QR codes are a powerful way to connect your physical and digital marketing efforts. With onelink, you can create customized QR codes that match your brand and track their performance.
What are QR Codes?
QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes that can be scanned using a smartphone camera. When scanned, they instantly direct users to a specific URL, making them perfect for:
- Print materials (business cards, flyers, posters)
- Product packaging
- In-store displays
- Event badges and tickets
- TV advertisements
- Billboards and outdoor advertising
Creating a Basic QR Code
To create a QR code with onelink, follow these simple steps:
- Create or select a link: Either create a new shortened link or select an existing one from your dashboard.
- Click "Generate QR Code": Look for the QR code icon next to your link or use the dedicated QR code generator in the tools section.
- Preview your QR code: A basic black and white QR code will be generated for your link.
- Download or share: You can immediately download the basic QR code or proceed to customize it.
Customizing Your QR Code
onelink offers extensive customization options to make your QR codes match your brand identity:
Colors
You can customize both the foreground (the QR code pattern) and background colors:
- Foreground Color: Change the color of the QR code pattern from the default black to any color that matches your brand.
- Background Color: Modify the background from white to another color or make it transparent to blend with your design.
- Color Picker: Use the color picker to select exact hex codes for perfect brand matching.
Pro Tip
Maintain good contrast between foreground and background colors to ensure your QR code remains scannable. Too little contrast can make it difficult for cameras to read the code.
Style Options
Premium plans offer additional style options:
- Corner Style: Choose from square, rounded, or dot corners for the QR code blocks.
- Pattern Style: Select different patterns for the QR code modules (squares, dots, rounded squares).
- Eye Shape: Customize the corner "eyes" of the QR code with different shapes.
- Eye Color: Make the corner eyes a different color from the rest of the QR code.
Adding a Logo
You can add your brand logo to the center of the QR code:
- Upload your logo: Click the "Add Logo" button and upload an image file (PNG or JPG recommended).
- Adjust size: Use the slider to adjust how large your logo appears in the QR code.
- Position: Center is the default and recommended position.
- Background: Choose whether your logo has a background or is transparent.
Testing Your QR Code
Before finalizing your QR code, it's crucial to test it:
- Preview: Use the preview function to see how your QR code looks.
- Scan test: Scan the preview with your smartphone camera to ensure it works correctly.
- Test on different devices: If possible, test on both Android and iOS devices.
- Test at intended size: If your QR code will be printed small (e.g., on a business card), make sure it's still scannable at that size.
Downloading and Sharing
Once you're satisfied with your QR code, you can:
- Download in multiple formats: PNG, SVG, PDF, or EPS for different use cases.
- Select resolution: Choose the appropriate resolution based on how you'll use the QR code.
- Share directly: Email the QR code or share it via social media.
- Print: Send directly to a printer for immediate use.
Dynamic QR Codes
All QR codes created with onelink are dynamic, which means:
- Editable destination: You can change where the QR code leads without creating a new code.
- Track scans: See how many times your QR code has been scanned.
- Analyze data: Get insights about when and where your QR code is being used.
- A/B testing: Test different landing pages with the same QR code.
Best Practices for QR Codes
To ensure your QR codes are effective:
- Keep it simple: Avoid overly complex designs that might reduce scannability.
- Size matters: Don't make your QR code too small. The minimum recommended size is 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches).
- Include instructions: Add a call-to-action like "Scan me" near your QR code.
- Test before printing: Always test your QR code before mass production.
- Optimize landing pages: Ensure the destination page is mobile-friendly.
- Add value: Give users a reason to scan your QR code (discount, exclusive content, etc.).
With these steps and best practices, you can create effective, branded QR codes that enhance your marketing efforts and provide valuable analytics on your offline-to-online conversions.