How to create QR codes in bulk from a CSV

To create QR codes in bulk from a CSV, choose the QR type and download the matching QRSurge template. Fill one QR code per row. Then upload the .csv file, review the preview, and create the batch.

Choose the QR type before building the CSV

Choose the QR type first because each template uses different columns. A Website QR code needs a URL. A vCard QR code needs contact fields. A Location QR code needs latitude and longitude.

QRSurge bulk CSV creation supports these template types:

Website - URLs for public web pages.
vCard - Contact cards with saved contact details.
Plain text - Static QR codes for text content.
Email - Email draft QR codes with address, subject, and body.
SMS - SMS draft QR codes with phone number and message body.
Phone - Phone call QR codes.
Location - Static QR codes for latitude and longitude coordinates.

These bulk QR types can be dynamic:

Website
vCard
Email
SMS
Phone

Plain text and Location bulk QR codes are static-only.

Bulk creation and downloads are available on Starter and above.

Download the matching CSV template

Use the template that matches the QR type you selected:

Do not change the header row from the template. Columns that end in _required must be filled in for each row. Columns that end in _optional can be left blank.

Do not rename template columns while preparing the CSV. Keeping the headers intact makes it easier for QRSurge to match each spreadsheet column to the selected QR type.

Fill one row per QR code

Each CSV row creates one QR code. Use the optional name_optional column when you want the finished QR codes to have useful names in Manage and in downloaded files.

Use these formatting rules before uploading:

Website URLs should start with https:// or http://.
Phone-based fields should include the correct country code.
Email fields should use valid email addresses.
vCard rows require firstName_required.
Location rows require latitude between -90 and 90 and longitude between -180 and 180.
Plain text rows require text content.
Text that includes commas should be wrapped in quotes so spreadsheet tools keep it in one cell.

For campaign reporting, use names that describe the placement or asset. For example, use Store 12 - window poster, Product SKU 4821, or Conference badge - Alex Lee.

Upload the CSV and review the preview

To upload the file:

Open the bulk creator and choose the QR type.
Select Upload CSV file and upload your .csv file.
Review the preview after QRSurge validates each row.

If every row is valid, review the preview before continuing. Confirm that the row count, names, and destination fields look right.

If QRSurge finds errors, the preview will show which rows need changes. Edit the CSV in your spreadsheet tool, save it again, and upload the corrected file. If the file still fails, work through the bulk CSV upload troubleshooting steps.

Fix common CSV upload errors

Most upload errors come from a mismatch between the selected QR type and the CSV file, missing required values, or values that do not match the field format.

Check these common issues first:

Wrong template - The selected QR type should match the CSV template.
Missing required values - Fill every _required column for each row.
Invalid website URL - Website and vCard website fields should start with https:// or http://.
Invalid phone number - Phone-based fields should include a country code and a valid number.
Invalid email address - Email fields should use a complete address.
Invalid location - Latitude and longitude should be numeric and within the supported ranges.
Comma handling - Wrap text with commas in quotes.
Empty file - The CSV should include a header row and at least one data row.

Fix errors in the CSV file, then upload the file again. The preview is there so you can catch formatting issues before QRSurge creates the batch.

Choose dynamic and shared settings

If the selected QR type supports dynamic QR codes, turn on Make dynamic when you need scan analytics, future edits, or campaign controls.

Shared design and dynamic settings apply across the batch. That makes bulk creation useful when every QR code should share the same styling or campaign settings.

Use static bulk QR codes when the content is final and does not need QRSurge analytics or future edits. Plain text and Location bulk QR codes are static-only.

Create and download the batch

After the CSV preview is validated and the shared settings are ready, create the QR codes. The finished QR codes are saved in QRSurge so you can manage and download them later.

Use bulk download from Manage when you need the files together. QRSurge packages selected QR codes into a zip file arranged by folder and name.

Before sending the full batch to print or production, test a sample from the exported files. For large batches, include rows with long values or special characters in the sample.

More bulk QR code help

How to track scans from an offline campaign How to set up a branded QR code campaign