How to design and print your own QR code stickers.
Learn how QR codes can enhance your marketing efforts and how to print QR code labels using Adobe Express.
You have probably come across a QR code - on posters, adverts, flyers and business cards. Printing QR codes has grown in popularity over the last two decades.
They are 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 for 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 stickers for QR codes, adapt their design, and place them on your marketing materials. In this article, we explain how to generate them easily.
Key takeaways.
- QR codes are square barcodes that connect offline marketing materials (posters, flyers, business cards) directly to digital content – removing the need for users to manually type long URLs.
- You can use the free Adobe Express tool to generate, customise, and design QR codes with various styles, colours, and file formats in just a few clicks.
- QR code stickers have diverse applications across marketing campaigns, events, products, loyalty programs, and feedback collection. This requires strategic placement, proper sizing, material selection, and optional analytics tracking to see its effectiveness.
What’s a QR code sticker?
QR code stands for Quick Response Code – stickers for QR codes are square images containing tiny black-and-white boxes. It’s a great way to drive traffic to a promotion or your website and is an entry point for customers to engage with your brand.
How do QR codes work?
QR codes work because their design follows a specific logic and order, so that a scanning device, such as a smartphone, can decode them into a URL. The boxes contain decoded information that can be scanned to discover information.
How are QR codes scanned?
QR codes are scanned with a smartphone, with users taking pictures of it – the link will then take users where you want. You can make QR code stickers to take people to your company website, a sales promotion, or something of that nature.
Advantages of QR codes
The big advantage of QR codes is that users don't have to type a long URL into their web browser. 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, business cards, or even Instagram QR code stickers. 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.
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Where to use QR codes and QR code stickers.
Printing QR codes has become very useful for offline marketing materials - offering users or readers the opportunity to simply scan the code, which takes them to a website, social media profile or product landing page. Some examples of how QR codes can be used for marketing 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 upon arrival at your event.
- Payment. Share your payment data with clients for mobile payment options, such as Google Pay or PayPal.
- Loyalty programmes. 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 stickers with 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, or 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 custom QR code stickers 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.
Tip: Keep in mind that your QR code sticker needs to be big enough so users can scan it with their smartphone. However, they should also be small enough to fit on posters, flyers, or product packaging.
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How to print QR code stickers.
A QR code sticker follows the same process as any other custom sticker –
- Create the design in Adobe Express.
- Choose the right sticker paper.
- Print it on a suitable printer.
- Polish it off by laminating and/or cutting it.
What materials are best for printing QR code stickers?
The best materials for printing QR codes are stickers or label paper that’s compatible with your printer. Printable vinyl is a better choice when you’re after a more durable or premium finish – ideal for stickers that might be used outdoors. Laminating them adds an extra layer of protection.
Can QR code stickers be waterproof or durable?
Yes, QR code stickers can be waterproof or durable to a certain extent. You’ll need to laminate non-vinyl stickers to increase their durability. Using professional services to laminate them or adding acrylic spray sealant can help make them more durable.
What are the costs associated with printing QR code stickers?
The costs associated with printing QR code stickers often consist of
- Printing costs (colour or black and white).
- Your printer’s pricing model, i.e. does it charge per print or by how much ink is consumed.
- Third-party printing costs if you choose an external company to print them instead of doing it yourself.
Tips for your QR code stickers.
To effectively print 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:
These codes typically use a short URL or tracking URL, letting you track or measure useful metrics such as the number of times it’s been scanned or unique scans. This data can then be linked to Google Analytics and Google Ads to analyse. This can generate useful insights to help you make business decisions for the future.
Creative ways to use QR code stickers for events.
Creative ways to use QR code stickers for events can help boost engagement, make the access between your organisation and the target audience much smoother, and create more memorable experiences for attendees. Some creative examples of QR code uses are:
- RSVPs and ticket sales. Add QR code stickers to invitations, posters, or flyers so attendees can instantly access event details and purchase tickets from their phones.
- Event promotion. Place QR stickers on marketing materials (for example, billboards or ads for multiple platforms) to link directly to landing pages, videos, or social media posts that showcase your event.
- Networking and badges. Use QR code stickers on name badges or business cards so attendees can quickly share contact details, portfolios, or LinkedIn profiles.
- Schedules and agendas. Stick QR codes around the event venue to give attendees instant access to session times, speaker info, or event programmes without printing large guides.
- Fast check-ins. QR code stickers can make linking to digital tickets more efficient, reducing queues and improving the arrival experience.
- Interactive booths and activities. Place QR stickers at stands or exhibits to unlock demos, contests, or digital experiences that encourage attendees to engage.
- Feedback and surveys. Add QR codes to signage or tables so attendees can quickly leave feedback while the event is still fresh in their minds in the moment.
These ideas show how simple QR code stickers can connect offline materials to digital experiences, making events more interactive and easier to manage.
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