How to Make a QR Code with Text?
Sally Wright
Jun 12, 2023
A plain text QR code is one of the simplest ways to share written information with a quick scan. Instead of sending someone to a website, it can display a message, instructions, product information, or another piece of text directly on their phone.
You don't need complicated software to create one. A QR code generator can turn your text into a scannable code in just a few steps.
Plain text QR codes are useful when the information is short and straightforward. They can be added to product packaging, signs, event materials, printed instructions, and other places where people need quick access to information.
What Is a Plain Text QR Code?
A plain text QR code stores written information that can be displayed when someone scans it. The text can be a short message, instructions, a reference number, contact information, or other useful details.
Unlike a URL QR code, a plain text QR code does not need to send the user to a website.
For example, a restaurant could use a plain text QR code to display:
“Today's special: Grilled chicken sandwich with fries — $12.”
A manufacturer could use one to provide a simple instruction:
“Store in a cool, dry place. Keep away from direct sunlight.”
The main advantage is convenience. Instead of typing or reading a long block of information from printed material, someone can scan the code and view the text on their phone.
Plain Text QR Code vs. URL QR Code
These two types of QR codes are easy to confuse, but they serve different purposes.
A plain text QR code displays text after it is scanned. It is useful when you only need to provide a small amount of written information.
A URL QR code opens a webpage. For example, a business could use one to send customers to its website, online menu, product page, or social media profile.
If the information you want to share is short and does not require a webpage, plain text can be a better fit. If you need to provide detailed information, images, videos, forms, or other online content, a URL or another QR code type may be more appropriate.
Can a Plain Text QR Code Be Dynamic?
Yes, but it is important to understand the difference between the content type and the QR code type.
“Plain text” describes the information you want people to receive. “Dynamic” describes how the QR code can be managed after it has been created.
A static QR code generally stores its information directly in the code. Once it has been printed, changing the information usually means creating and printing a new QR code.
A dynamic QR code can provide more flexibility because its content can be managed after the code has already been printed. This can be useful if you expect your information to change over time.
For example, a business might initially use a QR code to display one set of instructions and later update the content without replacing every printed copy.
How to Create a Plain Text QR Code
Creating a plain text QR code with QR Codes Unlimited only takes a few steps.
Step 1: Open QR Codes Unlimited
Open your browser and visit QR Codes Unlimited. You can use the QR code generator to create a code for your text without going through a complicated setup process.
Step 2: Enter Your Text
Choose the appropriate content option and enter the message you want to share.
Keep your message as concise as possible. Although QR codes can store more information, adding too much text can make the code more complex and may affect how easily it scans.
For example, instead of adding a full paragraph of instructions, consider shortening it to the most important information.
Step 3: Customize Your QR Code
Once your text is ready, customize the appearance of your QR code.
QR Codes Unlimited provides customization options that can help you adjust elements such as colors, borders, logos, and styles. You can use these options to make the QR code fit your branding or the material where it will appear.
Avoid making the design so complex that it becomes difficult to scan. Contrast between the QR code and its background is especially important.
Step 4: Download Your QR Code
When your QR code is ready, download it for use in your materials.
Depending on your account and available options, you may be able to choose a suitable file format for your intended use. Vector formats can be particularly useful for printed materials because they can be resized without losing quality.
Step 5: Add It to Your Materials
Place your QR code where people can easily see and scan it.
You can add a plain text QR code to packaging, posters, signage, printed instructions, event materials, displays, and other physical or digital content.
Always test the code before distributing your materials. Scan it with a phone to make sure the text appears correctly.
What Can You Put in a Plain Text QR Code?
Plain text QR codes work best for short information that people need to access quickly.
You can use them to share:
- Short instructions
- Product information
- Event details
- Room numbers
- Reference numbers
- Promotional messages
- Short customer service instructions
- Safety reminders
- Contact information
- Wi-Fi instructions
- Coupons or short promotional codes
For more complex information, another QR code type may be more appropriate. A PDF QR code can be useful for longer documents, while a vCard QR code is better for sharing contact information that users may want to save.
Plain Text QR Code Use Cases
Product Packaging
Add a plain text QR code to packaging to provide short product instructions, storage information, or care recommendations.
For example:
“Refrigerate after opening. Consume within 3 days.”
This keeps important information accessible without filling the package with additional printed text.
Events
Event organizers can use text QR codes to provide quick instructions, room numbers, schedules, or reminders.
A code near an event entrance could display:
“Registration: Room 204. Doors open at 6:30 PM.”
This can be especially useful when attendees need information while moving around a venue.
Restaurants
Restaurants can use plain text QR codes for short messages such as daily specials, ordering instructions, or dining reminders.
For example:
“Today's special: Seafood pasta — $15. Ask your server about available options.”
If you want customers to browse a complete menu, however, a URL or menu QR code would generally be more suitable.
Retail Stores
Retailers can use text QR codes to provide product details, promotional codes, or short purchasing instructions.
A display could include a QR code that reveals a simple message such as:
“Use code SAVE10 at checkout for 10% off.”
Customer Support
Businesses can add QR codes to products or printed materials to provide quick troubleshooting instructions.
For example:
“Restart the device and wait 30 seconds before reconnecting it.”
For detailed troubleshooting resources, a dynamic URL QR code linking to a support page may provide a better experience.
Signs and Printed Instructions
Plain text QR codes can also supplement signs, notices, and printed instructions. Instead of covering the sign with additional text, you can use a QR code to provide information that visitors can view on their phones.
Tips for Creating a Scannable Plain Text QR Code
Keep your text short whenever possible. More information can make a QR code denser and potentially harder to scan.
Use strong contrast between the QR code and its background, and avoid placing the code on visually complicated surfaces.
Leave enough space around the QR code so scanners can recognize its edges.
After creating the code, test it on multiple smartphones and at different distances. If it will be printed, test a physical copy rather than relying only on the digital version.
If the information may change later, consider using a dynamic QR code instead of a static one.
Why Use QR Codes Unlimited?
QR Codes Unlimited makes it easy to create and customize QR codes for different types of content, including text.
Its QR code tools can be useful when you want to create a code quickly, customize its appearance, and manage your QR code campaigns from one place. Dynamic QR codes can also provide additional flexibility when your content needs to change after printing.
For businesses, this can make QR codes more practical for packaging, marketing materials, signage, events, and customer communications.
Conclusion
Plain text QR codes provide a simple way to share written information without requiring users to type anything manually. A quick scan can display instructions, product information, event details, promotional messages, and other short pieces of content.
The key is to keep the text concise and make sure the finished QR code remains easy to scan. If your information is likely to change, a dynamic QR code can provide additional flexibility.
With QR Codes Unlimited, you can create and customize QR codes for free and use them across your printed and digital materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a plain text QR code?
A plain text QR code stores written information that appears when someone scans the code. Unlike a URL QR code, it does not need to open a webpage.
How much text can a plain text QR code contain?
QR codes can store a significant amount of text, but that does not mean you should use their maximum capacity. Keeping the message short generally makes the QR code easier to scan and the resulting information easier to read.
Can I edit a plain text QR code after printing it?
A static QR code generally cannot be changed after printing. If you need to update the information without replacing the printed code, a dynamic QR code can provide more flexibility.
What's the difference between a text QR code and a URL QR code?
A text QR code displays written information after scanning. A URL QR code sends the user to a webpage or online destination.
Can I create a plain text QR code for free?
Yes. QR Codes Unlimited lets you create QR codes for free, along with customization options for your code's appearance.
Are plain text QR codes compatible with smartphones?
Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes using their built-in camera or QR scanning features. Always test your code before publishing it to make sure it scans correctly.
