Resources
Practical guides for bringing objects and places to life with QR codes, hands-on demos you can try without an account, and the pages that explain how Scansational keeps scanners safe.
Learn the basics
- Static vs dynamic QR codes
What each type is, when to use which, and what changes after printing.
- Choosing a dynamic QR code generator
The questions to ask about free tiers, expiry, scan limits, data and cancellation before you print.
- QR code glossary
Plain-English definitions: quiet zone, error correction, short links, scans vs visitors and more.
- Frequently asked questions
Free plan, dynamic codes, billing, business tools, privacy and safety — answered in one place.
Guides by use case
- QR Code Maker
Make a free static QR code in your browser for a link, Wi-Fi, contact card, location and more.
- Dynamic QR codes
How editable short links work, what scan analytics show, and the free dynamic QR on every account.
- QR codes for products
Packaging, labels, manuals, warranty registration and the story behind what you make.
- Restaurant menu QR codes
Menus you can update without reprinting, and when to choose a hosted menu over a PDF.
- QR codes for hotels, venues & places
Guest Wi-Fi, visitor information, wayfinding and signage for venues, hotels and public spaces.
- QR codes for events
Registration, schedules, room changes and feedback for conferences and events.
- QR codes for retail & campaigns
Posters, flyers and shop windows you can repoint when the offer changes, with per-placement analytics.
- QR codes for real estate
Signboards and window cards that open the listing, floor plan or agent contact card.
- QR codes for equipment
Equipment Passports for machines, vehicles and tools: instructions, service history and fault reporting.
- QR visitor sign-in
Reception sign-in for visitors, contractors and deliveries, with a live Who's Here register and sign-out.
- Construction site sign-in
A sign on the site gate for sign-in, inductions, a Who's On Site register and emergency roll call.
- QR shift sign-on
Staff start and finish shifts by scanning a sign at the workplace; you approve the timesheets.
- QR codes for fault reporting
Restroom, facility and venue issue reporting: one scan, an optional photo, tracked in your dashboard.
- QR codes for books
Book QR companion pages for authors, publishers and educators.
Ready-made tools for specific industries are collected on the solutions page, and plans are compared on pricing.
Live demos
Each demo shows what someone sees after scanning a code — no sign-up needed. Or browse all demos.
For any business
Business tools (examples)
Specialist
Printing QR codes that scan: a checklist
The QR code maker runs an automatic scannability check on every design, but the physical print matters just as much.
- Leave a quiet zone. Keep an empty margin around the code on all four sides — roughly the width of four of its small squares. Text, borders and artwork that crowd the edges are a common reason codes fail.
- Keep strong contrast. Dark modules on a light background scan most reliably. Avoid pale colors, low-contrast gradients and inverted (light-on-dark) codes unless you have tested them.
- Print it large enough. Treat about 2 cm (0.8 in) across as the minimum for close-up scanning, and go bigger as the scanning distance grows — posters and wall signs need much larger codes.
- Choose the right file. Use SVG for professional print so edges stay sharp at any size, and a high-resolution PNG for documents and screens.
- Mind the surface. Glossy laminates, curved bottles and folds can distort or reflect the code. Matte, flat placement is safest.
- Test before printing. Print one proof at actual size and scan it with more than one phone, in the lighting where it will be used. If it is a dynamic code, confirm the destination is right before the full run.
Trust, safety and support
Dynamic QR destinations are checked against malicious URL lists, and anyone can report a code that leads somewhere harmful.