Best Practices for Designing QR Codes with Text

QR codes with text provide a convenient way to share detailed information without requiring the user to manually type out long URLs or instructions. Whether you're promoting a product, offering a discount, or providing event details, QR codes make this process seamless and accessible. 

By scanning the code, users are instantly connected to the content they need, streamlining their experience and reducing friction in the digital journey.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the best practices for designing QR codes with text to enhance user experience, improve scan rates, and ultimately ensure your text QR code delivers the intended message. 

When incorporating text into your QR code, simplicity is key. QR codes that display a long, convoluted block of text or instructions can overwhelm users. Instead, keep the message concise and easy to understand. 

For instance, if you’re linking to a promotional offer, a simple “Scan for 20% off!” is far more effective than a lengthy description. If you're using a URL, ensure that it's short and straightforward. 

A well-designed QR code should guide the user to take action. Ensure that the message within the code (or accompanying it) has a clear call-to-action (CTA) that tells users what to expect. For example, “Scan to unlock exclusive content” or “Scan to learn more” provides a sense of direction and encourages users to engage. 

The CTA should align with the goal of the QR code, whether that’s to promote a product, redirect to a website, or provide more details about an event. 

Not everyone will be able to scan a QR code right away. Therefore, it’s a good idea to offer an alternative to those who can’t access the code. For example, include a text URL or instructions for how to access the same content online. 

One of the most common mistakes when designing QR codes with text is overcrowding the code with unnecessary decorations or elements. A cluttered QR code can confuse scanning apps and lead to poor scan rates. 

Stick to a clean and simple design. Avoid including too much text or artwork inside the QR code itself. Make sure there’s a sufficient contrast between the QR code and the background to ensure maximum readability. 

When designing a QR code, you’ll want to ensure it’s scannable across different devices and from varying distances. If the QR code is too small, it may not be scannable, and if it's too large, it could become overwhelming for users. 

Pay attention to the placement and size of the text within the QR code itself. Make sure the code is large enough to be easily scanned but not so large that it detracts from the overall design. 

Incorporating your brand’s colors, logos, and fonts can help you create a QR code that feels more integrated with your brand identity. QR codes no longer need to be just black and white. You can customize their look to match the color palette of your campaign or business. 

However, while customization is great, always ensure the QR code remains scannable. Don’t sacrifice function for aesthetics—keeping the pattern readable should always come first. 

Before distributing your QR code, test it across a variety of devices and scanning apps. Even minor issues, like an incorrectly linked URL or illegible text, can negatively impact the user experience. 

Perform a test scan with different smartphones and scanning apps to confirm that the QR code works as expected and the text is readable. 

One of the significant advantages of dynamic QR codes (which can be edited even after creation) is the ability to track scans. Monitoring how often and where your QR code is being scanned gives you valuable insights into user engagement. 

For businesses and event organizers, tracking QR code scans can help adjust marketing strategies, analyze user behavior, and gather data about geographic or demographic engagement. 

One great way to reduce complexity is by using URL shorteners, which create concise, easy-to-scan URLs that fit better in your QR code. Services like Bitly or QR Codes Unlimited offer these options, allowing you to create shorter, cleaner codes with text. 

Designing QR codes with text can significantly enhance the user experience when done correctly. By following the best practices outlined above, you can ensure that your QR codes are simple, effective, and aligned with your goals. Whether you’re promoting a special offer, directing users to a website, or providing event details, a well-designed QR code can make all the difference in user engagement. 

Remember, a good QR code is not just about functionality—it’s about delivering a smooth, seamless experience for your users. So, make sure your design is clean, your message is clear, and your users know exactly what to expect when they scan your code. 

Start designing your own QR codes today with QR Codes Unlimited and apply these best practices to see better engagement!