What happens when someone scans it
An SMS QR code, also called a text message QR code, holds a phone number and an optional message. When someone scans it with their phone camera, their messaging app opens with that number and message already filled in.
The person still taps send. Nothing is sent automatically. The built-in camera apps on current iPhones and Android phones scan QR codes, so no extra app is needed.
How to make an SMS QR code
- Enter the phone number, with the country code at the start.
- Optionally, type a short message. It appears already filled in when the code is scanned.
- Check the scan result. Every design is test-scanned in your browser before you download it. If it will not scan, the page says so and suggests a fix, usually more contrast or a smaller logo.
- Download the code as a PNG (512, 1024, 2048 or 4096 pixels) or as an SVG for print.
When a text message QR code helps
- Joining a list. Print a code with a keyword such as JOIN already in the message.
- Feedback. Put a code on a table card, a receipt or a sign so guests can text a comment.
- Appointment requests. Let clients text an appointment request from a card or sign.
- Service calls. Put a code on a van or door hanger that asks customers to text us a photo of the problem.
Tips for printing and using it
- Include the country code. Start the number with a plus sign and the country code, so the number is complete wherever the code is scanned.
- Keep the message short. Longer content makes a denser code, which needs to be printed larger.
- Say what happens next. Print a line beside the code saying what happens after the text, such as who replies.
- Print it large enough. Make the code at least 2 cm (about 0.8 inch) wide. A common guide is that scanning distance can be about 10 times the code's width.
- Leave a margin. Keep a blank margin around the code. The standard calls for 4 modules wide, and do not go below 2.
- Use dark on light. Dark dots on a light background scan most reliably. Light-on-dark codes do not scan on some older scanner apps.
- Test before a big run. Always test-scan with a phone before printing a large run.
Design options
You can choose foreground and background colors, gradients, dot shapes and corner shapes. Add a logo in the center and the error correction level is raised to H automatically. For more on colors and shapes, see custom QR codes.
Level H recovers about 30% of damaged data, but higher error correction levels make the code denser.
Static codes do not change
This is a static QR code. The number and message are stored in the pattern itself, so you cannot edit them after printing. If your number changes, you need a new code and a reprint.
A static code does not expire and keeps working even if 77-3.com disappears. Dynamic codes point to a provider's short link, which can be edited, but the provider can stop the redirect. Compare the two in static vs dynamic QR codes.
Calls and other codes
If you want a code that starts a phone call instead of a text, use the phone QR code generator.
Free and private
The generator is free, with no sign-up, no account and no email required. The code is generated in your browser, so your phone number and message are never sent to or stored on our servers.
We do not track scans. We also cannot change where a printed code points, so check the number before you print.