QR Code labels are used in various industries and applications. They can be used as identifiers for different products or purposes, such as product tracking, authentication, marketing campaigns, and more.
A. What are QR Code labels
QR Code labels are printed labels containing a QR (Quick Response) Code that holds information about a specific batch of products or items. These codes can be scanned by smartphones, tablets, or other QR Code readers to quickly access the stored information.
You are probably a part of the logistics team at your company. And your task is to put QR Code labels on each product for inventory or shelf management.
Or say you are a museum exhibitor and want to put QR Code labels on each artefact.
Or, in order to track the attendance of the field sales agents of your company, you paste QR Code labels on the respective stores they visit.
Other use cases could be courier tracking, shipping and receiving, event ticketing, and identity verification, amongst others.
To achieve the task for all the use cases mentioned above, you approach a printer who prints QR Code label sheets for you. Yet, this task is expensive as you need prints in bulk.
Plus, it is time-consuming. Many times, you do get frustrated by the amount of time your printer takes to print QR Code labels in bulk.
What if I tell you that you can now actually resolve these challenges?
That is, instead of going to your printer and specifying your requirements, you can actually create QR Code label PDFs on your own. And print them either on your home or office printer.
Keep reading the article to know more.
B. Benefits of QR Code labels
QR Code labels offer several benefits across different industries and applications. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Easy information retrieval
QR Code labels provide a quick and convenient way for users to access information. By scanning the printed code with a smartphone or QR Code reader, individuals can instantly retrieve details such as product information, contact details, or promotional content.
2. Cost-effective labeling
Creating and printing QR Code labels is a cost-effective way to convey information. It eliminates the need for extensive printed materials and allows businesses to provide detailed information without clutter.
3. Efficient marketing
Bulk QR Code labels are widely used in marketing materials to drive engagement. Marketers can use QR Codes on posters, flyers, and advertisements to direct users to websites, landing pages, or promotional offers, creating a seamless connection between offline and online marketing efforts.
4. Streamlined event management
At events and conferences, QR Codes on tickets or badges streamline the check-in process. Scanning QRs allows for quick and accurate attendee verification, reducing wait times and improving overall event efficiency.
And what better way to print these QRs than using QR Code Label PDFs?
5. Improved product traceability
QR Code labels are used in supply chain and inventory management to track products and assets.
Each item can be assigned a unique code, enabling easy identification, monitoring, and traceability throughout the supply chain. Using QR Code labels, you can do that with ease.
6. Data collection and analytics
Since QR Code labels can be used to print dynamic QR Codes, these QRs can be used to collect data and track user interactions.
This data can be valuable for businesses to analyze user behavior, measure campaign effectiveness, and make informed decisions for future strategies.
C. Create QR Code labels-all you need to know
To create a QR Code label PDF, you first need to decide on the content you want to encode.
For example, for inventory tracking, you generally store serial codes or text in a QR Code label. You then paste the QR Code label on each product that the wholesaler sold.
Similarly, in museums, the labels normally contain detailed information about the artefact, images, videos, or maybe some graphics.
Here, you need to store URL of the relevant content. Upon scanning, the visitors are redirected to the page where this information is stored.
Or say for maintenance use cases like tracking attendance or providing entry access, you will generally store serial code in a QR Code label.
So, once you know the content you have to encode, the next step is to generate the QR Codes.
D. How to create QR Code labels
Since the number of QR Code labels you require is high, it is not feasible for you to create QR Codes one by one. You need to find an online bulk QR Code generator tool.
For demo purposes, we’ll be using QR Batch to create QR Code labels in bulk.
Using QR Batch, you can create the following types of QR Code batches:
- Website URL QR Codes
- Vcard QR Codes
- Plain Text QR Codes
- Serial Code QR Codes
- Random Code QR Codes
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create QR Code labels:
1. Specify the data
To generate a Website URL, Vcard, or Plain Text QR Codes, you’ll have to create a spreadsheet containing data. Here is a detailed guide of how to create one.
In this article, we’ll focus on how to specify data for text QR Codes. Simply follow these steps:
i. First, go to QR Batch and select the Plain Text option
ii. Upload the spreadsheet you just created.
iii. Review the uploaded file by matching the columns of the uploaded file with the fields of the chosen QR Code. That is, if the column name is a filename, choose filename, and then click on Confirm.
iv. Once you enter all the details, click Next
2. Add design to QR Codes
Once you specify data and proceed further, you’ll see two QR Code designs: Standard Design and Custom Logo Design.
You can proceed with either of them. If you want to start from scratch, go for standard black-and-white QR Codes.
Designing allows you to add a logo and your brand colors to the QR Codes. You can also customize the background image and give your QR Code a personal touch. Hence, it attracts more scans as compared to standard black-and-white QR Codes.
So customized QR Codes are especially recommended for marketing and promotional purposes.
3. Specify label size and other details
To proceed further, say after you design your QR Code batch, click select under QR Code design.
A pop-up will appear prompting you to define the batch name. Here you will also see two export options—Export as QR Code image and QR Code labels PDF.
Click on QR Code labels PDF and specify the QR Code size, that is the labels you want per sheet. This can range from 1-80 labels per sheet.
Here is a list of QR Code labels per sheet:
- 3/4 ‘X 3/4’, 80 Labels per sheet, Avery 94102
- 1’ X 1’, 48 labels per sheet, Avery 94103
- 1-1/2 ‘X 1-1/2 ‘, 20 labels per sheet, Avery 94106
- 2’ X 2’, 12 labels per sheet, Avery 94107 (also compatible with 22806, 22816, 22853, 22921, 22922, 22960, 64503, 80510)
- 2-1/8 ‘ X 2-1/8 ‘. 12 labels per sheet, Avery 94105
- 2-1/2 ‘ X 2-1/2 ‘, 9 labels per sheet, Avery 94104
- 2-3/4 ‘ X 2-3/4 ‘, 6 labels per sheet, Avery 94109
- 3’ X 3’, 6 labels per sheet, Avery 94101
- 4’ X 4’, 4 labels per sheet, Avery 94100
- 8’ X 8’, 1 label per sheet, Avery 94108
Once you choose the QR Code size that suits your purpose best, you will get a comprehensive label specification— sheet size, labels per sheet, margin (left and right), shape, and Avery compatibility.
You will also see the QR Code label layout preview. If all looks fine to you, click on Next.
Next, the tool will ask you for a final confirmation. You’ll be able to see QR Code preview for one of the QR Codes.
4. Make payment
The major advantage of QR Batch is that it charges you only for the QR Codes you create. The higher the number, the cheaper the rate.
You can also get an estimate of the batch price with QR Batch Price Calculator.
Here is an idea of how much QR Codes label PDF will cost you—
- The price of one QR Code is $0.50
- The price of 50 QR Codes is $13 ($0.26 per QR Code)
Note that cost per QR Code label will reduce, as your number of QR Code label increases.
5. Download your QR Code Batch
Once you make payment, your QR Code Batch will be generated within a few minutes. If the batch size is large (in thousands), it can take about an hour.
As the batch gets generated, you’ll be able to download it from Download Batch section. You will get notification on batch process and batch completion on your dashboard itself. You just need to click on the notification icon to know the updates.
You’ll also be notified via email as the batch gets ready.
Your QR Code Label PDF’s will be downloaded in a zip folder. Unzip the folder, open a PDF, and scan one of the QR Codes to test the output.
You can now print the QR Code label PDF on compatible Avery sheets or equivalent sheets using your home or office printer.
E. Real life use cases for QR Code labels
QR Codes on labels and stickers offer a practical and versatile way to provide quick access to information and enhance user experiences.
Here are some real-life examples of how QR Codes on labels and stickers are used:
1. Restaurant Menus
Many restaurants place QR Code stickers on tables or menus. Customers can scan the QR Code to access the digital menu, view item descriptions, prices, and even place orders online.
2. Product Packaging
Consumer goods often feature QR Code labels that link to product information, usage instructions, recipes, or video demonstrations.
3. Wine and Beverage Labels
QR Codes on wine labels can provide details about the vineyard, vintage, tasting notes, and recommended food pairings when scanned.
4. Cosmetic and Personal Care Products
QR Code labels on skincare or makeup products can direct customers to tutorials, ingredient lists, and usage guidelines.
5. Event Tickets
QR Codes on event tickets can be scanned for entry to concerts, movies, sports events, and more.
6. Medicine Labels
QR Codes on prescription medication packaging can provide patients with dosage instructions, potential side effects, and safety information.
7. Home Appliances and Electronics
QR Code labels on appliances and gadgets can offer troubleshooting guides, user manuals, and warranty information.
8. Artwork and Exhibits
QR Codes on artwork labels in galleries or museums can provide viewers with artist bios, historical context, and additional insights.
9. Plant and Gardening Labels
QR Codes on plant tags can provide care instructions, growth tips, and plant-specific information.
F. FAQs
1. What is a QR Code Label?
A QR Code Label is a printed label containing a QR (Quick Response) Code that holds information about a specific batch of products or items. This code can be scanned by smartphones, tablets, or other QR Code readers to quickly access the stored information.
2. What information does the QR Code hold?
The QR Code can hold various types of information related to the batch, such as manufacturing date, batch number, product specifications, ingredients, expiration date, production location, quality control data, and more. The specific details encoded in the QR Code depend on the intended use and requirements of the batch.
3. How do I make QR Code labels?
To make your own QR Code labels:
- Go to QR Batch and click on Create Up To 100,000 QR Codes. Perform a quick sign-up; rest assured, you won’t be prompted for your credit card details.
- Navigate to the left menu bar and select Create Batches.
- Next, choose QR Code Labels.
- On the screen, you’ll find the following content categories:
- Website URL
- Vcard
- Plain text
- Serial code
- Random code
- Pick a category of your preference. You can either input the data in the Enter Data sheet or click on Upload a CSV File to upload the CSV file, and then proceed to the next stage.
- After uploading, match the data in each column of the file with its corresponding dropdown options on your screen, and then click Next.
- On the next screen, you can add a design to your QR Code, and specify the output format and other dimension/layout details.
- Once completed, review the batch details on your screen. If everything appears satisfactory, click on Proceed to Payment.
Voila! You’re done.
4. How do I scan a QR Code Label?
To scan a QR Code Label, you’ll need a smartphone or device with a camera and a QR Code scanning app. Open the app, point your device’s camera at the QR Code, and the app should automatically recognize and decode the information embedded in the code.
Alternatively, you can even use Google Lens.
5. What are the benefits of using QR Code Labels for batches?
QR Code Labels offer several benefits, including efficient access to batch-specific information, improved traceability, easier recalls if needed, reduced errors in data entry, and enhanced customer engagement through interactive experiences.
6. How are QR Code labels generated?
QR Code labels can be generated using online bulk QR Code label generator tools like QR Batch.
QR Batch allows you to input the batch information to be added to each QR and then download all these QR Codes as labels, ready to print and use.
7. Can you make your own QR labels?
Yes, you can create your own QR labels using QR Batch.
8. Are QR Code Labels widely used?
Yes, QR Code Labels are widely used across industries for diverse applications, including product tracking, authentication, marketing campaigns, and more.
Their popularity stems from their ease of use and ability to convey substantial information in a compact format.
9. What does a QR Code label look like?
A QR Code label is a printed label that looks like any other regular label containing a square-shaped barcode (QR).
10. How do QR Code labels work?
QR Code labels work by encoding information related to the batch, such as manufacturing date, batch number, product specifications, ingredients, expiration date, production location, quality control data, and more.
When scanned, the encoded information is decoded, and the user can access the stored data.
G. Summing Up
That’s all you need to know about how to create QR Code labels.
You now see that creating and printing QR Code label PDFs has become so easy and convenient.
You no longer need to create an MS Word document and use the feature ‘Mail Merge’ for a suitable sheet. And then find a printer to print the bulk.
I am sure the logistic team of your company will feel much relieved from the multiple rounds to the printing shop!
If you’re looking for a good QR Code printer, you can refer to this guide. If you still have any queries, ask them in the comments below.
Thank you so much for the great article, it was fluent and to the point. Cheers.
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