generate them easily.

What’s a QR code sticker?

QR code stands for Quick Response Code. Simple explanation: A QR code is a square image containing tiny black and white boxes. These boxes follow a specific logic and order so that a scanning device, such as a smartphone, can decode them into a URL. That's the most common use for QR codes.

The big advantage of QR codes is that users don't have to type a long URL into their web browser. A single scan with their smartphone does the work for them. Another benefit: If you have long campaign URLs with UTM parameters to track your campaign, you can easily hide these long URLs behind a QR code. There is no need to use a URL shortener.

When creating marketing materials, you can integrate a QR code directly into your flyers, posters and business cards. But there are times when a QR code sticker can be really useful. Imagine sending out products that have been ordered: you could place a QR code sticker on the product packaging for the user manual or to run special offers. Let's take a look at what's important when creating and designing a QR code.

Where to use QR codes and QR code stickers.

In marketing, they have become very useful for offline materials - offering users or readers the opportunity to simply scan the code, which will then take them to a website, social media profile or product landing page. Use cases for QR codes include:

• Campaigns: share your social media profiles, your website, or a landing page.
• Branding: share your contact information or your portfolio on your business cards or other marketing materials.
• Products: share videos on how to use the product, product details, customer reviews, and offers for product accessories.
• Events: share event details, schedules, or a ticket link. Visitors could also check in via QR code when arriving at your event.
• Payment: share your payment data with clients for mobile payment options, such as Google Pay or PayPal.
• Loyalty programmes: You can link QR codes with special offers for your loyalty program, so customers can collect points and get special rewards or discounts.
• Feedback: collect feedback on your event, products, and services, or start a survey for customers.

As mentioned above, you can add QR codes to your business cards or flyers right away. However, sometimes you need to update the link behind the code. A static QR code printed on marketing material can't be changed. But you don't have to throw away all your printed materials. No need to panic! With a QR code sticker, you can update all your flyers, posters and business cards in seconds.

Another advantage is that you can place QR Code stickers on any surface. You can stick them on your laptop, your car, on curved surfaces like bottles, and have them ready whenever you find the perfect place to promote your business. The next section will show you how to generate and create QR codes in just a few seconds.

How to generate and design a QR code.

With Adobe Express, generating a QR code is free and simple. Here’s how:

1. Log into Adobe Express.
2. Choose the category “Marketing” and scroll to “Quick actions”.
3. Click on “Generate QR code”.
4. Enter or paste the URL that you want to hide behind the QR code.
5. Adapt the design of your generated QR code. You have the following options:

• Style: Choose between boxes, rounded boxes, or dots, and adapt the style of the marker border and marker centre.
• Colour: Choose between 5 colours for your QR code.
• File format: Choose your preferred file format. Your options are PNG, JPG, or SVG.

6. Happy with your QR code? You can either download the code for your designs and projects or open it in the editor.

Good to know: QR codes generated with Adobe Express are static QR codes. If you want to change the URL behind the QR code, you’ll have to create a new QR code.

If you want to print the QR codes to use as stickers, send the file to a local copy shop and talk to them about their recommendation for the right sizes for QR code stickers. Tip: Keep in mind that your QR code sticker is big enough so users can scan it with their smartphone. However, they should also be small enough to fit them on posters, flyers, or product packaging.

Tips for your QR code stickers.

To effectively use QR code stickers, follow a strategic approach. Ensure your QR code stickers are functional, visible, and engaging. Maximise their impact by following our tips for QR codes:

• Call-to-Action: Use a clear call-to-action by including texts like “Scan to read the user guide” or “Check out our promotional offers”. The user immediately knows what to expect from the QR code.
• Placement: Place your stickers in highly visible areas. Avoid a cluttered composition of texts and images. Find a place where the QR code can be seen and scanned easily.
• Scanability: Test if the QR code can be scanned easily under different conditions of lighting and from various angles. Avoid glossy paper that reflects light which makes it difficult to scan. Most importantly: Make sure to check if the QR code leads to the correct URL.
• Material: Choose a printing material that is water-resistant if you want to place your QR code sticker outside or in moist surroundings.
• Analytics: If you want to track how many people use the QR code and if you can convert them to sales, add UTM tags to your URL. But be aware that you first add the tags and then generate your QR code.

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Good to know.

How do I create a custom QR code?

To create QR codes, you need a QR code generator. Most QR code generators work similarly. Simply type in or paste the URL that you want to link with the QR code and the tool will automatically generate the code for you. Some QR code generators allow you to customise the code in style and colours. Afterwards, you can download the QR code and add it to your marketing materials. With Adobe Express, you can generate a QR code and choose different styles and colours for the typical white and black boxes.

What size is a QR code sticker?

There is no standard size for QR code stickers. QR codes themselves are square shaped, however, you can choose freely how big you want the QR code sticker to be. It really depends on the material you use them on. Just make sure that users can scan your QR code comfortably on their phones without having difficulties because of size, position, light, and surroundings.

Can Photoshop create QR codes?

No, with Photoshop you can’t create QR codes. However, you can use Adobe Express to create and customise QR codes. You can choose from different styles and colours and download the code as PNG, JPG, or even SVG.

Can I use Adobe Express for free?

Yes, you can use Adobe Express for free in the basic version. The free version offers a wide variety of features, tools, and resources for your projects. Choose from static and video templates, and use a selection of Adobe Stock photos, videos, music tracks, and design elements. If you’re looking for more advanced features and editing tools like removing video backgrounds or automatically resizing assets for multiple channels, you can upgrade to a paid plan.