Creating QR Codes in the Creator
QR codes turn your stickers into interactive tools. Customers, friends, or anyone can scan them to instantly access websites, contact info, or any digital content.
Adding a QR Code
How to Add
- Click the QR code icon in the left toolbar
- A QR code appears on your canvas
- The code is selected and ready to customize
By default, the QR code links to sticksy.ca. You'll want to change this to your own URL.
QR Code Settings
When a QR code is selected, the right panel shows QR Code Settings:
Value (URL or Text)
This is what the QR code contains—what happens when someone scans it.
To change the value:
- Find the Value field in QR Code Settings
- Delete the default URL
- Enter your own URL or text
- The QR code updates automatically
Examples:
https://yourwebsite.com— Links to your websitehttps://instagram.com/yourhandle— Links to your Instagramhttps://linktr.ee/yourname— Links to your Linktree- Plain text — Displays text when scanned (no link)
Foreground Color
The color of the QR code pattern (the dark squares).
Default: Black (#000000)
To change:
- Click the color swatch
- Choose a new color or enter a hex code
Important: Keep enough contrast with the background for reliable scanning. Dark foregrounds on light backgrounds work best.
Background Color
The color behind the QR pattern (the light areas).
Default: White (#FFFFFF)
To change:
- Click the color swatch
- Choose a new color or enter a hex code
Important: Transparent backgrounds can make QR codes hard to scan. A solid light color is recommended.
Padding
The space around the QR code within its bounding box.
- Lower padding — QR code fills more of the space
- Higher padding — More margin around the QR code
Some padding helps ensure the QR code scans reliably, especially on curved surfaces.
Positioning QR Codes
Position
- X — Horizontal position in pixels
- Y — Vertical position in pixels
Alignment Buttons
Quickly align your QR code:
Horizontal: Left, center, right
Vertical: Top, middle, bottom
Resizing
Drag the corner handles to resize. The QR code maintains its square aspect ratio.
Size considerations:
- Minimum printable: About 0.5" × 0.5" for reliable scanning
- Recommended: At least 0.75" × 0.75"
- Comfortable: 1" × 1" or larger
Smaller QR codes work but may be harder to scan, especially from a distance.
QR Code Best Practices
Always Test Your Code
Before ordering:
- Use your phone's camera to scan the preview
- Verify it links to the correct destination
- Test from different distances
A broken link or wrong URL on printed stickers is a costly mistake.
Keep URLs Short
Shorter URLs create simpler QR patterns that:
- Scan more reliably
- Look cleaner
- Work at smaller sizes
Tips for shorter URLs:
- Use a URL shortener (bit.ly, tinyurl) for very long links
- Remove unnecessary tracking parameters
- Use your main domain without extra paths when possible
Contrast Is Critical
For reliable scanning:
- High contrast is best — Black on white is most reliable
- Dark on light works — Navy on cream, dark green on white
- Avoid low contrast — Gray on gray, light blue on white
- Avoid inverted — Light on dark can work but is less reliable
Don't Modify the Pattern
The QR code pattern is generated mathematically. Don't:
- Add logos on top of the QR code
- Cut off any edges
- Distort the square shape
Any of these can make the code unscannable.
Size for Your Use Case
Consider where the sticker will be placed:
- Business cards / small stickers — Keep QR code at least 0.75"
- Product packaging — 1" or larger
- Posters / signs — 2" or larger for scanning from distance
Common QR Code Uses
Business & Marketing
- Website homepage
- Online store
- Contact page
- Google reviews
- Social media profiles
Personal
- Instagram or TikTok profile
- Personal website or portfolio
- Linktree or bio link
- Digital business card (vCard)
Practical
- WiFi network credentials
- Event registration
- Menu or price list
- Instruction manual
- Warranty registration
Creative
- Secret messages
- Scavenger hunt clues
- Digital art portfolio
- Music playlist
- Video content
QR Codes + Other Elements
You can combine QR codes with other design elements:
- Add text like "Scan Me" or "Visit Our Site"
- Include your logo elsewhere on the sticker
- Use the QR code as one element of a larger design
Just don't place anything on top of the QR pattern itself.
Troubleshooting
QR Code Won't Scan
- Check that contrast is high enough
- Ensure the code isn't too small
- Verify nothing is covering part of the pattern
- Test with a different phone/app
Wrong Destination
- Double-check the URL in the Value field
- Make sure you included
https:// - Test the URL in a browser first
Code Looks Too Complex
- Your URL might be too long
- Try a URL shortener
- Shorter URLs = simpler patterns
Related Articles
- Choosing Sticker Shapes — Pick the right shape for QR stickers
- Design Settings — Size your sticker appropriately
- Tips & Best Practices — General design advice