How to create a QR code for any website or online page
To create a QR code for a website or online page, start with the exact public URL scanners should open. Then create a Website QR code in QRSurge and scan-test the download.
Supported website and page destinations
Use this workflow for any public URL that someone can open in a browser. Examples include websites, landing pages, and social profiles. It also works for hosted documents or campaign pages.
Website QR codes are also the right fallback when QRSurge does not have a more specific QR type for the destination. For example, a public Notion page, restaurant ordering page, or ticketing page can usually be created as a Website QR code.
Should the website QR code be static or dynamic?
Choose a static QR code when the URL is final and you do not need QRSurge analytics or future destination edits.
Choose a dynamic QR code when the QR code will be printed, used in a campaign, shared with a client, or placed somewhere you may not be able to replace later. Dynamic QR codes let you edit the destination behind the same printed QR code, view scan analytics, and use branded short links.
Choose the exact destination URL
Use the most specific destination that matches the scanner's intent. A poster for a spring sale should usually point to the sale page, not the homepage. A menu QR code should point to the menu page, ordering page, or hosted PDF, not a general restaurant landing page.
For common destinations, check the URL source before you paste it into QRSurge:
- Websites and landing pages - Use the final published URL, not a preview link from your CMS or page builder.
- Social profiles - Use the public profile URL that visitors should follow, message, or view.
- Hosted documents and PDFs - Use the shareable public link, not a private file path or editor-only link.
- Menus and event pages - Use the page that will still make sense when someone scans from the final printed placement.
- Campaign pages - Add UTM parameters before creating the QR code if you want website analytics tools to group the traffic by campaign or placement.
Should you add tracking parameters?
QRSurge analytics can show scan activity for dynamic QR codes. UTM parameters help your website analytics tool understand what visitors did after they landed on your site.
For example, a flyer might use a URL like https://example.com/spring-sale?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=spring-sale. Keep the parameters readable and consistent across campaign placements so reporting stays clean.
If you use a dynamic QR code, you can update the destination later. If you use a static QR code, make sure the URL and any UTM parameters are final before printing.
Create the website QR code in QRSurge
- Open the QR creator.
- In QR Code Type, choose a Website QR type.
- Choose static or dynamic based on whether you need editing, analytics, or campaign controls.
- In Destination, paste the full website URL.
- For dynamic QR codes, review the short link. Use a branded custom domain and readable custom dynamic link path when the QR code is public-facing.
- In Design, customize the artwork and error correction level.
- Download the QR code in the format that fits your final use.
- Scan the downloaded file with a phone and confirm it opens the intended page.
How branded links help marketing campaigns
For public-facing campaigns, avoid generic-looking scan links when possible. A branded QR code campaign can use a custom domain and readable path, such as go.yourbrand.com/spring-menu, to make the scan link easier to recognize and trust.
Use a custom dynamic link path that describes the destination or campaign. Keep it short and specific, such as spring-menu, event-map, or vip-signup.
Test the QR code before publishing
Test the downloaded QR code, not only the on-screen preview. Open it from a phone camera, confirm the destination loads, and check that the page is public on a device or browser that is not already signed in.
For print work, place the QR code in the final design and test that exported file or printed proof. Resizing, compression, and the surrounding layout can change scan reliability after the QRSurge download itself works.
Check the mobile experience
Most QR scans happen from phones, so the destination should work well on a small screen. Check that the page loads quickly, explains the next step, and works without desktop-only assumptions.
If the page opens a document, file, or social profile, test it on both iOS and Android when the campaign is important. Some apps and hosted document providers handle mobile links differently than desktop links.