How to Create a QR Code on iPhone?

9 min readNov 28, 2023

iPhones come packed with a lot of convenient features. You’ve got a better system for app offloading to save precious storage space, smooth interoperability with other Apple devices like MacBook, and overall better privacy than Android phones. But do iPhones come with the ability to create QR Codes?

Well…kind of.

With iPhones, or any Apple devices for that matter, you don’t get any in-built apps for generating QR codes. You have to use either a third-party tool or the Shortcuts app to generate and use a QR code.

Let me show you how.

What Tool to Use for QR Code Creation?

Alright, we now know we can generate a QR code using our iPhones. But the problem of the hour is…how? What is the right tool to use? If, like me, you’ve been scouring the Internet to find a suitable tool, you must’ve found two options:

The Shortcuts app on iPhone
Free QR code generator

To give you a brief overview of the two, the Shortcuts app is an iOS app with various tools, including a QR code generator. A QR Code solution like Bitly’s QR Code generator or Uniqode (both have free plans) would be a better choice if you are looking to create a custom QR Code for a specific use case on the go.

So, Shortcuts or a dedicated QR Code platform? It’s simple. Go for the latter. Here are a few reasons why:

Firstly, the Shortcuts app is only available on iOS 12 and above. If you’re using an older-generation iPhone, you may not be able to access the app. Whereas Uniqode’s QR Code generator only needs a browser and Internet connection to work.
Secondly, you can use the Shortcuts app to create a QR code for limited use cases: opening a website, sending a message, sharing your email, adding a contact or event, or setting up a wireless network.

Meanwhile, with a dedicated QR Code solution, there are no limitations. You can generate and manage QR codes for all these use cases and others like PDF sharing or a link sharing page.
With the Shortcuts app, you can only create static QR codes. But with Uniqode you can create static as well as dynamic QR codes. In case you don’t know, dynamic QR codes are QR codes that can be edited even after creation or printing while static QR codes cannot be edited once created. You also don’t get the option to customize the QR code as per preference. And no details about security guidelines. This makes Uniqode a better option between the two.

How to Create a QR Code on iPhone: 5 Easy Steps

Now, folks! There are different types of QR codes you can generate depending on the use: website, digital business card, feedback form, Google reviews, and more.

But for learning’s sake, I am going to show you how to use Uniqode’s QR code generator to create a QR code for a specific PDF file and add a CTA as well. It only takes five steps and can be done in a single sitting.

Note: QR code generator I’m using desktop images for better visibility and legibility of text. But the dashboard display on your iPhone will be similar.

Step 1: Sign up for a free trial account

To begin with, open a browser app on your iPhone. You can use Safari, Google Chrome, Brave, or anything other browser of choice. Uniqode works fine on either of those options.

Now, look up “Uniqode” in the search bar or click on the link here.

You will notice a ‘START FREE TRIAL’ button on the right side, click on it to begin the sign-up process. You will see the pop-up below.

Enter your name and email address to proceed. Once you’ve successfully signed up for a trial account, you will be directed to Uniqode’s dashboard. It will appear something like this [see below].

Step 2: Choose the type of QR code

Moving on to the next step…

Now, select the type of QR code you want to generate. As I mentioned earlier, I’m going to go for a PDF QR code, so I’m choosing the ‘PDF’ option here.

Do note that Uniqode will generate a dynamic QR code by default.

Step 3: Add the PDF URL in the box

Next up, copy the URL of the PDF file you want to embed in the QR code.

Please only use the copy-paste method for the URL. Don’t try and write the PDF address yourself. You may end up causing unnecessary typos.

Now, enter the copied PDF URL in the box provided and click on ‘Next’.

On a side note, Uniqode also has a chat option available. Should you need any assistance during the QR code creation process, don’t hesitate to click on the ‘chat’ icon on the right side of the dashboard. This will open the chat box [see image below].

This will bring you to the next step…

Step 4: Design the QR code

It’s now time to design your QR code. You can do a total of six customizations before the code is ready for use.

To start off, choose a template for the QR code. You can go for circular or square designs. These come pre-made to provide easy selection. For this particular QR code, I’ve gone for a ‘Digital Matrix’.

See the preview of the code on the right!

Once the template is decided, add a logo to the QR code. If you’re generating the QR code for a business purpose, you can upload your brand logo (available with the paid plan) and use it in the QR code.

Or else, you can choose a logo from the wide variety of logos available in the gallery. For example, if you are using the QR code to share your email address, you can use the Gmail logo or a Facebook logo if you are embedding your company’s Facebook page.

Since I was embedding a PDF file, I used the PDF logo for the code. This is how the QR code looked after adding the logo.

This way, the viewers will immediately understand that the QR code is for a PDF file.

Alright, now. We’re done with three customizations. Now, moving on to the last few additions.

First up are the ‘Eyes’ of the QR code. Uniqode gives you the option to choose from six different eye types and four different eye frames, in addition to color. You can choose the shape and color you prefer, as I’ve done [see image below].

Your QR code will be modified according to your choices. Again, you can see the preview on the right side of your screen [as seen below].

In a similar way, you can modify the ‘Pattern’ and ‘Background’ of your QR code. Just focus on visual appeal and scannability.

And finally, add a frame and frame text to the QR code with a clear and strong call to action (CTA).

You can add CTAs such as “Scan Me!” or “Download the PDF here”. Just make sure to be clear about the benefit the person will get from scanning the code.

That’s why I have added the “SCAN FOR PDF” call to action.

Also, choose the location where you want the text to be displayed. I’ve selected the bottom of the QR code here.

And see how these modifications are rendered on the QR code.

Step 5: Download the QR code

Your QR code for the PDF file is ready for testing and download. Just run a quick scan to see if the code is working well or not. This is a good time to iron out the kinks, if any, and avoid hassles later.

Then you can go ahead and download the QR code in your preferred format. Uniqode lets you download in SVG, PNG, JPG, PDF, EPS, and other file formats.

You can also directly share the QR code with your friends or colleagues to collaborate if needed. You just need to enter their respective email IDs in the box provided below.

And, that’s it. You now know how to create a QR code on your iPhone.

Best Practices for Creating a QR Code on iPhone

QR code generation seems like a straightforward process, doesn’t it?

Well, for the most part, it is. However, if you are new to the process, you may miss out on a few best practices. Let me share them with you.

Is the QR code scannable? All your efforts will go to waste if you create a QR code with poor resolution. They will eventually have scannability issues. QR codes are nothing but pixels. Always download your QR codes in high-resolution formats to avoid such challenges.
Is the call to action clear? Oftentimes, CTAs get the least amount of attention during the QR code creation process. However, adding a CTA makes it clear to the audience what they’ll be getting in exchange for scanning the code. So, make sure to add a strong one.
Is your QR code the right size? The rule of thumb says that your QR codes should ideally be 2x2 cm. This is usually the recommended size for smartphones. There is no standard QR code size otherwise. But all in all, the code shouldn’t be too big or too small to notice and scan.
Is there adequate white space around the QR code? White space or quiet zone in QR codes is the area around the four sides of the QR codes. This area separates the pixelated code from the rest of the elements. That’s why there should always be ample white space, as it ensures higher scannability.
Is the QR code mobile optimized? This should be non-negotiable since most people scan QR codes using their mobile phones. So, for instance, if you are embedding a PDF file, make sure it is hosted on a platform with a self-adjusting screen. Doing so will ensure the person scanning can access the content of the QR code without any problems.

Parting Thoughts

And..there you go. Those were the five steps (some short, others longer) to generate a QR code on your iPhone, and the best practices to follow.

Besides, if you’re using Uniqode, the same method of QR code generation will apply across your Apple devices, whether it’s your MacBook, iPad, or iPhone. So, why use anything else?