QR codes are everywhere today. From restaurant menus to marketing materials, these little square images are used to connect people to websites, videos, contact details, and more with just a quick scan. But while QR codes are incredibly convenient, not all QR codes work the way they should. If you’ve ever tried to scan a QR code and found it frustratingly unresponsive or broken, you're not alone.

In this blog post, we’ll explore some common mistakes people make when trying to create a QR code, how to avoid them, and best practices to ensure your QR code always works. Whether you're using a QR code for your business, marketing campaign, or personal use, understanding how to create a QR code that functions correctly is crucial. We'll also walk you through how QR can help you design perfect QR codes every time.

What is a QR Code?

Before diving into the mistakes to avoid, let’s take a quick moment to understand what a QR code is. QR codes, short for "Quick Response" codes, are a type of matrix barcode. They store data in a 2D pattern of black and white squares, and when scanned with a smartphone, they can direct users to a webpage, send an email, display a contact card, or more.

The appeal of QR codes lies in their simplicity. A user only needs to scan them using their phone’s camera to instantly access the content embedded in the code. However, creating a QR code that functions perfectly requires attention to detail. Mistakes in the creation process can lead to non-functional codes, which is why it’s important to avoid common errors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a QR Code

When you create a QR code, there are several things that can go wrong. Let’s take a closer look at these mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Using Incorrect or Broken Links

The most common mistake when learning how to create a QR code is using a broken or incorrect URL. A QR code can only be as good as the link it contains, so if you embed a faulty URL, your QR code will lead nowhere, causing frustration for users.

To avoid this mistake, always double-check the URL before generating your QR code. Make sure the link is accurate, active, and points to the correct page or resource. If you’re linking to a website, verify that the page is live and functioning properly. Additionally, test the link on different devices to ensure that it works as expected.

QR makes this step easier by allowing you to preview your QR code before finalizing it. With the ability to test your link instantly, you can make sure it leads to the right destination.

2. Choosing the Wrong QR Code Type

Another common mistake is choosing the wrong type of QR code for your needs. There are various types of QR codes, such as URL codes, contact details codes, and even SMS or email codes. Understanding what each type of QR code does is crucial when creating one.

For instance, if you want to link to a website, you should use a URL QR code. If you're sharing contact information, a vCard QR code might be a better choice. If you want users to be able to send you an SMS, you’d need to choose a QR code designed for text messages.

QR offers various QR code types, ensuring you can create a QR code that fits your specific needs. This flexibility allows you to avoid confusion and ensure you’re getting the right result for your intended purpose.

3. Not Customizing the QR Code

Many people don’t take full advantage of the customization features available when they create a QR code. While a basic QR code is functional, it’s often plain and uninspiring. Customizing your QR code with colors, logos, and unique designs can make it more eye-catching and align it with your branding, increasing the likelihood that people will interact with it.

However, one mistake is overdoing the customization. While colors and logos can enhance the look of your QR code, altering the pattern too much can affect its scannability. It’s important to find a balance between design and functionality. Too much decoration or poor contrast can make the code difficult to scan, leading to frustration.

At QR, you can easily customize the appearance of your QR code without compromising its functionality. The platform allows you to adjust colors, add logos, and even round the corners of your code—all while ensuring that it remains scannable and works as intended.

4. Choosing an Inappropriate Size

Size matters when it comes to QR codes. If your QR code is too small, it may not scan properly, and if it's too large, it may look awkward or take up unnecessary space. It’s important to choose a size that’s just right for the surface you're placing the QR code on.

For example, if you're printing a QR code on a poster, make sure the code is large enough to be scanned from a distance. On the other hand, if you're using a QR code in a social media post or email, it doesn’t need to be too large. In both cases, the QR code should be large enough to be clearly visible without overwhelming the content around it.

QR helps you create a QR code of the right size for any project. Whether you're printing it on a flyer or embedding it on your website, the platform offers options for scaling your QR code without losing quality.

5. Ignoring Error Correction Levels

QR codes have built-in error correction, which allows them to remain scannable even if part of the code is damaged or obscured. However, many users fail to adjust the error correction level when generating their QR code.

Error correction is divided into four levels: Low, Medium, Quartile, and High. The higher the level of error correction, the more data is stored in the code, and the more resistant it becomes to damage. If you're using your QR code in an environment where it might be exposed to wear and tear (like on a product label or a billboard), it’s wise to increase the error correction level.

QR offers easy-to-adjust error correction settings, so you can ensure that your QR code remains functional, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

6. Failing to Test Your QR Code

One of the biggest mistakes in the process of how to create a QR code is not testing it before use. Just because you’ve created a QR code doesn’t mean it’s going to work the first time someone scans it. It’s important to test your QR code on multiple devices and scanning apps to ensure it works as intended.

You can easily test your QR code by scanning it with your phone or using a QR code testing tool. This will give you peace of mind knowing that your QR code is functional and user-friendly.

QR’s platform allows you to test the QR code in real-time, ensuring it’s perfect before you print or share it.

Conclusion

Creating a QR code may seem like a simple task, but there are many pitfalls that can prevent your code from working as intended. By avoiding these common mistakes—like using incorrect links, choosing the wrong type, and failing to test your code—you can ensure that your QR codes are always functional and effective.

Whether you're looking to create a QR code for your business, event, or personal use, tools like QR make the process simple and efficient. With features that allow you to customize, test, and adjust your QR code for the best possible outcome, you’ll never have to worry about a broken or ineffective QR code again.