Print + Digital
QR Code Invitations: Open a Digital Door on Your Printed Invitation
A QR code invitation is a small square printed on your invitation that takes guests to your digital invitation on their phone. When guests scan the code they reach — in one step — the venue, the attendance (RSVP) form and the photo sharing page for the day of the event.
Prepared by: UQR Event Team Last updated:
What is a QR code invitation?
A QR code is a square-shaped barcode that stores a web address. The code printed on your invitation carries the address of your own e-invitation page. When a guest points their phone camera at the code, a link appears on screen; tapping it opens your invitation.
This way you keep the keepsake value of the printed invitation and, at the same time, use the practicality of a digital one. When the venue address is long or hard to find, this little square saves your guests from the question "Where exactly is the hall?".
What does a guest see when they scan the QR code?
The code opens the page belonging to your event. Before the event this page works like an invitation; on the day of the event it becomes the memory page where guests upload photos.
- The date, time and venue information
- Directions on a map
- An RSVP section for answering whether you will attend
- A photo and video upload area for the day of the event
You can use the same code on invitations, at the welcome board and on the tables. We explain how it is used on tables in the QR table card guide and how photos are collected on the QR code photo sharing page.
Printing tips when adding a QR code to your invitation
A QR code that will not scan leaves a worse impression than no code at all. Before you send it to the printer, pay attention to the following:
Size: at least 2 × 2 cm
Invitations are scanned by hand at a distance of about 20–30 cm. For this distance the code should be at least 2 cm on each side. If the design allows, 2.5 cm scans even more comfortably.
Contrast: a dark code on a light background
Phones read the code from the difference between the light and dark squares. Black, navy or dark brown on a cream or white background works well. A light-coloured code on a light background, or an embossed or colourless gofré print, is unreadable on most phones.
Be careful with foil and letterpress printing
Gold or silver foil reflects light; depending on the angle it can gleam and the code may disappear. If your invitation uses foil, print the QR code in matte ink.
Keep the quiet zone
Leave a blank edge around the code with no text, frame or decoration. This space lets the phone recognise where the code starts and ends. A gap a few of the code's own squares wide is enough.
Send a vector file to the printer
You can download your QR code from the admin panel as both PNG and SVG. Prefer SVG for the printer; a vector file stays sharp at any size it is printed.
Where on the invitation should the QR code go?
The front of the invitation is usually reserved for names and the invitation text. The most common places for a QR code are:
- The bottom centre of the back; it does not disturb the front design and is easy to find
- A small information card inside the envelope, together with a note on location and RSVP
- The bottom right corner of the front, on clean single-page invitations
Do not leave the code alone. Add a short line next to or beneath it explaining what it is for: "Scan for the location and to confirm your attendance." When guests know why they should scan, they scan.
What happens if information changes after printing?
The QR code only carries an address; it does not carry the content of the page. If the time or venue changes after the invitations are printed, you update the information in the admin panel. Because the code keeps opening the same address, your guests see the up-to-date information.
So treat the QR code not as the last element to be added, but as a part of the design planned from the start. Creating your event page early and giving the code to your designer on day one prevents a last-minute rush.
Steps for creating a QR code invitation
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Create your event page
Create your event with the names, date, time and venue information. Choose your e-invitation design at this stage.
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Download your QR code
Download the code from the admin panel as SVG (for printing) and PNG (for digital use).
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Give it to your designer
Ask for the code to be at least 2 × 2 cm, dark, and placed with a quiet zone around it.
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Get a proof print
Before the full print run, test a proof print on both an iPhone and an Android phone, and in dim light too.
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Send it to print
Once the proof scans without a problem, approve the print and use the same code on your table cards.
Frequently asked questions about QR code invitations
Is an app needed to scan the QR code?
The vast majority of current iPhones and Androids scan the code with their own camera app. The guest does not need to install anything.
How small can the QR code on an invitation be?
For invitations scanned by hand, the side should be at least 2 cm. For cards scanned from further away at the table, we recommend 3–4 cm; details are in the QR table card guide.
Can I print the QR code in colour?
Yes, as long as there is a clear contrast with the background. A dark code on a light background is the safe choice. The inverse (dark background, light code) can cause problems on some phones; test it with a proof print.
Does the QR code expire?
The QR code itself works indefinitely; what matters is that the page it points to stays online. We plan together, according to your package, how long your event page and photo archive stay available.
How much does a QR code invitation cost?
The price depends on how you use the digital invitation and photo collection services. You can have the printing done by your own printer. For a quote, get in touch with us.