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Generating QR Codes

Create QR codes for easy access to your booking pages and promotions

Hayden Zammit Meaney avatar
Written by Hayden Zammit Meaney
Updated today

Generating QR Codes

QR codes connect the physical and digital worlds. Visitors scan with their phone and instantly reach your booking page, promotion, or information. They're perfect for print materials, signage, and in-venue displays.

What are QR codes?

QR (Quick Response) codes are scannable barcodes that link to a web address. When someone scans a QR code with their phone camera, they're taken directly to the linked page.

Common uses for tourism operators

  • Booking links — scan to book this experience

  • Menu or pricing — view current rates

  • Promotional offers — access a special discount

  • Reviews — leave a review on Google or TripAdvisor

  • Information — learn more about an attraction

  • Waiver or forms — complete required documents

  • Wi-Fi access — connect to your guest network

  • Social media — follow your accounts

  • Event check-in — register for an event

Creating a QR code

Step 1: Open the QR code generator

  • Go to Marketing from the main menu

  • Click QR Codes or navigate to QR Codes

  • Click Create QR Code

Step 2: Enter the destination URL

Enter where you want the QR code to link:

  • Your booking page

  • A specific product page

  • A promotional offer

  • A review platform

  • Any web address

Use full URLs including https:// (e.g., https://yourwebsite.com/book)

Step 3: Add tracking (recommended)

Enable tracking to measure scans:

  • Toggle on Enable Tracking

  • Add a name for the QR code (e.g., "Brochure Booking Link")

  • Optionally add UTM parameters for detailed analytics

Tracking helps you see:

  • How many times the code was scanned

  • When scans occurred

  • Where traffic came from

Step 4: Customise appearance

Adjust how your QR code looks:

Colours

  • Change the code colour (foreground)

  • Change the background colour

  • Ensure good contrast for scanning

Logo

  • Add your logo in the centre

  • Keep it small (code still needs to be scannable)

  • Use a simple, recognisable version

Style

  • Square or rounded corners

  • Different patterns available

  • Keep it simple for reliable scanning

Step 5: Generate and download

  • Preview your QR code

  • Test it with your phone camera

  • Click Download

  • Choose your format:

- PNG — for digital use and most print - SVG — for large format printing - PDF — for easy sharing

Testing your QR codes

Always test before printing:

  • Open your phone's camera app

  • Point at the QR code on screen

  • Tap the link that appears

  • Verify it goes to the right page

Test on different phones if possible — iPhone, Android, different brands.

Using QR codes effectively

Print materials

  • Brochures and flyers

  • Business cards

  • Postcards

  • Posters

  • Menus and price lists

Tips:

  • Minimum size: 2cm x 2cm

  • Include a call to action ("Scan to book")

  • Leave white space around the code

  • Don't place on textured backgrounds

Signage

  • Reception or entrance displays

  • Window stickers

  • Table tents

  • Vehicle signage

  • Trade show banners

Tips:

  • Size appropriately for viewing distance

  • Protect from weather if outdoor

  • Consider lighting for scanning

  • Test at the intended distance

In-venue displays

  • Experience information boards

  • Product displays

  • Self-service kiosks

  • Staff uniforms or lanyards

  • Receipts or tickets

Digital use

  • Email signatures

  • Presentation slides

  • Digital displays

  • Social media posts

QR code best practices

Design tips

  • Keep contrast high — dark code on light background

  • Maintain quiet zone — white space around the code

  • Don't distort — always keep 1:1 aspect ratio

  • Size for purpose — bigger for distance, smaller up close

  • Test before printing — especially custom designs

Content tips

  • Mobile-optimised destination — the page must work on phones

  • Fast loading — visitors scan expecting instant access

  • Clear purpose — they should know what they'll get

  • Keep URLs permanent — don't change pages after printing

Tracking tips

  • Name codes clearly — know which is which

  • Use UTM parameters — track in Google Analytics

  • Create separate codes — one per placement location

  • Review analytics — learn what's working

Managing your QR codes

Viewing existing codes

  • Go to QR Codes

  • See all your created codes

  • View scan statistics

  • Download or edit as needed

Editing QR codes

You can change:
​

  • The name (for your reference)

  • Tracking settings

  • Appearance/design


You cannot change:
​

  • The destination URL (create a new code instead)


​

Deleting codes

If you delete a code:
​

  • The code still works (it's already printed)

  • Tracking stops

  • The URL continues to function


​

Dynamic vs static QR codes

Static codes

  • Link goes directly to URL

  • Cannot be changed after creation

  • Work forever

  • Simple and reliable

Dynamic codes

  • Link goes through a redirect

  • Destination can be updated

  • Enables detailed tracking

  • Good for campaigns

Launchpad uses dynamic codes by default for better tracking.

Common issues and solutions

Code won't scan

  • Check contrast and size

  • Ensure good lighting

  • Verify the code isn't damaged

  • Try a different phone

Wrong destination

  • Create a new code with correct URL

  • Update print materials if possible

Low scan rates

  • Add a clearer call to action

  • Consider placement and visibility

  • Ensure people know what they'll get

QR codes bridge print and digital — making it easy for visitors to book, learn, and connect.

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