How to Turn an Image Into a QR Code

As the phrase might suggest, an image QR code is a type of QR code that, when scanned, redirects users to a specific image. 

This can be beneficial because it “solves” the dilemma of wanting to include images in advertisements or product packaging without detracting from the rest of the information (e.g., due to the image’s large size). 

QR code generator tools can be used to turn an image into a QR code and download it. This can then be used by business owners on:

• Packaging
• Online material
• Marketing content

Note: Like with all QR codes, remember to add a call to action or short descriptive text incentivizing your readers to scan your code. This can enable users to know whether they will find the contents of your scan interesting preemptively. 

The main advantages of image QR codes include:

• Increased traffic and sales opportunities.
• Broader reach. This is due to the fact that online and offline advertising can be “mixed” and that QR codes are extremely mobile-friendly, which allows users to scan your content on the go. 
• Increased online presence. For some businesses (e.g., photographers), using image QR codes can go a long way in increasing their social media presence because it means that they can provide prospective customers with an entire gallery of content with a simple scan. 

Image QR codes can be used in several different ways, but they do undoubtedly “shine” in certain business demographics. 

These include:

• Photography businesses: Photographers can use image QR codes to allow prospective customers to view an entire gallery of photographs with a single scan.
• Hotels and restaurants: Hotels and restaurants use image QR codes because they allow them to display their most “luxurious” or “eye-catching” products. Of course, the extent of this will highly depend on the type of hotel or restaurant in question. 
• Real estate agents: Similarly with hotels, real estate agents can utilize these types of QR codes to easily “grasp the attention” of potential buyers without requiring them to go to a specific website or read any particular brochure. 
• Food products: Albeit less common, image QR codes are sometimes included in the back of food products. This is because space is relatively limited, and if any images were to be added directly, they would likely have to come at the cost of other information (e.g., food contents, allergy information, etc.). 

With this all in mind, there are a few considerations that you should keep in mind when attempting to turn an image into a QR code. These include:

• Image Number
• QR Code Size
• Price

Image Size

Depending on the QR code generator that you use, you may be able to include more than one image in your QR code; however, you shouldn’t necessarily always do this. 

This is because the more images that you add to your QR code, the larger the amount of data that will need to be stored and processed, meaning that too many photographs can lead to slow processing times — voiding the primary reason for using QR codes in the first place. 

Moreover, if you include too many images, you risk distracting your viewers and reducing the effectiveness of your QR code. 

Generally, it is recommended that you focus on quality over quantity when it comes to image QR codes. 

QR Code Size

Picking a correct size for your QR code is essential, as not doing this can make it virtually unscannable or — more commonly — can reduce its reliability. 

QR codes’ sizes should not be less than 0.8 x 0.8 inches. This is to ensure that the vast majority of QR scanner apps or mobile phone cameras will be able to identify them adequately. 

At the same time, you want to avoid making your image QR codes too large, as this can make it practically difficult for some users to scan them.

Price

When deciding how to turn an image into a QR code, you will need to determine which QR code generator provider you will work with.

This is important, as most QR code generators that allow users to customize their QR codes (e.g., adding logos, colors, etc.) are usually quite expensive.