QR codes

Every Elido short link can have a QR code. You can generate a one-off QR from the QR playground or attach a saved design to a specific link. Both paths produce the same output: an SVG (vector) or PNG you can use digitally or in print.

Generate a QR code#

From the links list: open the row actions menu on any link and choose QR code. The QR playground opens with the short URL pre-filled.

From the QR playground directly: go to Tools → QR codes. Type or paste any URL — it doesn't have to be an Elido short link.

The preview updates live as you adjust settings.

Customisation options#

The playground gives you control over every visual aspect of the code:

Colours — set foreground and background hex values independently. Any high-contrast combination works; low-contrast codes scan poorly, so keep a ratio of at least 4:1. You can also set separate colours for the eye borders and pupils.

Module style — Square (classic), Rounded, or Dot. Rounded and Dot look more modern; Square has the best compatibility with older scanners.

Eye style — the three square "finder" patterns in the corners. Square, Rounded, or Leaf.

Logo — upload a PNG, JPG, SVG, or WebP up to 512 KB. The logo is embedded in the centre. Keep logo size below 20% of the code area; above that, you'll need to switch error correction to H (highest) to maintain scannability. Use the size slider to adjust.

Frame and CTA — wrap the code in a branded frame with a custom label ("SCAN ME", your URL, a call-to-action). Set frame and label colours independently.

Error correction — four levels: L, M, Q, H. Higher levels tolerate more damage or logo overlap but produce denser codes. M is the right default for screen use; H is recommended for printed codes with a logo.

Output size — 256px, 512px, 1024px, or 2048px. For screen use 512px is plenty. For large-format print (posters, banners) use 2048px.

Dynamic vs static QR#

All QR codes generated from Elido short links are effectively dynamic: the code encodes the short URL, and changing the link's destination in the dashboard changes where the QR redirects — without the code itself changing. Print 10,000 flyers and update the destination next month; the printed codes still work.

A QR code generated for a raw https:// destination (not a short link) is static — the destination is baked into the code and can't be changed later.

Downloading for print#

Click SVG (vector) to download a scalable vector file. SVG is what you want for print: it can be scaled to any size without pixelation. Hand this to your designer or send it directly to a printer.

Click PNG (2048px) to download a raster image at the selected pixel size. PNG is fine for digital use and for smaller print runs where vector isn't needed.

When preparing for print:

• Use error correction H if the code includes a logo.
• Request a 3–4mm quiet zone (the white border around the code) from your printer; cropping into the quiet zone causes scan failures.
• Test the printed proof with at least two different smartphones before the full print run.

Saving a QR design to a link#

In the link-level QR dialog, click Save after adjusting the design. The design is stored with the link and visible to anyone with access to that workspace. You can update the design later without changing the code itself.

Troubleshooting#

QR code won't scan. The most common causes: insufficient contrast (both colours too similar), logo too large for the error correction level, or the quiet zone is too small. Try increasing contrast, reducing logo size, or switching to error correction H.

SVG looks blank in Illustrator. Some SVG exports from the QR generator include a viewBox but no explicit width/height. In Illustrator, go to Object → Artboards → Fit to Artwork Bounds to make it appear.

The playground says "Enter content to preview". The content field is empty or contains only whitespace. Type a URL or any text to generate the preview.

Logo file rejected. The logo must be under 512 KB and one of: PNG, JPG, SVG, WebP. Convert other formats before uploading.