QR code for a survey

Step 1: get your form's link

Any form tool works, as long as the form has a public link. In Google Forms, Google's help describes it like this:

1. Publish the form (top right). Unpublished forms can't be opened by responders, even with the link.
2. Under General access, choose who can respond. For a public survey or a sign-in sheet at an event, allow anyone with the link. If you limit it to your organisation, people must sign in first.
3. Copy the link: Share → Copy responder link, or Published → Copy responder link.
4. Tick Shorten URL before copying. Google's short form links start with forms.gle/.

Use the short link. A shorter link makes a simpler QR code, which scans more easily at small sizes.

Check two settings before you print: whether people must sign in to a Google Account (turning on Limit to 1 response requires it), and whether you collect email addresses. Signing in is a real hurdle for a quick survey on someone's phone.

Step 2: make the QR code

1. Paste the link into the generator below. The code appears as you type.
2. Scan the preview with your phone and complete a test response. Delete it from the responses afterwards.
3. Download the PNG for a document or slide, or the SVG for a print shop.

The code is static: the link is stored in the pattern, so it won't expire or stop working because of us.

Step 3: put it where people have a minute

Where you place the code matters more than how it looks.

• Feedback surveys: on receipts, table cards, the back of the menu or the exit door. Ask while the experience is fresh.
• Event sign-in sheets: at the entrance, at eye level, with a few printed copies on tables so a queue can scan at once.
• Classes and training: on the last slide, so everyone scans at the same time.
• Products: on the packaging or insert, for reviews and registration.

Say what's in it for them and how long it takes: "2 minutes, 5 questions" works better than "Scan me". Keep a short web address under the code too, for people who'd rather type.

Print it so it scans

• Leave white space round the code. The QR specification asks for a four-module margin; our download has a narrower white border, so leave extra white space round the code in your design.
• Print it at least 2 cm (0.8 in) wide for a table card, and much larger for a poster read from a few metres. See minimum QR code size.
• Dark code on a light background. Avoid glossy laminate right over the code if the room has bright lights.

Know which posters work

If the survey lives on your own website rather than a form tool, add UTM tags to the link before you make the code, for example utm_source=poster&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=feedback. Google Analytics lists these parameters for tagging campaign links. Make one code per location to compare them. The UTM builder does the tagging.

For a Google Form, add a question such as "Where did you find this survey?" and make a pre-filled link for each location (More → Pre-fill form, fill in the answer, then Get link). Each poster gets its own code, and the answer is already filled in for the person scanning.

Related guides

• How to test a QR code
• QR codes in marketing and advertising
• QR code scavenger hunt