Getting started

Create, track, and manage your first QR code

Start in the browser, then move to the API or MCP when you need automation. This guide covers the full path from destination URL to a tested, print-ready code.

Create a QR code Open your QR codes

Unlimited dynamic codes

During your first 30 days

30-day access

Analytics and QR Studio trial

Redirects stay live

Printed codes keep working

01 · Create

Choose static or dynamic before you print

Enter the final destination on the generator. QRtracer creates a preview first, then lets you download a static code or continue with tracking.

Static QR code

Encodes the destination itself. It needs no account and can be downloaded immediately, but its destination cannot be changed and it does not collect scan analytics.

Dynamic QR code

Encodes a QRtracer redirect such as /r/{id}. The printed pattern stays the same while you edit the destination and inspect recorded scans.

1
Add a destination
Use the full page, form, menu, profile, or campaign URL you want people to open.
2
Choose tracking
Continue with a dynamic code when you need scan history or future destination edits.
3
Test before print
Scan the downloaded file on more than one phone and confirm the final page loads.

02 · Track

Know what the Free plan keeps and what it unlocks

New accounts can create unlimited dynamic codes and use Analytics and QR Studio for 30 days. When the trial ends, creating new dynamic codes and using those premium areas requires a paid plan. Existing redirects and scan recording continue.

Your printed redirect is separate from dashboard access

Reaching the end of Free analytics access does not switch off the printed QR redirect. Review the current feature limits on the pricing page before a campaign.

Scans

See human scan totals for codes you own while analytics access is active.

Context

Use date, city, device, and browser breakdowns in the Analytics dashboard.

History

The trial includes 30 days of Analytics access; paid plans provide full history.

03 · Manage

Edit destinations and keep print files organized

Open QR Codes to name a code, review its destination, download it, or update where it points. Open Analytics to compare campaign activity.

Edit a destination

Select an owned dynamic code and replace its destination. The printed QR pattern does not change.

Download the right format

PNG works for common digital and print use. SVG is a paid export for scalable artwork and requires the owning account.

Review analytics

Filter your dashboard by date and code. CSV export is available when your plan includes it.

04 · Campaign

Treat the QR code as part of the whole journey

A scan is only useful when the printed prompt, code placement, and destination page support the same goal. Set those pieces before distribution so the analytics answer a clear question.

Name the code after its placement, such as “September window poster,” so reports stay understandable.
Use one dynamic code per placement when you need to compare posters, menus, packaging, or event signs.
Keep strong contrast and quiet space around the code, then test the final physical proof at its expected distance.
Send scanners to a focused mobile page and add campaign parameters when your analytics stack uses them.
Check the destination again before a print run; update a dynamic code later if the campaign page changes.

05 · Automate

Create a tracked code with the API

The public create endpoint accepts a destination and optional label. Anonymous requests return a claim link; show that link to the person who should own the code. API keys are available on the Programmable plan.

Anonymous create

curl -X POST https://qrtracer.io/api/v1/qr-codes \
  -H 'content-type: application/json' \
  -d '{"destination":"https://example.com/menu","label":"Front window"}'

Response fields

{
  "id": "…",
  "redirect_url": "https://qrtracer.io/r/…",
  "png_url": "https://qrtracer.io/api/render/….png",
  "svg_url": "https://qrtracer.io/api/render/….svg",
  "claim_url": "https://qrtracer.io/claim/…",
  "expires_edit_at": "…"
}

Anonymous creation is limited to five requests and five distinct destinations per client in 24 hours. The claim link transfers the code to an account; the redirect itself is already live.

Create with an API key

curl -X POST https://qrtracer.io/api/v1/qr-codes \
  -H 'content-type: application/json' \
  -H 'authorization: Bearer qrt_live_…' \
  -d '{"destination":"https://example.com/menu","label":"Front window"}'

Download a tracked PNG

curl -L 'https://qrtracer.io/api/render/{id}.png?size=1024' -o qr-code.png

OpenAPI specification API & Webhooks

06 · MCP

Let an AI tool create and manage codes

QRtracer exposes an MCP endpoint at /mcp. Add this server configuration to an MCP-compatible client, then inspect the available tools before calling them.

Account OAuth connections are in a controlled rollout. Public checks and limited anonymous creation are available; eligible Programmable accounts can use supported API-key clients. QR code MCP connection guide and all eleven tools.

{
  "mcpServers": {
    "qrtracer": {
      "url": "https://qrtracer.io/mcp"
    }
  }
}

The create_qr tool returns the same claim link as the API. Keep that link in the user-facing result so the person can take ownership. Discovery resources are available at /.well-known/mcp.json and /llms.txt.

Ready to make the first code?

Start with one real destination, test the complete scan journey, and keep the campaign name specific enough to recognize later.

Open the generator