Use event QR codes for tickets, registration, check-in, schedules, and maps. Best practices for scan speed, placement, and creating QR codes that work on any phone.
Event QR codes make events smoother: faster entry, fewer queues, easy access to schedules, maps, and contact details—without printing pages of instructions.
This guide shows you the most practical ways to use QR codes for tickets, check-in, posters, and attendee support, plus the print rules that prevent scanning failures.
1) Best Uses of QR Codes in Events
Here are high-impact use cases you can deploy in minutes:
A) Tickets & entry
• QR on e-tickets (PDF / email / wallet)
• Scan at the gate to validate entry or direct guests
B) Registration / RSVP
• QR on posters and social media leading to a registration form
• Great for last-minute sign-ups
C) Check-in lists & badges
• QR on attendee badges that links to:
o Their ticket
o Session info
o Personalized agenda (optional)
D) Event schedule
• One QR that opens a mobile schedule page:
o Sessions, speakers, times
o Room locations
E) Maps & directions
• QR linking to Google Maps location
• QR linking to parking instructions
F) Help desk / WhatsApp support
• QR to WhatsApp “Click-to-Chat” for quick attendee support
2) What Should the Event QR Link To?
For best experience, link to a simple landing page (mobile-friendly) that contains:
• “Event Schedule”
• “Map / Directions”
• “Check-in”
• “Support / WhatsApp”
• “FAQs”
This keeps everything in one place and reduces confusion.
3) How to Create an Event QR Code (Using SmartQR)
1. Create your destination link (registration page, schedule page, map link, etc.)
2. Copy the link
3. Open SmartQR QR generator
4. Paste → Generate QR
5. Download SVG (best for print) or high-res PNG
6. Test on iPhone + Android
CTA: <a href="/qr/create">Create your event QR code now</a>.
4) Print & Placement Rules (So It Scans Fast)
QR scan success depends on size, contrast, and placement.
Recommended sizes
• Badges / tickets: 2.5–3 cm minimum
• Posters / roll-ups: 8–12 cm (or larger if scanning from far)
• Entrance signs: 12–20 cm depending on distance
Placement tips
• Put QR at eye level where possible
• Avoid glossy surfaces (glare)
• Avoid curved surfaces (distortion)
• Keep a quiet zone (clear margin) around the QR
(Internal links: <a href="/articles/qr-code-size-guide">Size Guide</a>, <a href="/articles/best-qr-code-colors">Colors</a>, <a href="/articles/qr-code-not-scanning-fix">Not Scanning</a>)
5) Make Check-In Faster (Practical Setup)
If you want fast entry flow:
• Use 2 scanning stations minimum for medium events
• Print a backup manual list (or offline option)
• Use clear signage:
o “Have your QR ready”
o “Brightness up”
o “Step aside after scan”
6) Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Linking directly to a heavy PDF
✅ Fix: Use a lightweight landing page, and provide PDF as a secondary button.
Mistake 2: QR is too small on posters
✅ Fix: Increase size and test from real distance.
Mistake 3: Low contrast brand colors
✅ Fix: Dark QR on light background (brand-friendly dark shade).
Mistake 4: No fallback
✅ Fix: Print a short URL under the QR, e.g.:
smartqr.cloud/event
7) Copy-Paste Text You Can Print on Posters
Poster headline ideas:
• “Scan for Schedule & Map”
• “Scan to Register”
• “Scan for Check-In”
• “Need help? Scan to WhatsApp Support”
FAQ
What is an event QR code used for?
Tickets, registration, check-in, schedules, maps, and attendee support.
Should I use one QR or multiple QR codes for an event?
Use one main QR to a landing page, plus optional separate QRs for specific stations (parking, check-in, support).
Why does my event QR code fail on posters?
Common reasons: too small, low contrast, glare, or poor print quality.
What’s the best format for printing event QR codes?
SVG is best for print. PNG works if exported large and not scaled up later.
Did you find this helpful?
Share this article with your team or start creating professional QR codes today