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Before printing a QR code, scan a proof and check the landing URL and its campaign tags. If you use a redirect you control, you can update the destination later. This tutorial covers link setup, print checks and GA4 testing.
Why Add Campaign Tags to a QR Destination?
When a customer scans a QR code containing only https://example.com/product, the visit may arrive without useful referrer information. GA4 may then classify it as Direct. Adding ?utm_source=flyer&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=spring2026 provides campaign values for analytics to process, but does not guarantee complete attribution.
Step-by-Step: How to Generate a Tracking QR Code
- Open the UTMCraft Campaign URL Builder.
- Enter your destination landing page URL.
- Set
utm_sourceto the specific print vehicle (e.g.brochure_tradeshow). - Set
utm_medium=print(orevent). - Set
utm_campaignusing your standardized formula. - In the output drawer, click Generate QR Code.
- Download the QR code as high-resolution SVG for vector print artwork or high-DPI PNG.
Print Design Rules: Size, Quiet Zone, and Contrast
- Minimum Physical Size: Never print a QR code smaller than 0.8 x 0.8 inches (2 x 2 cm) for close-up scanning (business cards/brochures). For posters or billboards, scale up proportionally to scanning distance (ratio: 1:10).
- Quiet Zone: Maintain an empty white border around the QR matrix at least 4 modules wide.
- Contrast: Always use dark pixels on a solid light background. Never invert colors (light pixels on dark background confuse many older Android camera sensors).
Pre-Print Testing Protocol for Mobile Scanners
Before sending artwork to the commercial printer:
- Print a 100% scale proof on your office printer.
- Test scanning with both an iPhone (Apple Camera app) and an Android device.
- Verify the browser lands on the target page and the UTM parameters remain intact in the address bar.
If a printed code does not scan or the campaign values disappear, use the QR tracking troubleshooting checklist to isolate the print, redirect, or tagging issue.
For the broader setup, read Offline Campaign Tracking With UTMs and QR Codes: Print, Events & Packaging. Browse the Offline & QR Tracking guides to choose another troubleshooting task.
