> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.tyrionurl.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Generating QR Codes

> Create scannable QR codes for any URL, short link, or text — ready for print or digital use in minutes.

## What is the QR Code Builder?

TyrionURL's QR Code Builder generates scannable QR codes that bridge physical marketing materials with digital destinations. A visitor scans the code with their phone camera and is taken directly to your URL — no typing required.

QR codes are independent of short links. You can point a QR code at any URL, including a TyrionURL short link, a bio page, or an external website.

***

## Feature Overview

| Capability           | Details                                          |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------ |
| **Custom colors**    | Foreground and background color pickers          |
| **Custom shapes**    | Dot patterns and corner style variations         |
| **Logo/image embed** | Add your brand logo to the center of the QR code |
| **Download formats** | PNG (for digital use) and SVG (for print)        |
| **Content types**    | URL, text, or vCard                              |

***

## When to Use QR Codes

* **Print materials** — Posters, flyers, brochures, magazine ads
* **Product packaging** — Link to product pages, instruction manuals, or warranty registration
* **Event signage** — Registration forms, menus, schedules, Wi-Fi credentials
* **Business cards** — Link to your portfolio, LinkedIn, or bio page
* **Retail environments** — In-store promotions, loyalty programs, product demos
* **Presentations** — Allow an audience to open a URL from a slide

***

## Creating a QR Code

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to QR Codes">
    From your dashboard sidebar, click **QR Codes** (or navigate to the QR Builder from the navigation).

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/docs-tyrionurl/images/qr-builder-empty.png" alt="QR Builder initial state" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enter Your Destination">
    In the QR Builder input, enter:

    * A **URL** (website, short link, or bio page)
    * A **text string** (plain text encoded in the QR)
    * A **vCard** (contact information)

    ```
    https://t.tyrionurl.com/your-alias
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Preview Your QR Code">
    A preview of the QR code appears instantly as you type. The preview updates in real time as you modify the design.

    <Frame>
      <img src="https://mintlify.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/docs-tyrionurl/images/qr-builder-preview.png" alt="QR code preview in builder" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Customize the Design">
    Adjust design settings to match your brand:

    * **Foreground color** — The color of the QR code dots
    * **Background color** — The area behind the dots
    * **Dot style** — Square, rounded, or custom shapes
    * **Logo** — Upload a logo image to embed in the center

    → Full details: [QR Code Customization](/qr-codes/customization)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Download">
    Click **Download PNG** for screen use, or **Download SVG** for print production.

    <Info>
      For print materials, always use the SVG format. SVG is vector-based and scales to any print size without quality loss.
    </Info>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## QR Code Best Practices

<Check>Always test scan your QR code before printing or distributing — scan it with multiple phones to confirm it resolves correctly.</Check>
<Check>Use sufficient contrast between foreground and background colors. Light dots on a white background or dark dots on a black background won't scan reliably.</Check>
<Check>Point QR codes at a TyrionURL short link rather than a direct URL — this lets you update the destination without reprinting.</Check>
<Check>Leave adequate "quiet zone" (white space) around the QR code — at least 4 modules wide — when placing it in a layout.</Check>
<Check>If adding a logo to the center, ensure the resulting QR code still scans correctly. TyrionURL's builder accounts for error correction, but test thoroughly.</Check>

***

## Minimum Print Sizes

| Use Case       | Minimum Size    |
| -------------- | --------------- |
| Business card  | 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm |
| Flyer / poster | 3 cm × 3 cm     |
| Packaging      | 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm |
| Billboard      | 20 cm × 20 cm   |

***

## Common Mistakes

<Warning>
  **Low contrast colors** — Avoid color combinations where the dots blend into the background (e.g., yellow on white). Scanners need clear contrast.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Pointing directly at a long URL** — If the destination URL ever changes, a QR code pointing directly at it becomes invalid. Always point at a TyrionURL short link so you can update the destination without reprinting.
</Warning>

<Warning>
  **Using PNG for large-format print** — PNG is pixel-based and will look blurry at billboard or banner sizes. Use SVG for any print larger than A4.
</Warning>

***

## Related Pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="QR Code Customization" icon="palette" href="/qr-codes/customization">
    Colors, shapes, and logo embedding.
  </Card>

  <Card title="URL Shortening" icon="link" href="/url-shortening/overview">
    Create a short link to point your QR code at.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>