Creating Basic QR Codes
This video shows you how to create "basic" QR codes using the pbSmartTM Codes software. Please note that when creating Basic QR Codes, you do not have the option of creating a custom mobile web page, nor are you able to track the scan results. To take advantage of these features, you must start from the tab, Create QR Code & Mobile Campaign. For more information on that, see the video: Downloading a QR Code and Adding It to Media.
Start by logging in to your account and click the tab, Create Basic QR Code. Choose a unique and memorable name for this QR code and enter it in the text box provided.
With Basic QR Codes you have the choice of four data types to display to customers: a website URL, a Vcard, an email address or a phone number.
Linking your QR code to a website URL:
Let's assume you would like your code to link to an existing web page. After clicking the URL button, you will be prompted to enter the URL of the web page you would like to customers to see when they scan your code. Be sure to enter "http://www." prior to the rest of the address.
Once you have entered the URL, you can select the color of your QR code by clicking the gray bar labeled QR Code Foreground Color.
A new area opens with various color controls that let you pick the color that best matches your campaign. Note: Some colors will not be available because lighter shades lack the contrast required for the QR code scanner to work properly.
Once you have chosen your desired color, click the Free Download button in the bottom right of the page. A window opens with options that let you chose the size and file format of your QR code. Use the drop down box to select from a number of standard sizes, or choose your own custom dimensions. You will also be prompted to choose a file format for the download of your QR code: either PDF, JPEG, or PNG.
In this same window you can see a preview image of your QR code, which you can scan directly from your computer monitor to make sure that the code works as you intend. (If you do not already have a QR code scanner you can download one called Scanshot from the iTunes store or Android market.) If you do need to make any changes after performing your test, you can always click Cancel to go back and adjust your QR code settings.
Once you are happy with it, click the Download button which will begin the download of the QR code file automatically. If it does not start right away, click the "manual download" link, or follow the prompts if an alert status bar appears in your browser.
After you have downloaded your QR code, you will be returned to the Create Basic QR Code starting page.
Linking your QR code to other data types:
The process for linking your Basic QR Code to other data types is very similar to the example of the URL. Simply click the icon for each of the different data types to begin:
Vcard. You will be prompted to enter your contact information into various fields. A Vcard is a "virtual business card" that is compatible with the address books of many mobile and desktop applications, such as Microsoft Outlook and Gmail. By linking your QR code to a Vcard you are able to instantly transfer all your contact information to the device of the person who scans the code.
Email. Simply enter the email address you would like customers to see after scanning the QR code. This provides a simpler means of sharing your contact information and prompts customers to get in touch with you.
Phone. This gives you the option of displaying your phone number to customers after scanning your QR Code. Simply enter your phone number into the text box provided.
After customizing the options for any of these data types, click the Free Download button to select your size and file format and complete the process.
And that's all there is to it. pbSmart Codes makes it easy to create and download a QR code in a matter of minutes, letting you launch your marketing programs that much sooner!