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QR Encode

Generates QR code images from text data, URLs, or other content. QR codes can store more information than traditional barcodes and are widely used for quick mobile access to websites, contact information, WiFi credentials, and more. The generated QR code can be saved as PNG, JPG, or JPEG image files.

Common Properties​

  • Name - The custom name of the node.
  • Color - The custom color of the node.
  • Delay Before (sec) - Waits in seconds before executing the node.
  • Delay After (sec) - Waits in seconds after executing node.
  • Continue On Error - Automation will continue regardless of any error. The default value is false.
info

If the ContinueOnError property is true, no error is caught when the project is executed, even if a Catch node is used.

Inputs​

  • Content - The data to encode into the QR code. Can be text, URLs, JSON, contact information (vCard), WiFi credentials, or any other text-based data. This cannot be empty.
  • Image Width - Width of the output QR code image in pixels. Default is 240 pixels.
  • Image Height - Height of the output QR code image in pixels. Default is 240 pixels.
  • QR Path - File path where the QR code image will be saved. Must include a valid file extension (PNG, JPG, or JPEG).

Output​

  • result - Status message indicating the success of the QR code generation.

How It Works​

The QR Encode node creates QR code images by:

  1. Taking the input content from the Content parameter
  2. Validating the QR path and ensuring proper file extension
  3. Encoding the content using the QR code algorithm
  4. Creating a square image with the specified width and height dimensions
  5. Saving the QR code image to the specified path in the chosen format

QR Code Capabilities​

QR codes can encode various types of data:

  • Plain Text - Any text string up to several thousand characters
  • URLs - Web links that can be scanned with mobile devices
  • Contact Information - vCard format for business cards
  • WiFi Credentials - Network name and password for automatic connection
  • Email Addresses - mailto: links with optional subject and body
  • Phone Numbers - tel: links for direct dialing
  • SMS Messages - smsto: links with phone number and message
  • Geolocation - GPS coordinates for maps
  • Calendar Events - iCal format events
  • Application Links - Deep links to mobile apps
  • Payment Information - Payment requests and cryptocurrency addresses
  • JSON Data - Structured data for application integration

Practical Examples​

Example 1: Website URL QR Code​

Generate a QR code for a website URL:

  • Content: https://www.example.com/products/item-12345
  • Image Width: 300
  • Image Height: 300
  • QR Path: C:\qrcodes\product_link.png

Use case: Create QR codes for product pages that customers can scan for more information.

Example 2: Contact Information (vCard)​

Generate a QR code for business card:

  • Content:
BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
FN:John Doe
ORG:Example Corp
TEL:+1-555-123-4567
EMAIL:john.doe@example.com
URL:https://www.example.com
END:VCARD
  • Image Width: 250
  • Image Height: 250
  • QR Path: /business_cards/john_doe_qr.png

Use case: Generate digital business cards for networking events.

Example 3: WiFi Network Credentials​

Generate a QR code for WiFi auto-connect:

  • Content: WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:MyPassword123;;
  • Image Width: 280
  • Image Height: 280
  • QR Path: /tmp/wifi_guest.png

Use case: Provide easy WiFi access for guests by scanning a QR code.

Example 4: Email Contact​

Generate a QR code for sending an email:

  • Content: mailto:support@example.com?subject=Support Request&body=Hello, I need help with...
  • Image Width: 240
  • Image Height: 240
  • QR Path: C:\support\email_qr.jpg

Use case: Create support contact points that automatically open email clients.

Example 5: Product Tracking JSON​

Generate a QR code with structured data:

  • Content: {"product_id":"12345","batch":"B2024001","expiry":"2025-12-31","warehouse":"A1"}
  • Image Width: 300
  • Image Height: 300
  • QR Path: /inventory/tracking_12345.png

Use case: Encode detailed product information for warehouse management systems.

Example 6: Event Registration​

Generate a QR code for event check-in:

  • Content: {"event_id":"EVT-2024-001","attendee":"A12345","ticket_type":"VIP","seat":"A-15"}
  • Image Width: 320
  • Image Height: 320
  • QR Path: /events/tickets/ticket_A12345.png

Use case: Generate unique QR codes for event tickets that can be scanned at entry.

Example 7: SMS Message​

Generate a QR code for quick SMS:

  • Content: smsto:+15551234567:Thanks for your order! Your tracking number is 1Z999AA10123456784
  • Image Width: 260
  • Image Height: 260
  • QR Path: /messages/order_confirm_qr.png

Use case: Allow customers to quickly send pre-filled SMS messages for confirmations.

Tips for Effective Use​

  • Square dimensions: QR codes should always be square (width = height) for best results
  • Size recommendations:
    • Small QR codes (URLs, short text): 200x200 to 250x250 pixels
    • Medium QR codes (vCards, WiFi): 250x250 to 350x350 pixels
    • Large QR codes (JSON, long text): 350x350 to 500x500 pixels
  • Print resolution: Use at least 300x300 pixels for printing, 500x500 or higher for larger prints
  • URL shortening: Use shortened URLs for cleaner QR codes with less density
  • Testing: Always test generated QR codes with multiple scanning apps before production use
  • Error correction: QR codes have built-in error correction; damaged codes can still be read
  • Content optimization: Shorter content creates simpler, easier-to-scan QR codes
  • File format: Use PNG for best quality and transparency support
  • Contrast: Ensure high contrast between QR code and background when printing
  • Quiet zone: Leave adequate white space around QR codes when printing (automatic in generation)
  • Mobile optimization: Test QR codes with various mobile camera apps and QR scanner applications

Content Format Guidelines​

URLs​

https://example.com/page
http://example.com/page

Email (mailto)​

mailto:email@example.com
mailto:email@example.com?subject=Subject&body=Message

Phone (tel)​

tel:+15551234567

SMS (smsto)​

smsto:+15551234567:Your message here

WiFi Network​

WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;
WIFI:T:WEP;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;
WIFI:T:nopass;S:NetworkName;;

vCard (Contact)​

BEGIN:VCARD
VERSION:3.0
FN:Full Name
ORG:Organization
TEL:+1-555-123-4567
EMAIL:email@example.com
ADR:;;Street;City;State;ZIP;Country
URL:https://example.com
END:VCARD

Geolocation​

geo:37.7749,-122.4194
geo:37.7749,-122.4194?q=San Francisco

Calendar Event​

BEGIN:VEVENT
SUMMARY:Meeting
DTSTART:20240101T100000
DTEND:20240101T110000
LOCATION:Conference Room
DESCRIPTION:Quarterly review meeting
END:VEVENT

Common Errors and Solutions​

Error: "Content cannot be empty"​

Solution: Provide valid content to encode in the Content parameter.

Error: "QR path cannot be empty"​

Solution: Specify a valid file path including filename and extension.

Error: "Invalid File Extension"​

Solution: Use only .png, .jpg, or .jpeg extensions for the QR path.

QR Code not scanning properly​

Solution:

  • Ensure content is properly formatted
  • Increase image size for complex or long content
  • Use recommended square dimensions (e.g., 300x300)
  • Test with different QR code scanner apps
  • Reduce content length if possible
  • Verify URL format is correct with protocol (http:// or https://)

QR Code too dense/complex​

Solution:

  • Reduce content length
  • Use URL shorteners for long URLs
  • Increase image dimensions (e.g., from 240x240 to 400x400)
  • Simplify JSON structures
  • Remove unnecessary data from content

Poor print quality​

Solution:

  • Use larger dimensions (minimum 500x500 for printing)
  • Save as PNG for better quality
  • Ensure printer resolution is at least 300 DPI
  • Increase size for physical prints (1-2 inches minimum)
  • Test printed QR codes before mass production

RPA Use Cases​

  • Marketing automation: Generate QR codes for promotional campaigns linking to landing pages
  • Inventory management: Create QR codes with product data for warehouse tracking
  • Event management: Generate unique QR codes for ticket validation and check-ins
  • Document processing: Add QR codes to documents for digital verification and tracking
  • Customer service: Create QR codes for feedback forms, support tickets, or surveys
  • Asset tracking: Generate equipment labels with QR codes containing asset information
  • Payment processing: Create payment request QR codes for invoices or transactions
  • Access control: Generate temporary QR codes for building or system access
  • Product packaging: Add QR codes to packaging for product information and authentication
  • Healthcare: Generate patient wristbands with medical record IDs in QR codes
  • Education: Create QR codes for learning materials, assignments, or attendance tracking
  • Logistics: Generate shipping labels with tracking information encoded in QR codes

Best Practices​

  • Content validation: Verify content format before encoding (URLs, email addresses, etc.)
  • Testing workflow: Include automated QR code scanning verification in your flow
  • Batch generation: Use loops to generate multiple QR codes from data tables or lists
  • Naming convention: Use descriptive filenames with unique identifiers for tracking
  • Backup storage: Save QR codes in organized folders with proper categorization
  • Version control: Include timestamps or version numbers in QR code filenames
  • Error handling: Implement try-catch blocks for production workflows
  • Logging: Track generated QR codes with content and file path for auditing
  • Security: Avoid encoding sensitive information in QR codes without encryption
  • Accessibility: Provide alternative access methods alongside QR codes for users without smartphones