How to Place a QR Code on Flyers, Posters, Pamphlets, and Brochures

Ever handed someone a flyer and wondered if they’d actually take the next step? Maybe visit your website, check out your latest offer, or sign up for an event?

With a simple QR code, you can make that happen. Be it a poster on a coffee shop wall or a brochure at an event booth, adding a QR code lets people scan and connect with your brand in seconds. No typing, no hassle. Just point, scan, and go.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to easily embed QR codes on flyers, posters, pamphlets, and brochures, and turn them into smart, interactive tools that drive action.

Step 1: Prepare your poster, pamphlet, or flyer

First, create a visually appealing and well-designed flyer or pamphlet. You can find numerous tools offering user-friendly solutions, like drag-and-drop features to design and generate your advertising materials. Canva, Adobe Illustrator, and Google Slides/PowerPoint are some examples. 

When designing the poster, consider where to place the QR code to ensure it’s visible without disrupting the text and design. 

Step 2: Generate your QR code

Find a reliable QR code generation platform to create your QR code. For the demonstration,  we’re using QRCodeChimp.  

👉 Steps to generate a QR code

Step 1. Visit the QRCodeChimp website and choose your preferred QR code solution. 

Step 2. Enter the relevant information on the solution (e.g., a website URL, text, email, phone number, or location).

Step 3. (Optional) Customize the QR code.

Step 4. Save it. 

👉 Best practices to create a QR code

• Create a QR code with a transparent background design. 
• Generate a perfectly designed QR code. 
• Test the code using iOS and Android devices to verify that it functions correctly across different platforms.
• Once the code is fully tested, download it in a high-resolution format. 

Step 3: Embed the QR code into your design

Here are the detailed steps to place the QR code into your design. For demonstration purposes, we’re using three tools as given below:

👉 Using Canva

Step 1: Open your flyer design in Canva. 

• Go to ‘Create’ and click ‘Upload files’.
• Open the design file.
• Click ‘Use in a new design’ to customize the size. It will open in a new window.

Step 2: Upload your QR code image.

• Go to the “Uploads” tab on the left.
• Click “Upload files” and select the QR image from your device.
• Drag it onto your flyer and position it as needed.
• Resize the QR code by dragging the corners.

Step 3: (Optional) Add a label or text, such as “Scan to Visit the Website,” “Register Here,” or “Get the App,” to enhance engagement.

Step 4: Click ‘Share’ and download.

👉 Using Adobe Express

Step 1. Open your design in Adobe Express. 

• Click ‘Start from your content’ and select your design file
• Click ‘Edit original image’

Step 2. Embed the QR code. 

• Click ‘Upload’ on the left side. 
• Select the QR code image and click on it. The QR code will appear on the design.
• Resize the file 

Step 3. (Optional) Go to ‘Add Content’ on the left side and select ‘Text’.

• Select ‘Add your text’. 
• Write the instruction.

Step 4: Save or download.

👉 Using Google Slides

Step 1. Open your presentation in Google Slides and go to the slide where you need to insert your QR code.

• Go to ‘Insert’ and select ‘Image’. Add the design file. 

Step 2. Insert the QR Code.

• Repeat the above steps (step 1) to select the QR code image.
• Resize it if needed by dragging the corners.

Step 3. (Optional) Add a label or instructions. 

• Add a text box below the QR code (Insert → Text box).
• Drag it to create a text box and write the instruction.

Step 4. Share or download.

• Go to ‘File’ to share or download the design.

Step 4: Final checklist of your design

• Ensure a contrasting color background between the QR code and the flyer. 
• Keep the QR code image resolution intact to avoid scanning issues.
• Place the QR code in a visible location and ensure it’s easy to scan, without interfering with the flyer design.
• Add text or instructions near QR codes or on the flyer for a clear call-to-action. Keep the message short and precise.  
• Test the QR code before printing or publishing, and scan it with different smartphones to confirm functionality.
• Export and print without compromising image quality or resolution. 

Conclusion 

Embedding a QR code into a poster, flyer, or brochure is straightforward, and any marketer can do it without any technical difficulties. It’s quick, effective, and lets customers take instant action. Whether it’s boosting traffic, increasing downloads, or collecting leads, QR codes help you do it smarter. Keep your campaign simple so users can easily learn more about your services and connect instantly with a quick scan. 

Frequently asked questions