How do I create a QR code for a ticket?

QR codes have become increasingly popular in recent years as a convenient way to store and access information. Event organizers, transportation companies, and other businesses often use QR codes on tickets to make them easier to scan and verify. If you need to create a QR code for an event ticket, concert pass, airline boarding pass, or any other type of ticket, it can be done easily using a QR code generator.

What is a QR code?

A QR code (short for Quick Response code) is a type of barcode that can be scanned to store data such as website URLs, text, phone numbers, event details, contact information, and more. QR codes work by encoding this data into a two-dimensional pattern of black and white squares that can be read by a smartphone camera. The squares in the code represent certain characters or numeric values that comprise the encoded data.

When scanned by a QR reader on a smartphone, the black and white pattern is converted into the data it represents. QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters. They were first created in 1994 by a Toyota subsidiary to track vehicle parts during manufacturing but have since become widely used in commercial and entertainment applications.

Benefits of using QR codes on tickets

There are several key benefits to using QR codes on event tickets and passes:

• Convenience – Attendees don’t need to dig out their ticket, just scan the code on their phone.
• Efficiency – QR codes can be scanned very quickly, speeding up entry.
• Reduced fraud – Unique QR codes are almost impossible to copy or falsify.
• Extra capabilities – QR codes can store more info than barcodes, like seat assignments.
• Tracking – Event organizers can track ticket usage and attendance via QR scans.
• Going green – QR codes reduce the need for paper tickets.

Overall, QR codes make the process of ticket verification and management much more streamlined for both attendees and event organizers. As smartphone usage continues to grow, QR code tickets provide a quick, convenient digital solution.

How to generate a QR code

Creating a QR code is easy and can be done for free using various online QR generator tools. Here are the basic steps:

1. Find an online QR code generator – Some popular free options include QRCode Monkey, QRStuff, and Kaywa QR Code Generator.
2. Enter your ticket details – This includes event name, date, ticket section/row/seat, ticket ID number, and any other relevant info.
3. Customize your QR code – Pick a size, color scheme, and image/logo for the center of the code (optional).
4. Download the QR code – Save the generated graphic file, usually in PNG or JPEG format.
5. Print the code – Print it directly on your ticket stock or add it to your digital tickets.

Many QR generator sites also offer advanced options like tracking, vCard formatting, URL shortening, and more. Some general tips when creating QR codes:

• Make sure the content encoded matches your intended use.
• Pick an appropriate size and color scheme for scanning.
• Add human-readable details below the code.
• On paper tickets, print the code in a large high-contrast format.
• Test your codes to ensure they scan properly before distribution.

Dynamic QR codes

For added security, events may choose to use dynamic QR codes that update periodically. Dynamic codes can be created using a QR code management platform. Here’s an overview of how they work:

• A unique “seed” QR code is generated for each ticket and distributed initially.
• The platform uses an algorithm to dynamically change the QR code at set intervals, like every 30 seconds.
• Users’ devices sync with the platform to load the updated QR code.
• When scanned, only the current dynamic code will successfully validate.

This makes the QR code impossible to counterfeit, as any copies will quickly become out of sync and invalid. The downside is that dynamic codes require more infrastructure and mobile connectivity. Static QR codes are still secure enough for most events if unique per ticket.

What to include in the QR code data

The QR code should contain all the data needed to identify and verify the ticket. Here are some common data fields to include:

• Event name
• Event date
• Venue location
• Ticket holder name
• Assigned section, row, and seat number
• Ticket price/face value
• Unique ticket ID number
• Unique QR code serial number
• Timestamp of purchase date
• Status like “Valid” or “Scanned”

This information allows the ticket scanner to pull up the ticket details, verify validity, update the status after scan, and provide the attendee with their seating location. You may also include URLs, links, vCard contact information, or event details like start time.

Keep data concise

Aim to keep the data concise – verbosity beyond the essentials may result in excessively large QR codes. Avoid non-critical details like graphics, logos, or lengthy legal text. That content can be added below the code or on a separate terms and conditions page.

QR code size and error correction

When generating QR codes, you’ll need to pick an appropriate size and error correction level.

QR code size

Size refers to the physical dimensions of the QR graphic. QR code symbols get larger as more data is encoded. Recommended minimum sizes:

• Printed tickets: 2″ x 2″ (5 cm x 5 cm)
• Mobile tickets: 1.5″ x 1.5″ (4 cm x 4 cm)

For concert or event tickets, aim for an even larger QR size if possible. This makes them easier to scan at a distance in a crowded entry line.

Error correction

QR codes have built-in redundancy to recover data even if parts of the code are damaged or obscured. The more error correction used, the higher the data recovery capacity:

• Low (7% redundancy)
• Medium (15% redundancy)
• Quartile (25% redundancy)
• High (30% redundancy)

Paper tickets prone to wear, tears, or crumpling should use the high error correction setting. Make sure to test your codes at the furthest scanning distance required.

QR code design tips

Follow these design practices to ensure your QR codes are visually appealing, highly functional, and effective:

• White space – Don’t overcrowd the code. Leave ample margins and white space around each side.
• Fonts – Use a minimal sans-serif font like Arial below the code.
• Contrast – Print the code in a dark color on a light background for maximum contrast.
• Directional icon – Add a directional arrow or icon to show which way to scan the code.
• Instruction text – Include clear instructions like “Scan for ticket” near the code.

Also avoid placing folds, creases, or bends through the QR code area on a paper ticket. This can interfere with scanning.

How to scan QR codes

Scanning a QR code to validate a ticket is very quick and easy. The person checking the ticket just needs to:

1. Open a QR reader app on their smartphone (built-in camera apps can often scan codes).
2. Point the camera at the QR code on the ticket.
3. The app automatically scans and processes the code content.
4. Details like the ticket validity and section/seat number appear.
5. The scanner indicates if the code is valid or invalid.

Many third-party QR scanner apps are available offering extra features like logging and analytics. For iPhones, the default camera app has built-in QR scanning capability.

Testing your QR codes

Before using your QR codes, always test them thoroughly. Here are some best practices for testing:

• Scan from different angles and distances to simulate real-world use.
• Try scanning printed codes under different lighting conditions.
• Crumple or smudge printed codes to test error correction.
• Verify the code data matches your ticket info exactly.
• Check for any encoding errors that cause failed scans.
• Confirm tracking and analytics are functioning (if applicable).

Checking on a range of devices is also recommended. Fix any scanning issues before distribution.

Distributing and managing QR code tickets

Once created, QR code tickets need to be distributed to attendees and properly managed. Some tips for distribution and management:

• Email QR codes for mobile tickets rather than paper printouts.
• For printed tickets, use high quality, thick stock paper to prevent damage.
• Allow customers to reprint QR codes if tickets are lost or damaged.
• Use QR management software to validate codes in real-time.
• Update ticket status in real-time to prevent duplicate scans.
• Provide ticket scanners for entry gates to speed up admission.
• Analyze scan data to see ticket usage over time.

By handling distribution and management appropriately, you can maximize convenience for attendees while reducing the risk of duplicate use, fraud, and counterfeiting.

Conclusion

Implementing QR code tickets provides a quick, convenient digital ticketing solution. By following the right design, testing, and distribution practices, event organizers can create QR codes that are easy to scan and hard to fake. When generated carefully and managed properly, QR codes allow for streamlined access control and analytics while enhancing the attendee experience.