QR Codes have become a powerful tool for businesses to connect with their audience. The number of consumers who scan a QR Code in the US alone is expected to grow by 16 million between 2022 and 2025.
But here’s the thing: how you display QR Codes can make all the difference when it comes to grabbing attention and boosting engagement.
QR Codes made without a thought usually go unnoticed, while creative QR Code displays can leave a lasting impression. You can make QR Codes more appealing by learning creative ways to display them. (while staying functional and interactive!).
In this article, we’ll dive into QR Code display ideas that are both innovative and practical.
From crafting interesting QR Codes in your ad campaigns to creative QR Code ideas for events and promotions, we’ll show you how to maximize their impact. Plus, we’ll cover essential tips on how to display QR Codes effectively.
Whether you’re looking for sleek QR Code design ideas or just brainstorming QR Code ideas for your business, this guide will help you take your QR Code displays to the next level.
Let’s get straight to it!
A. 12 Creative ways to display QR Codes
Finding the right way to display your QR Codes can make them more engaging and boost interactions.
A basic black-and-white QR Code might work, but adding a little creativity can attract more scans. Let’s look at some creative QR Code display ideas to inspire you.
1. Go for Interactive posters
Posters are a great way to grab attention, but when paired with a QR Code, they become even more effective.
Add a clear call-to-action (CTA) like “Scan to discover more” or “Unlock exclusive content.” To make it even better, design the poster with eye-catching elements that frame the QR Code.
For example, if it’s for a music event, use vibrant colors or music-themed visuals around the code. Maybe even go for a guitar logo or a jazz icon in the middle of the QR.
This not only makes your QR Code display stand out but also encourages people to engage with it.
2. Make product packaging actionable
Why stop at a simple logo when you can add a QR Code on your product packaging? You can link it to a how-to video, customer reviews, or a discount coupon.
This adds an interactive layer to your product and keeps customers coming back for more.
A box of cereal will have a creative QR Code display to take kids to fun games or activities. Or, skincare products can scan these QRs for tips and tutorials. It’s all about giving the audience something extra.
3. Table tents
Think of sitting at a restaurant, looking around for the menu, and seeing a neatly designed table tent that has a QR Code.
It has become quite a common sight in most restaurant chains these days. What happens is, that after scanning it, you are automatically taken to a digital menu or to a feedback form.
QR Codes on table tents are very handy and contemporary. You can also make them fun by using catchy phrases such as “Scan me for today’s special!” or “Know the chef’s secret!“
These QRs can also work as multi-function QR Codes. They can also be used for QR Code payments.
Did you know that the QR Code payments market was valued at USD 11.8 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 45.9 billion by 2032? This indicates substantial growth and increased adoption across industries.
4. Make custom stickers
Stickers are fun and versatile, making them perfect for QR Codes. You can create custom QR Code stickers and use them for event invitations or branding, or even promotions.
For example, you could hand out stickers at an event with the text “Scan to win a prize!” or place them on reusable water bottles for a trendy touch. (Tech-savvy and sustainable!)
This approach adds personality and makes your creative QR Code ideas hard to ignore.
5. Next-generation murals and wall installations
Let’s be real: every artist wants to make a lasting impression. Well, here’s the good news: you can turn your QR Code into a piece of art!
Murals and wall installations featuring cool QR Codes can be fantastic for cafes, museums, or other creative spaces.
Imagine a big, vibrant wall with a QR Code subtly integrated into the design. Visitors can scan it for more information about the artwork, the artist, or even hidden discounts.
This takes QR Code design ideas to a different level of creativity. Take a look at this example of a wall mural at a restaurant that takes visitors to a Spotify playlist they can enjoy.
6. Funky t-shirts and apparel
Why not wear your advertisement? You can print your QR Codes on t-shirts, hoodies, or caps and make them funky.
It’s a bold and fun way to promote your business or event. You can add a tagline like “Curious? Scan me! ” above the code to spark curiosity.
You can even go for “Scan to date me” to get matches. (I mean, who needs dating apps anymore, am I right?!)
This is particularly effective in promotional events, as attendees turn into mobile billboards for your brand.
Imagine someone scanning your shirt at a music festival and being redirected to exclusive event content or a freebie—instant interaction!
7. Window stickers
Your shopfront is a valuable asset, so make it work for you! You can use large, bold QR Code window decals to catch the attention of passersby.
A simple yet effective message like “Scan for 20% off!” or “Scan for today’s specials!” can draw in curious customers.
Window QR Codes are great for after-hours engagement. They allow people to interact with your brand even when your store is closed. They’re convenient, creative, and actionable.
8. Futuristic LED displays
This can be particularly effective if you are attending a trade show, event, or conference.
Digital screens allow you to feature several offers, messages, or interactive elements that can rotate dynamically.
This creative QR Code display is ideal for grabbing attention in crowded spaces where static displays might get overlooked.
9. Packaging inserts
If you want to leave a lasting impression on your customers, you should add a little something to the packaging of your products.
Including QR Codes on inserts like thank-you cards or discount coupons inside your product packaging can do wonders for your business.
A QR Code on a thank-you card could lead to a survey, or an exclusive discount, or a personalized “thank you” message from your team.
This small gesture goes a long way in building a deeper connection with your customers while keeping your brand top-of-mind.
10. Floor decals
Think outside the box—or in this case, below eye level! Floor decals featuring QR Codes are a clever way to attract attention in high-traffic areas.
The footfall that malls, airports, or even retail stores receive can benefit you. You can use footprints or arrows to guide people to the code, making it an interactive experience.
11. Do more with event badges
What if I tell you that you can turn your ordinary event badges into interactive tools? All you have to do is print QR Codes on them.
Attendees can scan a badge to share contact information, connect on social media, or access event schedules and details.
This eliminates the need to exchange business cards and adds a touch of tech-savviness to your event.
For networking events, you can even customize the display of the QR Code to take users directly to the attendee’s LinkedIn profile or even a landing page.
12. Level up your photo frames
Decorative photo frames are a chic way to show QR Codes in different settings. Whether it’s a desk in an office, a counter at a retail outlet, or even an exhibition booth, frames polish the looks of your QR Code displays.
For example, a boutique might use a very chic frame for a QR Code that links to their online store.
Or, a wedding planner might place framed QR Codes on tables so people can access photo galleries or RSVP forms.
In Summary:
All of the ideas presented above have the creativity to present your own personality in QR Code displays. It could be as simple as a sleek photo frame, or an interactive menu, or something really high-tech.
QR Codes add a playful twist that encourages engagement. These are some of the most interesting QR Code ideas for events or pop-up shops.
Using these creative QR Code ideas, you can elevate your marketing game and make QR Codes a key part of your branding strategy.
Be it a quirky T-shirt, a stunning LED display, or a smartly placed floor decal, these QR Codes can drive meaningful interactions with your audience.
You can make your QR Codes visually pleasing and blend them into their surroundings. People are going to stop, scan, and engage with them.
Whether you are using the table tents for utility, murals for wow factor, or stickers for versatility. Creative QR Codes display ideas are your secret to boost engagement.
B. Best Practices: How to effectively display QR Codes?
When it comes to QR Code displays, making them effective is important. You should keep three things in mind: visibility, usability, and user engagement.
Follow these simple tips to ensure your QR Codes perform well without a doubt:
1. Make the QR Code Noticeable
Your QR Code display should catch users’ attention instantly. That will make it more likely to get scanned.
Always try to use vibrant colors, bold designs, and creative frames to make your QR stand out.
Place the QR Code where people naturally look, such as at eye level or in high-traffic areas.
Pro Tip: Avoid hiding it among clutter or overwhelming visuals, as this can reduce its effectiveness. A well-placed, well-designed QR Code encourages more scans and engagement.
2. Add a clear Call-to-Action (CTA)
Never assume people will know what to do with your QR Code. A simple call-to-action can do a lot in pushing action.
CTAs like “Scan to win a prize,” “Discover more,” or “Unlock exclusive content” guide users on what to expect when they scan the code or, in some cases, what to actually do with the code.
Pro Tip: Attaching a short, compelling CTA will boost scans and make users understand what value they’ll be getting from the scan.
3. Make it accessible
Make sure your QR Code display is easy to scan. Avoid placing it too high or too low. Placing it at odd angles might cause users to struggle to scan or position their phones.
For instance, a QR Code on a window should be within arm’s reach, and one on a floor decal should have enough space around it for people to comfortably scan.
Remember, a smooth user experience encourages more interactions.
4. Test before displaying
Always test your QR Code ideas before making them public. Scan the code using different phones, operating systems, and apps to ensure it works smoothly.
Double-check the link to see if it leads to the intended content, and try to make the page mobile-friendly because most users will be scanning your QR from a smartphone.
Pro Tip: Nothing frustrates users more than a QR Code that doesn’t work—testing is your safety net against this.
5. Adapt to your audience and location
Your QR Code displays directly depend on your target audience and the environment.
For example, a colorful and playful QR Code might work well for a children’s brand. But you should go for a sleek minimalist design to appeal to a professional audience.
Similarly, a QR Code at an airport should technically link to travel tips or flight schedules, while one at a café should link to menus or take users to a loyalty program.
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C. What to keep in mind while printing QR Codes?
Printing QR Codes looks easy, but getting the details right is crucial. It is important to make sure that your QR Code display ideas are actually functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Here are some of the things you should consider while creating QR Code displays for print:
1. Size definitely matters (at least in the case of QR Codes)
For close-range scans, your QR Code can be small. But the question is How small can a QR Code be? Well, it should be at least 1 x 1 inch for it to get scanned easily.
However, if your audience will scan it from a distance, like a billboard or a poster, you need to go bigger.
A good rule of thumb: the farther the code is from the user, the larger it should be. This is critical for creative QR Code display ideas like wall art or murals where distance matters.
2. Maintain contrast and clarity
You should use dark colors on light backgrounds or vice versa. This makes it easier for the scanners to detect data patterns and give a smooth scanning experience.
Avoid using light-colored backgrounds with light-shade QRs because these will make the code difficult to read.
Interesting QR Codes with creative designs should not harm the readability of the code. A high-contrast clear design is essential for displays to be effective.
3. Choose the right materials
Don’t limit yourself to papers or stickers. For creative ways to display QR Codes, explore unique materials like wood, metal, glass, or even fabric.
You can laser-cut QR Codes to make them last longer. For example, a café menu printed on wood could feature a QR Code etched or engraved into the surface.
Just make sure the code remains scannable, as some materials can reflect light or distort the design. Always test the final product to avoid any surprises later!
4. High-quality resolution
Always print QR Codes in a high-resolution format. This is important if you want to avoid blurry or pixelated codes.
Use vector file formats like SVG or EPS, which maintain their quality no matter the size.
This makes your QR Code design ideas look sharp and professional, whether they’re printed on a small sticker or a large poster.
Scanova’s internal data shows that the global QR Code market is expected to grow by 20% annually, reaching around $3 billion by the end of 2025.
Now that you have learned everything you need to know about QR Code display ideas, let’s see how you can create awesome QR Codes for your use cases.
D. How to create QR Codes? Bring Your QR Code Display Ideas to Life!
Creating the QR Codes for your unique display ideas is easy and enjoyable, especially if you use Scanova. Here’s how you can get started:
1. Go to Scanova.
2. Next. select your QR Code category. Decide what you want your QR Code to link to—a website, image, video, or something interactive. Scanova offers several options, so pick the one that fits your use case.
3. Once decided, add your details. For example, if you are creating a Website URL QR Code, paste your URL and click “Continue.”
4. Then, give a memorable name to the QR Code so that it’s easy to manage, and click on the “Create QR Code” button.
5. You can preview your QR Code on the page that loads, but here is the fun part. Click “Edit Design” to make your QR Code eye-catchy.
Here’s what you can do:
- Add a logo: You can add your business or event logo in the center of the QR.
- Use other colors and patterns: You can match the QR with the colors and patterns of your branding or the theme of your event.
- Try Transparency: You can even make the background transparent so that it blends well with your designs.
- Experiment with different shapes: Try interesting shapes, rounded corners, or frames for a pop of fun.
Pro Tip: The more fancy the QR Code, the more people will want to scan it. So go ahead and be creative!
6. Next, test the QR with different devices to ensure it scans perfectly.
7. Once everything looks alright, you can go ahead to export your QR Code image. Choose your desired format, either PNG or EPS, and then click “Download.”
Your very own QR Code is now ready for use!
E. Why choose Scanova for your amazing QR Code display ideas?
It is very easy to generate QR Codes using Scanova. They’re not only visually stunning but fully functional as well. Scanova offers its users extreme customization powers.
Whether it is for packaging, posters, or any other unusual surface, Scanova offers the following:
- Anyone can use its user-friendly interface.
- You get to customize your QR Codes using logos, colors, shapes, and patterns to better algin with your brand or theme.
- You can download the QR Code in high-resolution formats to ensure that they work on any medium
- Scanova is trusted by businesses and users worldwide, knowing that every single QR Code that is generated from it will always be scannable and efficient.
- The best part? Scanova’s free tool allows you to create basic QR Codes with no expiration.
Did you know that Scanova abides by international data privacy and security standards like GDPR, SOC2, and ISO 27001:2022? This makes it a trusted name in the industry.
With Scanova, not only will your QR Code display ideas stand out, but also engage audiences effectively.
Final thought
Using these creative QR Code display ideas, you can turn boring QR Codes into attention-grabbing displays.
Whether on packaging, posters, or T-shirts, the possibilities are endless. Just ensure they’re easy to scan and are linked to useful and engaging content.
Ready to try these ideas? Execute your own creative QR Code display ideas today and watch your audience interact like never before!