QR codes — or "Quick Response" codes — are square-shaped barcodes that can be scanned by mobile devices. They are used for a variety of applications, from pulling up a restaurant menu to directing people to a podcast.
QR codes can also be used in wedding invitations to direct guests to the wedding website, where they can RSVP and find information on the venue, hotel options, and the registry.
Creating a QR code is a relatively straightforward process, and it can be done on a computer as well as your Android or iOS device. Here's how it's done.
Use QR Code Generator
There are many QR code generators to choose from. Here's a step-by-step guide using a website called QR Code Generator.
1. On any web browser, go to the QR Code Generator website.
2. Enter the URL of the website you want the QR code to send people to. Alternatively, you can also enter text or upload a file (perhaps to a flyer you designed or to a restaurant menu).
3. When you're finished, click Download to save your custom QR code.
4. A pop-up will appear asking you to create a free account, but you don't have to create an account. Just wait for the QR code to finish generating and it will appear in your downloads as an image.
Try the Google Chrome app
You can use the Google Chrome app on your Android or iOS device to create a QR code.
On Android
1. Open the Google Chrome app on your Android device and navigate to the website you want to create a QR code for.
2. Tap the more icon – the three vertical dots – in the top right corner.
3. Tap Share in the drop-down menu.
4. Tap QR Code.
5. Beneath the QR code on the next screen, tap Download to save the QR code to your device.
6. Once downloaded, you can then send the QR code to others via text, email, messaging app, etc.
On iOS
1. Open the Google Chrome app on your iPhone or iPad and navigate to the website you want to create a QR code for.
2. In the top-right corner next to the address bar, tap the Share symbol, which looks like a square with an arrow pointing upward.
3. Scroll down and tap Create a QR Code.
4. Tap Share.
5. Choose how you want to share the QR code (via text, email, messaging app, etc.)