How to Add Text to a QR Code?
Sally Wright
Jun 12, 2023
A text QR code lets you share written information with a quick scan. Instead of sending someone to a website, the QR code can contain the text itself, allowing the information to appear directly on their phone after scanning.
This makes text QR codes useful for short instructions, contact information, event details, product information, promotional messages, and other situations where you want to share a small amount of information without requiring a web page.
With a free QR code generator such as QR Codes Unlimited, you can create a customized QR code and use it on both printed and digital materials.
In this guide, you'll learn what a text QR code is, how to create one, how it differs from a dynamic QR code, and some practical ways to use it.
What Is a Text QR Code?
A text QR code is a QR code that stores plain text as its encoded information. When someone scans it with a compatible smartphone or QR code reader, the encoded text can be displayed without requiring them to type it manually.
For example, you could create a QR code containing:
“Event check-in starts at 6:00 PM. Please have your confirmation number ready.”
Instead of printing that entire message on a small sign, you can place it behind a QR code and let visitors scan it when they need the information.
Text QR codes are particularly useful when the information is short and doesn't need to be hosted on a website.
How Does a Text QR Code Work?
When you create a text QR code, the information is converted into a pattern of black and white modules that a QR scanner can recognize.
After scanning, the reader decodes that pattern and interprets the information stored inside it.
One important distinction is that a text QR code can store the text directly. This differs from a URL QR code, which contains a web address that takes the scanner to an online page.
Because the text can be encoded directly into the QR code, a basic text QR code doesn't necessarily need an internet connection to reveal the stored information. However, scanning behavior can vary between devices and QR reader applications, so it's always a good idea to test your code before using it.
Text QR Codes vs. Dynamic QR Codes
Not every QR code works the same way.
A static text QR code stores its information directly in the code. Once you create and print it, the encoded information cannot normally be changed. If the text needs to be replaced, you generally need to create and print a new QR code.
Dynamic QR codes work differently. They can point to editable online content, allowing you to change where the QR code leads without replacing the printed code.
Dynamic QR codes can also provide scan tracking and other analytics, depending on the QR code platform you use. This makes static text QR codes a good option for permanent information, while dynamic QR codes are better suited to campaigns and content that may change over time.
How to Create a Text QR Code With QR Codes Unlimited
Creating a QR code for text doesn't have to be complicated. With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create and customize QR codes for different types of content.
Here's how to get started.
Step 1: Open QR Codes Unlimited
Open your browser and go to QR Codes Unlimited. From there, access the QR code generator and select the appropriate content option for the information you want to share.
The generator can be used from a desktop or mobile device, so you can create your QR code from whichever device is most convenient.
Step 2: Enter Your Text
Enter or paste the text you want to encode into the available field.
Keep your message focused. A text QR code can contain more information than a short URL, but adding too much text can make the QR code denser and potentially more difficult to scan.
For example, a short instruction, contact detail, event message, or promotional code may work well.
Before continuing, check the text for spelling mistakes and make sure you've included all of the information your audience needs.
Step 3: Customize Your QR Code
Once you've entered your content, customize the appearance of your QR code if needed.
You can adjust available design elements such as colors, patterns, borders, text, and logos to better match your branding or the material where you'll use the code.
Don't let the design interfere with scanning, though. The QR code should have enough contrast and a clear area around it so smartphone cameras can recognize the pattern easily.
Step 4: Download Your QR Code
After customizing the code, download it in the format that works best for your intended use.
If you're adding the QR code to a printed business card, flyer, poster, label, or sign, make sure the downloaded image is large and clear enough for printing.
For digital materials, check how the QR code appears on the screen before publishing it.
Step 5: Test It Before Sharing
Always scan the finished QR code before distributing it.
Test it using more than one smartphone when possible. Check that the correct text appears and that the code can be scanned from the distance at which your audience will encounter it.
Testing is especially important when you're using a customized QR code or placing it inside a larger graphic.
Text QR Code Examples and Use Cases
Text QR codes can be used in many situations where you need to provide short pieces of information quickly.
Event Instructions
Add a QR code to event signage with information such as check-in instructions, opening times, or reminders for attendees.
This can be helpful when the same information needs to be available at several locations around a venue.
Business Cards
A text QR code can provide additional contact information without overcrowding the front of a business card.
You could use it for a phone number, email address, job title, or a short professional introduction. If you want people to save your complete contact information, however, a vCard QR code may be a better choice.
Product Packaging
Manufacturers and retailers can use QR codes to provide short product instructions, care information, or important reminders.
A printed QR code can give customers access to information without requiring a large amount of text on the packaging itself.
Signs and Displays
Museums, schools, offices, stores, and other organizations can place text QR codes on signs to provide additional information.
For example, a display could include a QR code containing a short description, instruction, or reminder.
Promotions
Businesses can use QR codes to share short promotional messages or coupon codes. For campaigns that need to be updated regularly or tracked, a dynamic QR code may be more suitable.
Best Practices for Text QR Codes
A QR code is only useful if people can scan it successfully. Keep these practices in mind when creating yours.
- Keep the message concise. Shorter text usually produces a less dense QR code that is easier to scan.
- Use sufficient contrast. Make sure the QR code stands out clearly from its background.
- Leave space around the code. Don't place text, images, or other design elements directly against the QR code.
- Choose an appropriate size. A code displayed on a large poster can be larger than one printed on a business card. Test the actual printed version before distributing it.
- Don't rely on appearance alone. A highly customized QR code may look attractive but still needs to work reliably. Always scan the final design.
- Give people a reason to scan. Add a short instruction such as “Scan for event details” or “Scan for product instructions” so users know what to expect.
Do Text QR Codes Need Internet Access?
A QR code that stores plain text directly can generally display that information without opening a website.
This is one of the main differences between a text QR code and a QR code that points to online content. A URL QR code needs to access the linked webpage, while directly encoded text can be read from the QR code itself.
If your goal is to share information that doesn't need to change, a static text QR code can be a simple solution.
If the information needs to be updated later, consider using a dynamic QR code instead.
How Much Text Can a QR Code Hold?
QR codes have a limited data capacity, and the amount of text they can store depends on factors such as the QR code version, character type, and error correction level.
Although it is possible to encode a relatively large amount of text, that doesn't mean you should fill the QR code with a long message. More data can create a denser QR pattern, which may make scanning more difficult, especially when the code is printed at a small size.
For longer content, linking to an online page with a dynamic QR code may provide a better experience.
Can You Edit a Text QR Code After Printing?
A static text QR code cannot normally be edited after it has been printed because the information is encoded directly into the QR pattern.
If you expect your information to change, use a dynamic QR code instead. With a dynamic QR code, you can update the linked content without needing to replace the physical QR code.
This can be particularly useful for marketing campaigns, printed materials, signage, and other assets that remain in circulation for months or years.
Conclusion
Text QR codes provide a simple way to share short pieces of information without making people type it manually. They're useful for everything from event instructions and product information to business materials and promotional messages.
If the information is permanent, a static text QR code may be all you need. If you want to update the content or monitor scans over time, a dynamic QR code can give you more flexibility.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create, customize, and use QR codes for a wide range of personal and business applications. Start creating your QR code and find the format that best fits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a text QR code?
A text QR code stores plain text directly in the QR code. When scanned, the encoded information can be displayed on a compatible device.
How do I create a QR code with text?
Use a QR code generator such as QR Codes Unlimited, enter the text you want to share, customize the design if needed, and download the finished QR code.
Can I create a text QR code for free?
Yes. QR Codes Unlimited provides a free way to create QR codes and offers customization options for different uses.
Can I edit a text QR code after printing?
A static text QR code cannot normally be edited after printing. If you need to change the information later, a dynamic QR code is a better option.
Can I track scans of a text QR code?
Tracking depends on how the QR code is created. Dynamic QR codes can provide scan tracking and analytics, making them useful for monitoring marketing campaigns and measuring engagement.
