Creating and using QR codes

QR codes or “quick response” codes are used just about everywhere. They are a huge timesaver for sharing information in places where nobody has the patience to manually type a long, messy URL into their phone. In this updated blog post, we’ll explore:

• Creative ways to use QR codes
• How to create static and dynamic QR codes
• Tips for using QR codes
• Best practices for layout, accessibility and mobile devices

Creative ways to use QR codes

QR codes are great for self-guided tours, award nominations, surveys and event registration. Here are some additional ideas for using QR codes:

• Access to documents. Add a QR code to your slide deck or handout to quickly direct people to a view-only Google Drive folder containing all of your presentation resources.
• Connect with participants. Share a QR code that links to a video of you introducing yourself, a survey for them to share information about themselves, your contact information or a bookable appointment page.
• Encourage collaboration. Create QR codes that link to collaborative Google documents for brainstorming ideas, capturing notes or sharing takeaways. Here is a creative example of an activity that someone did with QR codes.
• Online poll or quiz. Share a QR code in your slide deck to direct people to a poll or quiz (e.g. Qualtrics, ChimeIn, Google Form).
• Paperless attendance tracking. Display a QR code at the start of a workshop to a Qualtrics or Google Form. Attendees scan and check in, creating a timestamped attendance spreadsheet.
• Share your contact info (vCard). Create a vCard QR code. When people scan it, your information (name, phone, email, etc) pop up on their phone to "save contact".
• Event marketing. Promote events on social media or print materials with a QR code that opens your registration page.
• Resumes, CVs and LinkedIn. Add a QR code to a resume, CV or LinkedIn to learn more about the person's qualifications and experience.

How to create QR codes

Types of QR codes:

1. Static QR codes direct an individual to one fixed destination. You cannot change the destination. If you need to share a different destination, your only option is to create a new QR code.
2. With a dynamic QR code, you create one code, but you have the ability to change the code’s destination. If you are sharing a QR code on print materials, use a dynamic QR code so you have the flexibility to change the destination of the code instead of having to reprint the materials.

Recommended tools to create QR codes:

Google Chrome (Static)

Google Chrome will generate a static QR code.

1. Open Chrome
2. Go to the page you want to share
3. Right-click anywhere on the page (just don't right-click on an image or link)
4. Select Create QR code for this page 

Tip: Add the "Create QR code" button to your Chrome Toolbar for easy access!

Z URL Shortener (Dynamic)

The Z URL Shortener creates a dynamic QR code. It is a UMN supported tool that is available to anyone with a UMN Internet ID. 

1. Go to the page you want to share
2. Copy the URL
3. Log into z.umn.edu
4. Paste the URL under Shorten your link and click Z-Link It
5. Find your z-link and click the Actions (three dots) next to your z-link
6. Click QR Code > choose PNG or SVG to download

PNG or SVG?

The z-link code creator allows for two different file types: PNG or SVG. If you are putting the code on a small paper handout or slide, PNG works perfectly. But if you need to enlarge the code for a big poster, bulletin board, or sign, make sure to download the SVG file. The SVG file type is completely scalable, meaning you can stretch it to any size without losing quality. It will ensure phone cameras can read them from a distance.

Tips for using QR codes effectively

• Sizing: Ensure your QR code is big enough to scan. A good rule of thumb is a 10:1 distance ratio. If your audience is scanning a poster from 5 feet away, the QR code should be at least 6 inches wide. 
• High contrast: Use a dark code on a light background. It can be difficult for older cameras to decode inverted patterns (white on dark background).
• Always test the QR code to make sure it works before you use it.
• Include a call to action with your QR code to let people know what they need to do after they scan it. 
• Always include the short URL directly underneath the code (e.g. z.umn.edu/example)

Scanning a QR code on your own phone

When you encounter a QR code on your phone, you obviously can't point your phone's camera at its own screen! Here is a workaround:

1. Take a screenshot of the QR code on your screen
2. Open the screenshot in your phone's photo library
3. Trigger the link:
• iPhone: Press and hold your finger directly on the QR code in the photo
• Android: Tap the Google Lens icon at the bottom of the photo

How do you use QR codes? Feel free to share in the comments.

Article by Karen Matthes, Extension Learning Technologies, klm@umn.edu