Create a QR Code with Tracking

Want a QR code that tells you exactly who scanned it, where, and when? With QRelix, every QR code you create includes scan tracking automatically. No add-ons, no configuration, no extra cost.

This guide walks you through creating a QR code with tracking from scratch — in under 5 minutes.

Before You Start

You'll need a QRelix account. Don't have one? Sign up free — no credit card required. Your 7-day trial includes full tracking on every QR code you create.

Step 1: Sign In and Create a New Code

  1. Go to your QRelix dashboard.
  2. Click Create New QR Code.

Step 2: Choose Your QR Code Type

Select from 17 QR code types:

  • URL — Link to any website (most common)
  • vCard — Share contact details
  • Wi-Fi — Let people join your network
  • File — Link to a downloadable document
  • Social media — Deep links to Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter/X
  • Maps — Pin a location
  • And more — Email, phone, note, survey, app store links

Every type includes tracking. See the full list at QR Code Types.

Step 3: Enter Your Content

Fill in the fields for your chosen type. For a URL QR code, paste your destination link. For a vCard, enter your name, phone, and email.

:::tip Append UTM parameters to your URL for full-funnel attribution in Google Analytics: https://yoursite.com/page?utm_source=qr&utm_medium=print&utm_campaign=spring-2026 :::

Step 4: Customize the Design

Make your QR code match your brand:

  • Colors — Set foreground and background colors. Keep high contrast for reliable scanning.
  • Logo — Upload your logo to appear in the center of the code.
  • Pattern — Choose from several module patterns to give your code a unique look.

See Customizing Your QR Code Design for detailed design guidance.

Step 5: Configure Security (Optional)

If you need access controls, set them now:

  • Password protection — Require a password before content is revealed
  • Expiration date — Automatically disable the code after a set date
  • Scan limits — Cap the number of total or daily scans
  • Geofencing — Restrict scans to specific geographic regions

These are optional. See Security & Access Controls for details.

Step 6: Generate and Download

Click Generate. Your QR code with tracking is live immediately.

Download in your preferred format:

Format Best For
SVG Print — business cards, posters, packaging (vector, 300 DPI)
PNG Digital — websites, social media, email (supports transparency)
JPG Digital — general purpose, smaller file size

Viewing Your Tracking Data

Once people start scanning your code, open your dashboard and click on the QR code to see:

  • Total scans and unique scans over any date range
  • Geographic breakdown — Country, region, and city of each scan
  • Device and OS — iPhone, Android, desktop, and which browser
  • Scan trend graph — Daily volume charted over time
  • Peak scan times — When your audience is most active

Data appears in real time. There's no waiting period.

For a deeper dive into the analytics dashboard, see Analytics & Scan Tracking.

Why Every QRelix QR Code Includes Tracking

Most QR code platforms treat tracking as a premium feature. QRelix includes it in every plan — including the free trial — because scan data is what makes a QR code useful for business. Without tracking, you're printing blind.

Here's what tracking enables:

  • Prove ROI — Show stakeholders exactly how many people engaged with your campaign
  • Optimize placements — Compare scan volume across locations and reallocate budget to what works
  • Understand your audience — Device and location data tell you who's scanning and where
  • Time your campaigns — Peak scan data helps you schedule promotions and content updates

Common Tracking Scenarios

Business cards — Add a vCard QR code with tracking. When a prospect scans your card, you'll know — and you can follow up at the right time. Read more: Create QR Code with Tracking for Business Cards

Restaurant menus — Track which tables and times drive the most menu views. Read more: Create QR Code with Tracking for Restaurant Menus

Marketing flyers — Place tracked QR codes on print materials and measure which channels drive engagement. Compare poster vs. direct mail vs. in-store placement.

Product packaging — Monitor post-purchase engagement by tracking scans on product labels, inserts, and manuals.

Next Steps