You can easily find a QR Code generator online or in your device’s app store. Many readers are also generators. Regardless of whether you’re creating a QR Code online or with a mobile app, consider these features when choosing a free or paid generator:
It creates a QR Code in a minute or less. The goal is to have you use QR Codes in several different ways, but you can’t if you can’t create one on the fly. The generator you use, regardless of all the extra features it comes with, should allow you to create a QR Code in under a minute.
It produces a QR Code in a standard size. Some generators, especially those found online, generate larger QR Codes when long URLs are inputted. But large, unwieldy QR Codes aren’t practical or attractive. Stick with those generators that produce a standard-size QR Code with the option of making it smaller or bigger based on your needs, not on the size of your URL.
In general, use shortened URLs with your QR Code. Your QR Codes will be less dense, scan more quickly, and will be less likely to fail. Most generators can shorten URLs for you, or you can shorten them yourself at www.tinyurl.com, Goo.gl, www.bitly.com, and many other sites. Just type shorten my URL into your preferred search engine.
It gives you the flexibility to redirect the QR Code to a different destination whenever you want. Some generators allow you to create a QR Code, but then you can’t change what it links to unless you create another code. What a pain. Avoid an awkward conversation with your boss and choose a generator that allows you to change the URL without changing the code itself.
It doesn’t limit your QR Code campaigns to URLs. Maybe you want a QR Code that dials a phone number, passes on contact information, opens an e-mail, or links to a map. Pick a generator that gives you the flexibility to choose what the code links to.
It gives you a way to track the QR Code. At a minimum, the generator should track the number of times the QR Code was scanned. This is a key data point in measuring the success of the code.