Learn how to create, manage, and measure QR campaigns with PhotonQR.
These docs cover the workflows available in the current PhotonQR app: creating QR codes, using editable destinations, uploading files, reviewing scan analytics, running Smart Reviews, and managing plan limits.
Overview
What PhotonQR does
PhotonQR is a QR code platform for business campaigns. You can create QR codes, customize their appearance, update destinations later with dynamic codes, and track scans from the dashboard.
Create
Build QR codes for URLs, files, review flows, and campaign pages.
Customize
Use colors, patterns, and logos so codes match your brand.
Measure
Use scan analytics to understand which placements are working.
Quick start
Create your first QR code
Use this flow when you want to launch quickly but still keep the campaign measurable and editable.
Sign in and open the QR creator
Go to the app dashboard and choose Create QR Code. If you are not signed in, create an account first so the code can be saved and tracked.
Choose the destination
Add the URL, review flow, or uploaded file you want scanners to reach. For printed campaigns, prefer a dynamic code so the destination can be changed later.
Customize and test
Add brand colors or a logo, then scan the preview with more than one phone before downloading or printing. Test in the real environment when possible.
Publish and monitor
Place the code on your material, then check analytics after launch. If a placement has low scans, adjust the label, size, or position before reprinting widely.
QR code types
Choose the right code for the job
The best QR code destination depends on what the scanner expects in that moment. Keep the destination specific and mobile-friendly.
Website URL
Send scanners to a landing page, booking form, product page, menu, or campaign URL.
PDF or file
Upload a menu, brochure, guide, price list, or product sheet and link the QR code to it.
Smart Reviews
Collect private feedback and route happy customers toward public review platforms.
Contact or profile links
Use QR codes on cards, signs, packaging, or printed materials to drive profile visits.
Dynamic codes
Update QR destinations without reprinting
Dynamic QR codes route scanners through a short redirect URL. That lets you edit the final destination while the printed QR pattern stays the same.
Use dynamic codes for
- Menus, pricing, schedules, and offers that may change
- Printed flyers, posters, signs, and packaging
- Campaigns where analytics matter
- Location-specific or placement-specific tracking
Use static codes for
Permanent destinations that never need analytics or edits. Static QR codes can work for simple one-off links, but they are riskier for anything you plan to print at scale.
Branding
Make QR codes feel trustworthy
A branded QR code should still scan easily. Keep contrast high, avoid overcrowding the center logo, and test every design before launch.
Analytics
Measure scan performance
PhotonQR analytics help you compare printed and digital placements. Use separate QR codes for separate placements if you want clean campaign reporting.
Total scans and recent activity
Unique visitor estimates
Device and browser breakdown
Location summaries where available
Top performing QR codes
Scan trends by day
Smart Reviews
Collect feedback and guide happy customers to public reviews
Smart Reviews are useful for restaurants, salons, clinics, stores, hotels, and service teams that want feedback without sending every unhappy customer directly to a public review page.
Direct mode
Send scanners straight to a public review profile.
Smart filter
Ask for a rating first, then route positive experiences to public review links.
Private feedback
Collect comments privately so the team can follow up before a problem spreads.
Uploads
Use QR codes for files and documents
File upload QR codes are useful for menus, brochures, instruction sheets, product information, school notices, and downloadable resources.
Upload the file in the QR creator, create the code, then scan-test the resulting link. If the document changes often, replace the destination instead of reprinting the QR code.
Billing
Understand limits and upgrades
Plan limits control how many QR codes and premium features an account can use. The billing page shows your current plan, usage, available upgrades, and supported checkout actions.
Troubleshooting
Common QR campaign issues
Most QR problems come from print size, low contrast, unclear labels, outdated links, or sending scanners to a page that is not mobile-friendly.
The QR code does not scan reliably.
Increase the print size, improve contrast, add quiet space around the code, and test from the expected viewing distance.
Scans are low after launch.
Move the code closer to the moment of intent and add a clear benefit label, such as 'scan for menu' or 'scan to book'.
Analytics do not show which placement worked.
Create separate QR codes for separate placements, locations, or campaigns before printing.
The destination changed after printing.
Use a dynamic QR code so you can update the destination without changing the printed code.
Need a more specific guide?
The use-case library has industry-specific pages for restaurants, hotels, events, retail, clinics, schools, real estate, reviews, packaging, and more.
Explore use cases