Quick answer: paste the full address, including https://, into the URL box. The QR code updates as you type; scan it once with your phone to check it opens the right page, then download it as PNG for screens or SVG/PDF for print. Because the link is stored inside the code itself, it keeps working for as long as the web page exists.
What a URL QR code actually contains
A URL QR code is just your web address written in tiny squares. When a phone camera reads it, the phone sees text that starts with https:// and offers to open it in the browser. There is no middleman server in between – which is why a code made here cannot “expire” the way codes from some subscription sites do. Those sites put their short link in the code and send visitors on to yours; stop paying and the redirect stops.
The trade-off is simple. A static code like this one can’t be edited after printing, and it doesn’t count scans. If you need either, point the code at a link you control (a page on your own site, or a short link from a service you trust) and change where that link goes later.
Short links scan better
Every extra character adds squares. A 25-character address gives a small, open pattern that scans from across a room; a 300-character tracking link turns into a dense grid that struggles on menus and business cards. Before you generate:
- Remove tracking clutter you don’t need (
?fbclid=…, longutm_strings). - Keep
https://– without it some scanners treat the code as plain text instead of a link. - If the address is unavoidably long, print the code bigger: roughly 1 cm of code for every 10 cm of scanning distance is a good rule.
Where URL QR codes earn their keep
| Placed on | Link it to | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Flyers and posters | An event or offer page | Print at least 3 × 3 cm; people scan posters from a step back. |
| Product packaging | Manual, warranty or how-to video | Use a page you own so you can update it after the packaging is printed. |
| Slides and screens | Your handout or sign-up form | Leave it on screen for 10+ seconds – people need time to open the camera. |
| Shop windows | Your online shop or booking page | Add a line of text such as “Scan to book” so people know what they get. |
Linking to a document rather than a page? The PDF QR code generator explains how to host a PDF so the link never breaks. For an app, the app store QR code generator can put the App Store and Google Play side by side, and if one code should lead to all your profiles, the social media QR code generator is the better fit.
How to make a QR code for a link
- Copy the link. Open the page in your browser and copy the address from the address bar, so it includes
https://. - Paste it into the URL box. The preview updates instantly. Shorter links give a cleaner, easier-to-scan code.
- Style it if you like. Open “Style it” to change colours or add your logo. Keep the code dark on a light background.
- Test, then download. Scan the preview with your phone, then download PNG for screens or SVG/PDF for print.
Test before you print a thousand copies
Scan the downloaded file, not just the preview, with two different phones – one iPhone camera and one Android camera app is a good pair. Then print one test copy at the final size and scan it in the light where it will actually hang. Five minutes of testing is cheaper than a reprint.
Building UTM tags without the mess
The optional tracking section adds utm_source, utm_medium and utm_campaign to your link for you, keeping any existing ? parameters and # anchors intact. A sensible pattern is source = where the code is printed (flyer, menu, packaging), medium = qr, campaign = the promotion name. Use lowercase and hyphens – analytics tools treat “Flyer” and “flyer” as two different sources.
Keep in mind that every tag adds characters. Three short tags add about 50 characters, which is fine; a 300-character link from an ad platform is not. If your marketing team gives you a monster link, put it on a short page you own and point the code there.
Troubleshooting a URL QR code
| What happens | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Phone shows text, not a link | The address has no https:// | Paste the full address from the browser bar |
| “Page not found” after scanning | Typo, or the page moved | Open the link from the preview (“Open link”) before printing |
| Scans slowly or not at all | Long link, small print, low contrast | Shorter link, larger code, dark-on-light colours |
| Browser warns “not secure” | The link starts with http:// | Use the https version of the address |
The preview panel test-scans your finished design and shows the exact text inside the code, so you can catch most of these before anything is printed.
Frequently asked questions
Do these URL QR codes expire?
No. The address is written into the code itself, so it works as long as the web page it points to is online. There is no subscription and nothing on our side that can be switched off.
Can I change the link after printing?
Not inside a static code. To keep that option, link the code to a page or short link you control and change where that page points later.
Can you see how many people scanned my code?
No – and neither can we. If you want numbers, add UTM tags to your link (for example ?utm_source=poster) and read them in your website analytics.
Why does my QR code look very dense?
The link is long. Remove tracking parameters you do not need or use a shorter address, and the pattern becomes simpler and easier to scan.
What size should I print it?
At least 2 × 2 cm for something held in the hand, 3 × 3 cm or more for posters, and about one tenth of the scanning distance for signs.
Is SVG or PNG better?
SVG and PDF are vector files that stay sharp at any size, so use them for print. PNG is easiest for websites, slides and documents.
How do I check a URL QR code before printing?
Look at “What’s inside your code” in the preview panel, press “Open link” to load the page, and scan the preview with your phone. Our automatic test scan also confirms the design is readable.
Do UTM tags change where the code goes?
No. The visitor lands on the same page; the tags only tell your analytics tool where the visit came from.