Sharing Using QR Codes

Bridge the Physical and Digital—Instant Access with a Scan #

QR codes transform any physical surface into a gateway to your digital form. Whether you’re at a trade show, conference, retail store, or networking event, QR codes enable instant access to your FORMEPIC forms without requiring anyone to type a long URL. Simply scan with a smartphone camera, and your form opens immediately—no app downloads, no typing, no friction. Perfect for bridging offline environments with online data collection.

FORMEPIC automatically generates high-resolution QR codes for every form you create. These scannable codes work with all modern smartphone cameras (iOS and Android) and can be downloaded, printed, and distributed across countless physical touchpoints. From business cards to billboards, product packaging to presentation slides, QR codes make your forms accessible anywhere your audience gathers in person.

The benefit? You expand your form’s reach beyond the digital realm into physical spaces where your audience naturally congregates. QR codes eliminate the barrier of manual URL entry, increase response rates at in-person events, and create measurable connections between offline marketing and online data collection. Plus, you can track exactly how many people engage with your form through each physical distribution point.

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Generating QR Codes for Forms #

How FORMEPIC Creates QR Codes #

FORMEPIC automatically generates a QR code for every published form. This QR code encodes your form’s unique URL, so when someone scans it with their smartphone camera, they’re instantly directed to your live form.

How It Works:

1. You publish your form in FORMEPIC (requires submit button or payment field)
2. FORMEPIC generates a QR code linked to your form URL
3. You download the QR code image (high-resolution PNG)
4. You print or display the QR code anywhere
5. Users scan with their phone camera and are directed to your form

QR Code Features:

• High resolution – 300 DPI, suitable for professional printing
• Always up to date – Reflects your current form, even if you edit it
• Universal compatibility – Works with iOS, Android, and all modern camera apps
• No expiration – QR code remains active as long as your form exists

Accessing QR Code Generation #

Desktop:

1. Open your form in the Form Builder
2. Click the Publish button (globe/world icon) in the top right corner
3. In the Publish panel, select the QR Code tab (third tab)
4. Your QR code displays immediately

Mobile:

1. Open your form in the Form Builder
2. Switch to Preview mode using the Chat/Preview toggle
3. Tap the Publish button in the bottom-right corner
4. Navigate to the QR Code section

QR Code Panel:
When you open the QR Code tab, you’ll see:

• A preview of your QR code (live, scannable from screen)
• A Download QR Code button
• Usage ideas and best practices
• Information about sizing and placement

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Downloading QR Codes (High Resolution) #

How to Download Your QR Code #

Step-by-Step:

1. Click Publish button in the Form Builder
2. Navigate to the QR Code tab
3. Click the Download QR Code button (download icon)
4. Your QR code downloads as a PNG file
5. The filename follows the format: formepic-qr-{form-id}.png

Download Specifications:

• Format: PNG (transparent background option available)
• Resolution: 300 DPI (high quality for print)
• Dimensions: 1000×1000 pixels (scalable without quality loss)
• File size: Approximately 10-20 KB
• Color: Black QR code on white background (customizable in design software)

What to Do With the Downloaded QR Code #

Immediate Uses:

• Insert into flyers, posters, or brochures
• Add to business cards
• Include in PowerPoint/Google Slides presentations
• Print on stickers or labels
• Add to product packaging
• Display on digital screens at events

Design Software Integration:
Import the PNG file into:

• Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator
• Canva
• Microsoft Publisher
• InDesign
• Any graphic design tool

You can then:

• Change the background color
• Add borders or frames
• Overlay your brand logo (center of QR code can usually accommodate small logos)
• Add call-to-action text (“Scan to Register”, “Scan for Special Offer”)
• Resize to fit your layout (maintain aspect ratio)

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Usage Ideas (Print Materials, Events, Presentations, Packaging) #

Print Materials #

Business Cards:

• Place QR code on the back of your business card
• Add text: “Scan to Connect” or “Scan to Schedule a Meeting”
• Links to contact form or scheduling form
• Professional networking made instant

Flyers and Posters:

• Large QR code in bottom corner or center
• “Scan to Register”, “Scan to Learn More”, “Scan for Details”
• Perfect for event promotions, community announcements, local advertising
• Include visual instructions for older audiences (“Point your camera here”)

Brochures and Catalogs:

• QR code next to product descriptions
• “Scan to Order” or “Scan for More Information”
• Links to order forms, feedback forms, or detailed product surveys
• Tracks interest by product/page

Direct Mail:

• Include QR code in postcards or letters
• “Scan to Claim Your Offer” or “Scan to RSVP”
• Bridges physical mail with digital response collection
• Higher response rates than typing URLs

Table Tents and Standees:

• Restaurant table tents: “Scan to Order” or “Scan for Feedback”
• Retail standees: “Scan to Join Our Loyalty Program”
• Hotel room cards: “Scan to Request Service”
• Bank branches: “Scan to Open an Account”

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Events #

Trade Shows and Conferences:

• Large QR code on booth displays
• “Scan to Enter Our Giveaway” or “Scan for Product Demo”
• Collect lead information without manual data entry
• Instant digital follow-up

Networking Events:

• QR codes on name badges
• Attendees scan to share contact information
• Links to networking or connection request forms
• Eliminates business card exchange

Workshops and Seminars:

• Display QR code on presentation slides
• “Scan to Access Resources” or “Scan for Certificate”
• Collect feedback or survey responses
• Share downloadable materials via form thank-you page

Fundraising Events:

• “Scan to Donate” QR codes on signage
• Links to donation forms with payment processing
• Easy for attendees to contribute on the spot
• Track donations by event location

Pop-Up Shops and Outdoor Markets:

• QR code on vendor signs
• “Scan to Shop Online” or “Scan to Join Our Newsletter”
• Extends customer engagement beyond the event
• Collects emails for future marketing

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Presentations #

PowerPoint and Keynote Slides:

• Add QR code to slides for audience participation
• Scan to Take Our Poll” or “Scan to Ask Questions
• Real-time feedback during presentations
• Encourages engagement without disrupting flow

Educational Lectures:

• Scan to Access Lecture Notes” or “Scan for Quiz”
• Links to survey forms, quiz forms, or resource request forms
• Students engage immediately
• Track attendance or comprehension

Webinar Follow-Ups:

• Display QR code at the end of webinars
• “Scan for Additional Resources” or “Scan to Schedule a Call”
• Converts webinar attendees into leads
• Seamless transition from presentation to action

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Packaging #

Product Packaging:

• QR code on product boxes or labels
• “Scan for Instructions” or “Scan to Register Your Product”
• Links to warranty registration, feedback forms, or support requests
• Enhances customer experience post-purchase

Food and Beverage Packaging:

• “Scan for Nutritional Info” or “Scan to Leave a Review”
• Links to feedback forms or loyalty program signups
• Builds customer database from product purchases

Shipping Labels and Inserts:

• QR code on packing slips or thank-you cards
• “Scan to Review Your Purchase” or “Scan for 10% Off Next Order”
• Links to review collection forms or discount request forms
• Drives repeat business

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Retail and Physical Locations #

Store Windows and Signage:

• Large QR code visible from outside
• “Scan to Shop After Hours” or “Scan for Store Hours”
• Links to inquiry forms or product catalogs
• Engages customers even when closed

Point-of-Sale Displays:

• QR code at checkout counters
• “Scan to Join Our Rewards Program” or “Scan for Receipt”
• Collects customer emails for marketing
• Paperless receipts via form submissions

Restaurant Menus:

• QR code for digital menus (during COVID or for convenience)
• “Scan to Order” or “Scan for Allergy Information”
• Links to order forms or dietary preference forms
• Reduces physical menu handling

Hotel Rooms and Services:

• QR code on nightstands or bathroom mirrors
• “Scan to Request Housekeeping” or “Scan for Room Service”
• Links to service request forms
• Improves guest experience with instant service access

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QR Code Best Practices (Sizing, Contrast, Testing) #

Sizing Guidelines #

Minimum Size:

• Print: 2 cm x 2 cm (0.8 inches x 0.8 inches) for close-range scanning
• Digital displays: 200 x 200 pixels minimum
• General rule: The farther away the scanner, the larger the QR code should be

Recommended Sizes by Use Case:

Use Case	Recommended Size
Business cards	2 cm x 2 cm (0.8″ x 0.8″)
Flyers and brochures	3-5 cm x 3-5 cm (1.2″-2″ x 1.2″-2″)
Posters (viewed from 1-2 meters)	5-10 cm x 5-10 cm (2″-4″ x 2″-4″)
Banners and billboards	20-50 cm x 20-50 cm (8″-20″ x 8″-20″)
Product packaging	2-4 cm x 2-4 cm (0.8″-1.6″ x 0.8″-1.6″)
Presentation slides	5-8 cm x 5-8 cm (2″-3″ x 2″-3″) on screen
Table tents	4-6 cm x 4-6 cm (1.6″-2.4″ x 1.6″-2.4″)

Formula for Distance:
QR code size (cm) = Scanning distance (cm) ÷ 10

Example: If users scan from 1 meter (100 cm) away, QR code should be at least 10 cm x 10 cm.

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Contrast Requirements #

Color Contrast:

• Dark QR code on light background – Standard and most reliable
• Light QR code on dark background – Works but less compatible with older phones
• High contrast is critical – Minimum contrast ratio of 4:1 (ideally 7:1 or higher)

Best Color Combinations:

• ✅ Black on white (highest reliability)
• ✅ Dark blue on light gray
• ✅ Dark green on white
• ⚠️ Red on white (some cameras struggle with red)
• ❌ Yellow on white (insufficient contrast)
• ❌ Light gray on white (will not scan)

Background Considerations:

• Avoid busy or patterned backgrounds
• Use solid colors only
• Ensure sufficient “quiet zone” (white border) around QR code
• Minimum quiet zone: 4 modules (squares) on all sides

Print Quality:

• Use high-resolution printers (minimum 300 DPI)
• Avoid glossy finishes that cause glare
• Matte or semi-gloss finishes work best
• Test printed QR codes under different lighting conditions

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Testing Your QR Codes #

Before Distribution:
Always test your QR code before mass printing or public display.

Testing Checklist:

1. Scan with multiple devices:

• iPhone (iOS 11 or later uses native camera)
• Android phone (most Android cameras scan QR natively)
• Older devices (may require QR scanner app)

1. Test different scanning distances:

• Close-up (10-20 cm)
• Medium range (50-100 cm)
• Far range (if applicable to your use case)

1. Test different lighting conditions:

• Bright indoor lighting
• Outdoor sunlight
• Low light (evening or dimly lit spaces)
• Avoid reflective surfaces that cause glare

1. Test different angles:

• Straight on (90-degree angle)
• Slight angles (30-45 degrees)
• Some phones scan better at angles than others

1. Verify destination:

• Ensure the QR code opens your form URL
• Confirm the form loads correctly
• Test form submission end-to-end

Common Testing Mistakes to Avoid:

• Testing only on your own phone (test on various devices)
• Testing only indoors (test outdoor conditions too)
• Assuming printed version works the same as screen version
• Not testing after resizing or editing the QR code image

Test Print Run:
Before printing thousands of copies:

1. Print 5-10 test copies
2. Distribute to team members with different phones
3. Ask them to scan and provide feedback
4. Adjust size, placement, or contrast if needed
5. Only then proceed with full print run

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Tips & Tricks #

Add a Logo in the Center:
QR codes have error correction built in, meaning you can place a small logo (up to 30% of QR code area) in the center without breaking functionality. Use design software to overlay your brand logo.

Use Call-to-Action Text:
Always add text near the QR code to tell people what happens when they scan:

• “Scan to Register”
• “Scan for Special Offer”
• “Scan to Connect”
• “Scan for More Info”

Create Short URLs for Manual Entry:
Some people may not be able to scan QR codes (device limitations, accessibility). Always provide a short URL alternative underneath:

Scan to register →  [QR Code]
Or visit: formepic.app/abc123

Track QR Code Performance:
Add tracking parameters to your form URL when generating QR codes for different locations:

• Event A: formepic.app/form/abc123?source=event-a
• Event B: formepic.app/form/abc123?source=event-b

You can then analyze which physical location drove the most responses.

Test at Scale:
If printing large QR codes for billboards or banners, print a small test version first, scale it up to actual size, and test scanning from the expected viewing distance.

Consider Accessibility:
Not everyone can scan QR codes (visual impairments, older phones without cameras). Always provide alternative access methods (short URLs, text-based contact info).

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Important Notes #

QR Code is Permanent:
As long as your form exists in FORMEPIC, the QR code will work. If you delete your form, the QR code becomes non-functional.

No Editing Required:
If you edit your form (change questions, design, etc.), the QR code continues to work without needing to be regenerated or redistributed.

Works Offline:
QR codes can be scanned offline, but the form itself requires an internet connection to load and submit.

Privacy Considerations:
QR codes are public by default—anyone who scans the code can access your form. If you need to restrict access, enable password protection in your form settings.

Print Quality Matters:
Low-quality printing can cause QR codes to become unscannable. Always use professional printing services for important materials.

No Expiration:
Unlike some QR code services that expire after a time period, FORMEPIC QR codes remain active indefinitely (as long as your form exists).

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Common Issues & Troubleshooting #

“QR code won’t scan on some phones” #

Cause: Low contrast, small size, or poor print quality.

Solution:

1. Increase the size of the QR code (minimum 2 cm x 2 cm)
2. Ensure high contrast (black on white is most reliable)
3. Test with multiple devices before mass distribution
4. Reprint with higher DPI (300 DPI minimum)
5. Avoid glossy surfaces that cause glare

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“QR code leads to a 404 error” #

Cause: Form may have been deleted or URL is incorrect.

Solution:

1. Verify your form still exists in the Forms dashboard
2. Re-download the QR code from the Publish panel
3. Do not manually edit or regenerate QR codes using third-party tools
4. Test the QR code by scanning with your own phone before distribution

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“QR code is pixelated when printed” #

Cause: Image resolution is too low or was enlarged beyond its original dimensions.

Solution:

1. Download the QR code again from FORMEPIC (high-resolution PNG)
2. Do not enlarge the QR code beyond 200% in design software
3. If you need a larger QR code, use vector-based QR generators or recreate at desired size
4. Ensure your printer settings are set to “High Quality” or “Best”

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“People don’t know how to scan QR codes” #

Cause: Some audiences are unfamiliar with QR technology.

Solution:

1. Add visual instructions: “Open camera app and point at code”
2. Provide an alternative short URL below the QR code
3. Have staff or volunteers available to assist at events
4. Include screenshots of the scanning process on instructional materials

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“QR code on screen won’t scan” #

Cause: Screen glare, low brightness, or small display size.

Solution:

1. Increase screen brightness to maximum
2. Display QR code in full-screen mode
3. Avoid reflective environments
4. For presentations, use a larger QR code size
5. Consider printing physical QR codes for better reliability

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“Can I use the same QR code for multiple forms?” #

Cause: Misunderstanding of how QR codes work.

Solution:
No. Each QR code is unique to one form URL. If you want to link to a different form, you need to download that form’s specific QR code from its Publish panel.

However, you can link one QR code to a form that uses conditional logic to redirect users to different forms based on their input.

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“QR code works but form doesn’t display correctly on mobile” #

Cause: Form may not be optimized for mobile devices.

Solution:

1. Test your form on mobile devices using Preview mode in the builder
2. Ensure all fields and buttons are large enough for touch input
3. Check that images and text scale properly
4. Use FORMEPIC’s responsive design features to optimize for mobile
5. Test the form submission end-to-end on mobile before distributing QR codes

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“How do I track how many people scanned my QR code?” #

Cause: FORMEPIC doesn’t track QR code scans, only form submissions.

Solution:
You can infer scan counts by looking at form views vs. submissions:

1. Go to Analytics in your FORMEPIC dashboard
2. View Total Views (includes QR code scans that load the form)
3. Compare to Total Submissions (completed responses)
4. The difference shows how many people scanned but didn’t submit

For more granular tracking, use URL parameters:
formepic.app/form/abc123?source=qr-tradeshow
Then filter analytics by source parameter.

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“Can I change the QR code design or add a logo?” #

Cause: You want to customize the QR code appearance.

Solution:
FORMEPIC provides a standard black-and-white QR code. To customize:

1. Download the QR code PNG from FORMEPIC
2. Open in design software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Canva)
3. Add a logo in the center (max 30% of QR code area)
4. Change colors (maintain high contrast)
5. Add borders, frames, or call-to-action text around the QR code

⚠️ Test after customization – modifying the QR code can break functionality if contrast is reduced or the code is obscured.

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“QR code doesn’t work after I edited it in Photoshop” #

Cause: Over-editing or saving with low quality reduced the QR code’s scannability.

Solution:

1. Re-download the original QR code from FORMEPIC
2. When editing, avoid:

• Reducing image resolution
• Adding filters or effects that reduce contrast
• Covering more than 30% of the code with logos/graphics
• Saving as JPEG with high compression (use PNG)

1. Always test the edited QR code before distribution
2. If unsure, use the unedited version from FORMEPIC