QR Codes

Generate dynamic QR codes for your short links to enable offline-to-online attribution tracking.

Overview

LinkForty's QR code generation allows you to create scannable codes for print materials, product packaging, event signage, and more. Unlike static QR codes, LinkForty QR codes are dynamic - you can update the destination URL without reprinting the code.

Key Features:

✅ Dynamic QR codes (update destination anytime)
✅ Multiple formats (PNG, SVG)
✅ Custom sizes (128px - 2048px)
✅ Brand colors support
✅ Full attribution tracking
✅ Click analytics by scan location

Why QR Codes?

Offline-to-Online Attribution

Track how offline marketing drives app installs:

Traditional Approach:

Print ad with URL → Hard to type → Low conversion
No way to track which magazine/billboard drove installs

LinkForty QR Codes:

User scans code → Instant redirect → Higher conversion
Full attribution: which print ad, when scanned, where installed
Track ROI on offline marketing spend

Use Cases

Print Advertising:

Magazine ads
Newspaper inserts
Direct mail
Flyers and brochures

Product Packaging:

Product boxes
Instruction manuals
Warranty cards
Recipe cards

Retail & Events:

In-store displays
Event posters
Conference badges
Table tents at restaurants

Business Materials:

Business cards
Letterhead
Invoices
Presentations

Generating QR Codes

Via Dashboard

Step 1: Navigate to Link

Go to Links page
Click on the link you want to create a QR code for
Click "Generate QR Code" button

Step 2: Configure Options

Size:

128x128px - Small (business cards)
256x256px - Medium (flyers)
512x512px - Large (posters)
1024x1024px - Print quality
2048x2048px - Billboard/large format

Format:

PNG - Raster image (photos, web)
SVG - Vector image (print, scalable)

Color:

Black (default)
Custom hex color (#FF0000)
Match your brand colors

Step 3: Download

Click "Download" and save the file.

Via API

Generate PNG QR Code

curl -X GET "https://api.linkforty.com/api/links/abc123/qr?size=512&format=png" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LINKFORTY_API_KEY" \
  --output qr-code.png

Generate SVG QR Code

curl -X GET "https://api.linkforty.com/api/links/abc123/qr?size=1024&format=svg" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LINKFORTY_API_KEY" \
  --output qr-code.svg

With Custom Color

curl -X GET "https://api.linkforty.com/api/links/abc123/qr?size=512&format=png&color=0066CC" \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LINKFORTY_API_KEY" \
  --output qr-code-blue.png

Programmatic Generation

JavaScript/TypeScript

import { LinkFortySDK } from '@linkforty/sdk';

const client = new LinkFortySDK({
  apiKey: process.env.LINKFORTY_API_KEY
});

// Generate QR code
const qrCode = await client.links.generateQR('abc123', {
  size: 512,
  format: 'png',
  color: '000000'
});

// Save to file
await fs.writeFile('qr-code.png', qrCode);

Python

from linkforty import LinkForty

client = LinkForty(api_key=os.environ['LINKFORTY_API_KEY'])

# Generate QR code
qr_code = client.links.generate_qr(
    'abc123',
    size=512,
    format='png',
    color='000000'
)

# Save to file
with open('qr-code.png', 'wb') as f:
    f.write(qr_code)

QR Code Best Practices

Size Guidelines

Use Case	Recommended Size	Scan Distance
Business cards	128-256px	4-6 inches
Flyers/brochures	256-512px	6-12 inches
Posters	512-1024px	1-3 feet
Billboards	2048px+	10+ feet
Product packaging	256-512px	6-12 inches
Table tents	512px	1-2 feet

Formula: Minimum size = Scan distance / 10

Example: Billboard viewed from 30 feet away needs 3-inch QR code minimum.

Print Quality

For Professional Printing:

Use SVG format (vector, scales infinitely)
Or use PNG at 300 DPI minimum
Size: 1024px or larger
Include "quiet zone" (white space) around QR code

Quiet Zone:

Minimum 4 modules (squares) of white space on all sides
No text, images, or colors in quiet zone
Essential for reliable scanning

Color Considerations

Safe Color Combinations:

Dark QR code on light background (best contrast)
Black on white (highest reliability)
Dark blue/red/green on white

Avoid:

Light colors on dark backgrounds
Low contrast combinations
Inverted colors (white QR on black)
Gradient fills

Contrast Ratio:

Minimum 3:1 ratio required
7:1 ratio recommended for best results

Testing

Always test QR codes before printing:

Print test copy at actual size
Test with multiple devices:
- iPhone (built-in camera)
- Android (Google Lens)
- Older devices
Test in actual lighting conditions
Test from expected scan distance

Dynamic QR Codes

What Makes Them Dynamic?

Static QR Code:

URL encoded directly in QR pattern
Cannot be changed after creation
Reprint required for new destination

LinkForty Dynamic QR Code:

QR contains short link (lnk.forty.com/abc123)
Short link redirects to your destination
Update destination anytime without reprinting

Updating Destination

Update where QR code sends users without reprinting:

Via Dashboard:

Go to Links → Find your link
Click "Edit"
Change Original URL or platform URLs
Click "Save"
QR code now redirects to new destination

Via API:

curl -X PUT https://api.linkforty.com/api/links/abc123 \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LINKFORTY_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "originalUrl": "https://example.com/new-product"
  }'

Use Cases:

Seasonal campaigns (update for new season)
Product updates (new product pages)
Event changes (venue or schedule updates)
A/B testing (test different landing pages)

Attribution Tracking

How It Works

User scans QR code from magazine ad
Phone opens camera app → Recognizes QR code
Redirects to short link (lnk.forty.com/abc123)
LinkForty logs click event:
- Timestamp
- Location (city/country)
- Device type (iPhone 14, Pixel 7)
- Referrer: QR scan
User redirected based on device (App Store, Google Play, web)
User installs app
SDK checks for attribution within attribution window
Install attributed to QR scan

Analytics

View QR code scan analytics:

Via Dashboard:

Analytics → Select link
View metrics:
- Total scans
- Scans by location
- Scans by device
- Time of day distribution
- Conversion rate (scans → installs)

Example Insights:

Magazine QR Code (June 2024)
- Total scans: 2,456
- Top cities: New York (412), Los Angeles (298), Chicago (187)
- Peak time: 7-9 PM weekdays
- iOS: 62%, Android: 38%
- Installs: 421 (17.1% conversion rate)

UTM Parameters

Track which print materials perform best:

# Magazine ad
curl -X POST https://api.linkforty.com/api/links \
  -H "Authorization: Bearer $LINKFORTY_API_KEY" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "templateId": "template_123",
    "originalUrl": "https://example.com/promo",
    "customCode": "magazine-june",
    "utmParameters": {
      "utm_source": "vogue_magazine",
      "utm_medium": "print",
      "utm_campaign": "summer_2024",
      "utm_content": "full_page_ad"
    }
  }'

Analytics breakdown:

Vogue magazine: 1,200 scans
Elle magazine: 800 scans
Local paper: 456 scans

Performance metrics:

Scans: 1,200
Installs: 204
Conversion rate: 17%

Advanced Techniques

Branded QR Codes

Add logo in center (reduces scan reliability slightly):

Generate QR code at 1024px+
Open in image editor
Place logo in center (max 20% of QR size)
Ensure logo has white border
Test thoroughly

Caution: QR codes have error correction (30% max), but logos reduce reliability.

Custom URL Schemes

Deep link directly into specific app sections:

{
  "originalUrl": "https://example.com/product/123",
  "iosUrl": "yourapp://product/123",
  "androidUrl": "yourapp://product/123"
}

User flow:

Scan QR code
If app installed → Opens directly to product
If app not installed → App Store/Google Play
After install → Deferred deep link to product

Location-Specific QR Codes

Create unique QR codes per location:

# Store #1 - New York
{
  "customCode": "store-nyc",
  "utmContent": "store_nyc"
}

# Store #2 - Los Angeles
{
  "customCode": "store-la",
  "utmContent": "store_la"
}

Analytics show:

Which stores drive most scans
Which locations have highest conversion
Geographic performance comparison

Expiring QR Codes

For time-limited campaigns:

{
  "customCode": "summer-sale-2024",
  "expiresAt": "2024-08-31T23:59:59Z"
}

After expiration, QR code shows "This promotion has ended."

Troubleshooting

QR Code Won't Scan

Possible causes:

Too small
- Increase size (512px minimum)
- Increase print size
Low contrast
- Use black on white
- Avoid colored backgrounds
Damaged or distorted
- Ensure flat surface
- Check for wrinkles/tears
- Verify no glare from lighting
No quiet zone
- Add white space around QR code
- Minimum 4 modules on all sides
Format issues
- Use PNG or SVG (not JPEG)
- Check resolution (300 DPI for print)

Poor Scan Rate

If scans are lower than expected:

Test visibility
- Is QR code large enough?
- Good contrast with background?
- Proper lighting?
Add call-to-action
- "Scan for 20% off"
- "Scan to download app"
- Include phone icon + text
Placement
- Eye level preferred
- Easy to reach
- Good lighting
- No obstructions
Educate users
- Some users don't know how to scan
- Add brief instructions
- "Point camera at code to scan"

Scans But No Installs

If scans are high but installs are low:

Check attribution window
- May be too short
- Recommend 7-30 days for print
Improve landing page
- Clear value proposition
- Easy download process
- Fast loading
Platform-specific URLs
- Ensure iOS/Android URLs set
- Test on both platforms

Platform Comparison

LinkForty QR Codes

All tiers (Free, Pro, Self-hosted):

✅ Unlimited QR code generation
✅ All sizes and formats (PNG, SVG)
✅ Custom colors and branding
✅ Dynamic updates (change destination without reprinting)
✅ Full analytics and attribution

Other Platforms

Generic QR Code Generators:

Free tools: Static only (can't update after printing)
Dynamic services: Per-code fees or subscriptions

Enterprise Attribution Platforms:

Often a separate product or add-on
Typically limited to enterprise tiers
May have limited customization options

LinkForty Advantage: ✅ Included in all tiers, unlimited, fully featured

Best Practices Summary

Size for scan distance: Larger QR codes for farther viewing
Use SVG for print: Scalable, professional quality
High contrast: Black on white works best
Test before printing: Multiple devices, actual conditions
Include call-to-action: Tell users why to scan
Add quiet zone: White space around all edges
Use dynamic codes: Update destination without reprinting
Track with UTM: Know which placements perform best
Set appropriate attribution window: 7-30 days for print
Monitor analytics: Optimize based on scan data

Next Steps

📋 Create Links - Generate links for QR codes
📊 Analytics - Track QR code performance
🎯 UTM Parameters - Set up campaign tracking
🔧 API Reference - Automate QR generation

Examples

{
  "customCode": "menu",
  "originalUrl": "https://restaurant.com/menu",
  "iosUrl": "https://apps.apple.com/app/restaurant/id123",
  "androidUrl": "https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.restaurant",
  "utmParameters": {
    "utm_source": "table_tent",
    "utm_medium": "qr_code",
    "utm_campaign": "digital_menu"
  }
}

Generate 512px PNG, print on table tents. Track which tables drive most app downloads.

Product Packaging QR Code

{
  "customCode": "product-guide",
  "originalUrl": "https://example.com/setup-guide",
  "utmParameters": {
    "utm_source": "product_packaging",
    "utm_medium": "qr_code",
    "utm_campaign": "setup_assistance",
    "utm_content": "box_insert"
  }
}

Generate 256px SVG, print on instruction card. Track how many users scan for setup help.

Event Badge QR Code

{
  "customCode": "conference-2024",
  "originalUrl": "https://event.com/schedule",
  "utmParameters": {
    "utm_source": "conference_badge",
    "utm_medium": "qr_code",
    "utm_campaign": "conference_2024"
  },
  "expiresAt": "2024-06-30T23:59:59Z"
}

Generate 256px PNG, print on badges. Link expires after event ends.

Overview​

Why QR Codes?​

Offline-to-Online Attribution​

Use Cases​

Generating QR Codes​

Via Dashboard​

Via API​

Generate PNG QR Code​

Generate SVG QR Code​

With Custom Color​

Programmatic Generation​

JavaScript/TypeScript​

Python​

QR Code Best Practices​

Size Guidelines​

Print Quality​

Color Considerations​

Testing​

Dynamic QR Codes​

What Makes Them Dynamic?​

Updating Destination​

Attribution Tracking​

How It Works​

Analytics​

UTM Parameters​

Advanced Techniques​

Branded QR Codes​

Custom URL Schemes​

Location-Specific QR Codes​

Expiring QR Codes​

Troubleshooting​

QR Code Won't Scan​

Poor Scan Rate​

Scans But No Installs​

Platform Comparison​

LinkForty QR Codes​

Other Platforms​

Best Practices Summary​

Next Steps​

Examples​

Restaurant Menu QR Code​

Product Packaging QR Code​

Event Badge QR Code​