50 QR code ideas: where to use QR codes

A QR code is a shortcut from paper to phone: one scan opens a page, joins a Wi-Fi network, saves a contact or starts a message. Below are 50 ideas that work well in practice. Most take a minute to make. Codes for many items (labels, tables, guests) can be made all at once from a spreadsheet with the bulk generator.

At home

1. Guest Wi-Fi on the fridge: friends join without asking for the password. Wi-Fi QR code
2. Manuals on appliances: a small sticker on the washing machine or boiler that opens its manual online. Link QR code
3. Moving and storage boxes: list the box contents in the code and print the box number underneath, so you know what’s inside without opening it. Bulk QR codes
4. Lost-and-found tags on keys, bags, kids’ things or pet collars that call or text you. Phone QR code
5. Emergency info card in the wallet with contacts and allergies as plain text. Text QR code
6. Recipe cards linking to the video or the full recipe. Link QR code
7. Plant labels in the garden linking to care instructions. Link QR code

Restaurants, cafés and bars

More in the full guide: QR codes for restaurants.

8. Menu on every table, linking to your online menu or a PDF. Link QR code
9. Wi-Fi table tents so staff don’t have to read out the password. Wi-Fi QR code
10. “Leave us a review” by the till or on the receipt, linking straight to your Google review form. Link QR code
11. Call the waiter / table service: one code per table that sends “Table 4 needs help”. SMS QR code
12. Allergen information per dish, kept up to date on one web page. Link QR code
13. Table bookings via WhatsApp on the door or takeaway bags. WhatsApp QR code
14. Loyalty or newsletter sign-up on coffee cups and napkins. Link QR code

Shops and small businesses

15. Business cards that save your details in one scan. Contact card QR code
16. Product pages and manuals on packaging or shelf labels. Link QR code
17. Follow us on Instagram/Facebook at the counter. Link QR code
18. Order by WhatsApp from a printed catalogue: one code per product with its name in the message. WhatsApp QR code
19. Opening hours and directions on the shop window. Location QR code
20. Call us on vans and vehicles. Phone QR code
21. Returns and warranty information printed on the receipt. Link QR code
22. Product barcodes for your own items. EAN-13 barcodes

Offices and workplaces

23. Visitor Wi-Fi at reception and in meeting rooms. Wi-Fi QR code
24. Asset tags on laptops, monitors and furniture. Asset tag generator
25. Report a problem stickers on printers and coffee machines that open an email with the device number filled in. Email QR code
26. Meeting room booking links next to each door. Link QR code
27. Team business cards for everyone at once from the staff list. Contact card QR code
28. Archive boxes and binders labelled with what’s inside. Bulk QR codes

Events, weddings and parties

More in the full guide: QR codes for weddings.

29. Save-the-date that adds the event to the guest’s calendar. Calendar QR code
30. Venue and parking directions on invitations. Location QR code
31. RSVP form link on the invitation. Link QR code
32. Shared photo album on every table so guests upload their photos. Link QR code
33. Name badges with each guest’s contact details for networking events. Contact card QR code
34. Programme and schedule on posters and tickets. Link QR code
35. Feedback form at the exit, tagged per session to see which one people liked. Link QR code

Schools, libraries and training

36. Answer keys and help videos on worksheets. Link QR code
37. Classroom equipment labels with numbers. Asset tags
38. Scavenger hunts where each code holds the next clue as text. Text QR code
39. Library book labels and shelf signs. Code 128 barcodes
40. Parent information: timetables and forms linked from the notice board. Link QR code
41. Course schedules that add every session to the calendar. Calendar QR code

Warehouses, workshops and maintenance

42. Shelf and bin location labels printed on label sheets. Bulk generator
43. Machine manuals and safety sheets on each machine. Link QR code
44. Maintenance log forms that open with the machine number. Link QR code
45. Service hotline stickers on installed equipment. Phone QR code
46. Shipping and carton labels. Code 128 or ITF-14/EAN

Rentals, tourism and real estate

47. Holiday rental welcome sheet: Wi-Fi, house manual and check-out instructions. Wi-Fi QR code
48. “For sale” signs linking to the listing or virtual tour. Link QR code
49. Museum and trail signs with more information or an audio guide. Link QR code
50. Local tips map for guests: favourite restaurants and sights. Location QR code

Five tips before you print

• Test-scan a printed sample with two different phones.
• Tell people what they get: “Scan for the menu” works better than a bare code. The description option prints that text under the code.
• Use strong contrast: a dark code on a light background, with a white margin around it.
• Link to a page you control if the content may change, because a printed code can’t be edited.
• Track results with UTM tags (in the generator options) to see which placements get scanned.