QR codes are everywhere — on restaurant menus, product packaging, event posters, and business cards. They work by encoding a URL into a scannable pattern that any smartphone camera can read. The easiest way to create one is to shorten your URL first, then download the QR code that's generated automatically.
How to create a QR code in 30 seconds
Here's the process on TheLinkSpot:
- Paste any URL into the shortener on the homepage
- Optionally set a custom slug (e.g.
thelinkspot.com/my-event) - Click Shorten URL
- Your QR code appears automatically below the short link
- Customise the colours and size if needed
- Click Download PNG
That's it. No separate QR code generator needed. No sign-up. No watermarks. The QR code is free and ready to use immediately.
Why use a short link inside your QR code
A QR code can encode any URL, so you could put a full-length URL directly into one. But using a short link is better for three reasons:
| Feature | Raw URL in QR code | Short link in QR code |
|---|---|---|
| QR code complexity | More squares = harder to scan at small sizes | Fewer squares = scans reliably even when small |
| Click tracking | No tracking | Every scan is counted |
| URL readability | Ugly if printed as text alongside | Clean, memorable, and typeable |
| Error tolerance | Lower — more data to decode | Higher — shorter URLs have more error correction margin |
Customising your QR code
After shortening a URL on TheLinkSpot, three customisation options appear below the QR code preview:
Colour
Change the foreground colour (the dark squares) to match your brand. Click the colour picker and choose any colour. The preview updates instantly.
Background
Change the background colour behind the squares. The default is white, but you can use any light colour. Keep strong contrast between the foreground and background — this is essential for reliable scanning.
Size
Choose from four sizes depending on where you'll use the QR code:
| Size | Dimensions | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small (150px) | 150 × 150 | Email signatures, small web badges, social media profiles |
| Medium (200px) | 200 × 200 | Social media posts, digital flyers, presentations |
| Large (300px) | 300 × 300 | Printed flyers, product labels, menus, business cards |
| XL (500px) | 500 × 500 | Posters, banners, large signage, packaging |
For anything that will be printed, always use Large or XL. Small QR codes become blurry and unscannable when printed at larger physical sizes.
Where to use your QR code
QR codes bridge the gap between physical and digital. Anywhere you'd normally write a URL, a QR code is faster and easier for the user.
Business cards
Add a QR code linking to your website, portfolio, or bio page. The recipient scans instead of typing. Use the Medium or Large size.
Flyers and posters
Promote an event, sale, or new product with a QR code that links directly to the relevant page. Print the short URL as text underneath for people who prefer typing. Use XL size for posters.
Product packaging
Link to a setup guide, warranty registration, ingredient list, or review page. Customers scan the code right from the box.
Restaurant tables
A QR code on a table tent linking to your digital menu is now standard practice. See our full guide on short links for restaurants.
Presentations and slides
Add a QR code to your last slide linking to a resource, handout, or feedback form. Audience members scan with their phone instead of writing down a URL.
Email signatures
A small QR code in your email signature linking to your calendar booking page or portfolio. Unusual enough to stand out and useful enough to earn scans.
QR code best practices
Do
- Test your QR code with your phone before printing
- Use high contrast colours (dark foreground, light background)
- Include a short call to action near the QR code ("Scan for menu", "Scan to book")
- Download the largest size you might need — you can always scale down
- Print the short URL as text underneath for accessibility
Don't
- Use two similar colours — the scanner needs clear contrast
- Print the QR code too small — minimum 2cm (0.8 inches) for close-range scanning
- Place QR codes on curved surfaces where the image distorts
- Forget to test after printing — paper colour and finish can affect scannability
- Use a QR code without context — always tell people what they'll get when they scan
How QR code scanning works
Modern smartphones (both iPhone and Android) scan QR codes natively through the camera app — no separate scanner app needed. The phone detects the QR code pattern, decodes the URL, and shows a link notification. The user taps to open it in their browser.
QR codes include built-in error correction, meaning they can still be scanned even if part of the image is damaged, dirty, or partially obscured. This is why QR codes work reliably on printed materials that get handled, folded, or exposed to weather.
Tracking QR code scans
Because your QR code contains a TheLinkSpot short link, every scan is tracked automatically. Visit your link's stats page to see how many times the QR code was scanned. This is invaluable for measuring the effectiveness of printed materials.
For example, if you print 500 flyers with a QR code and the link gets 45 clicks, you know the flyer had a 9% scan rate — useful data for deciding whether to print more.
Frequently asked questions
Is the QR code really free?
Yes. Every short link on TheLinkSpot generates a free QR code automatically. Colour customisation and size selection are also free. There is no paid tier or watermark.
What format is the download?
PNG. This works in every design tool (Canva, Photoshop, Figma), word processor (Google Docs, Word), and print service.
Can I add a logo to the centre of the QR code?
Not directly in TheLinkSpot yet, but you can download the XL size and add a small logo manually in any image editor. QR codes have error correction built in, so a small central logo (covering no more than 10–15% of the code area) won't affect scannability.
Will the QR code stop working if the link expires?
If you created the link with an expiry time, the QR code will stop working when the link expires. For permanent QR codes on printed materials, use the default "Never" expiry setting.
Can I create a QR code without shortening a URL?
On TheLinkSpot, the QR code is generated as part of the URL shortening process. Paste your URL, shorten it, and the QR code appears. The two are created together.
Create your QR code now
Head to TheLinkSpot, paste any URL, and your free QR code is ready in seconds. Customise the colours to match your brand, download it in the size you need, and use it anywhere — print, digital, or social media. Free, instant, no sign-up required.