How to Make a QR Code

The QR code has become a go-to tool for Catholic parishes looking to make communication quick, simple, and contactless. Whether you want to direct people to a website, sign-up form, or landing page for an retreat, a quick scan with a smartphone camera connects your audience instantly.

Here are the best tips on how to create QR codes and unique ways parishes are using them to guide parishioners and visitors.

So what exactly is a QR Code? Short for “quick response,” the QR code has been around for more than 30 years. It stores data such as website URLs, phone numbers, videos, or even up to 4,000 characters of text. Today, scanning is easier than ever — most smartphones recognize a QR code automatically with the camera app, instantly prompting the user to open the linked content.

How to Make a QR Code

Creating a QR code is simple and free. You don’t need special software or design skills — just a generator tool and the information you want to share. Here are the basic steps:

1. Choose a QR Code Generator
   Popular free options include QRCodeMonkey , QR Stuff , and QR Code Generator .
   
   
2.  Decide What You Want to Share
   QR codes can link to many types of content such as a website URL, a PDF worship aid, contact information, a registration form, or even your parish’s online donation page.
   
   
3. Enter Your Information
    Paste the link or text you want the QR code to share into the generator.
   
   
4. Customize the Design (Optional)
   Many tools allow you to adjust colors, add your parish logo, or change the shape of the QR code. Just make sure there’s enough contrast for easy scanning.
   
   
5. Download and Test Your QR Code
   Save the code as a PNG or JPG file, print it or place it in digital materials, and always test it with your phone to make sure it works.

By following these steps, your church staff can create professional-looking QR codes in just minutes. Now that you know how to easily create custom QR codes, let's dive into what you can (and should) be using them for.

Creative Ways to Use QR Codes

From Mass times to outreach, QR codes can engage your members and visitors in meaningful ways.

Digital Worship Aids

Many parishes now provide digital worship aids. A QR code posted at the church entrance or on the pew allows parishioners to access prayers, hymns, and readings right on their phone.

Member Registration

Skip the paper forms. Use a QR code that links directly to a digital registration or visitor form so newcomers can connect with your parish instantly.

Share Your Bulletin

If your printed bulletin is also distributed digitally, a QR code can easily direct your parishioners to view your bulletin online. Partnering with a bulletin publisher like LPi makes sharing and archiving your bulletins online easy! Your QR code could lead to the bulletin section of your website or directly to a directory like ParishesOnline.com.

Parish Engagement

Add a QR code to your flyers, welcome signs, or social media graphics that directs people to your parish website. It’s a simple way for visitors to learn more about your faith community.

Online Giving

Encourage digital giving by linking your QR code to your secure donation page. This makes contributing fast and convenient for parishioners and visitors alike.

The Benefits of QR Codes

QR codes are a simple, reliable way to connect people to the information they need. Instead of juggling paper forms or typing long links, church members can scan your custom QE code and be instantly connected.

Usability tests show why they work. In a Census Bureau study, 100% of participants scanned a QR code successfully, did so in roughly 12 seconds, and found it “extremely easy.” 

Combine that with the fact that 91% of U.S. adults own a smartphone and QR codes are convenient, familiar, and powerful tools for engagement.

With their blend of simplicity and impact, QR codes keep communication clear and accessible.

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Dive deeper into web technology for your church by checking out the "Web and Social Media" section of our weekly blog.

Updated on September 4, 2025