QR Code Generator with Link Tracking

QR codes have made a massive comeback. From restaurant menus to product packaging, these scannable codes are everywhere. But are you tracking who scans them? In this guide, we'll show you how to create QR codes with built-in analytics so you can measure every scan.

Why QR Codes Need Tracking

Creating a QR code is easy. Knowing if anyone actually scans it? That requires tracking. Without analytics, your QR code is a black box — you have no idea if it's working.

Tracked QR codes tell you:

• How many people scanned the code
• When they scanned it (time and date)
• Where they scanned it (geographic location)
• What device they used
• How the code performs over time

How Tracked QR Codes Work

A tracked QR code doesn't point directly to your destination URL. Instead, it points to a short link (like y.hn/menu) that redirects to your destination. Since every scan goes through the shortener's server, each one is tracked.

Here's the flow:

1. You create a short link on y.hn for your destination URL

2. y.hn generates a QR code for that short link

3. Someone scans the QR code with their phone

4. Their browser opens y.hn/menu

5. y.hn logs the scan (device, location, time) and redirects to your URL

6. You see the data in your y.hn dashboard

Creating a Tracked QR Code on y.hn

Step 1: Create Your Short Link

1. Go to y.hn/dashboard

2. Paste your destination URL

3. (Optional) Set a custom slug like "menu" or "card"

4. Click "Shorten"

Step 2: Generate the QR Code

1. Find your link in the dashboard

2. Click the QR code icon (📱)

3. Your QR code appears instantly

4. Download it as PNG

Step 3: Use It Anywhere

Print the QR code on:

• Business cards
• Flyers and posters
• Product packaging
• Restaurant menus
• Event badges
• Store windows
• Presentation slides

Step 4: Track Scans

Visit your y.hn dashboard to see real-time analytics for every scan.

QR Code Best Practices

Size Matters

• Minimum size: 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches) for close-range scanning
• For posters: At least 10 x 10 cm for scanning from a distance
• Rule of thumb: The scanning distance should be no more than 10x the QR code's width

Contrast Is Key

• Use dark codes on light backgrounds
• Avoid low-contrast color combinations
• Black on white is the most reliable
• Test on multiple phones before mass printing

Short URLs = Better QR Codes

This is where y.hn really shines. The data encoded in a QR code determines its complexity:

• y.hn/menu = simple, low-density QR code (easy to scan)
• https://myrestaurant.com/our-full-menu?location=downtown = complex, high-density QR code (harder to scan)

Shorter URLs create simpler QR codes that scan faster and more reliably, especially at smaller sizes.

Add a Call to Action

Don't just put a QR code on something — tell people what it does:

• ✅ "Scan for menu" + QR code
• ✅ "Scan to get 20% off" + QR code
• ❌ Just a QR code with no context

Test Before Printing

Always test your QR code on multiple devices before sending anything to print. Test with:

• iPhone (Camera app)
• Android (Camera app or Google Lens)
• Older phones
• Different lighting conditions

Use Cases with Analytics

Restaurant Menus

Replace paper menus with a QR code linking to a digital menu. Track:

• Which tables generate the most scans
• Peak scanning times (correlates with busy hours)
• Whether customers scan multiple times

Business Cards

Add a QR code to your business card linking to your y.hn bio page. Track:

• How many people actually scan your card
• When they scan it (during the event vs. days later)
• Which networking events generate the most connections

Product Packaging

Link QR codes on packaging to product information, setup guides, or warranty registration. Track:

• Activation rates
• Geographic distribution of customers
• Scan patterns after purchase

Marketing Campaigns

Use unique QR codes for each campaign or location. Track:

• Which physical locations drive the most scans
• Campaign performance comparison
• ROI of offline marketing spend

Event Marketing

Put QR codes on event materials linking to registration or information pages. Track:

• Pre-event vs. day-of scans
• Which promotional materials are most effective
• Attendee engagement with different resources

Static vs. Dynamic QR Codes

Static QR codes have a fixed URL that can't be changed. If you need to update the destination, you need a new QR code.

Dynamic QR codes (what y.hn provides) point to a short URL that can be redirected anywhere. You can:

• Change the destination without reprinting
• Track all scans with analytics
• A/B test different landing pages
• Fix mistakes after printing

Always use dynamic QR codes for anything that will be printed.

FAQ

Q: Are QR codes free to create?

A: Yes, y.hn includes QR code generation for all links. Premium QR codes with custom colors are available on Pro plans.

Q: Do QR codes expire?

A: The QR code itself doesn't expire, but the link it points to might. y.hn Pro links never expire.

Q: Can I track QR codes from different locations?

A: Yes, create separate short links (and QR codes) for each location to track them independently.

Q: What's the best format for QR codes?

A: PNG for digital use, SVG or PDF for print. y.hn generates high-resolution PNGs suitable for both.

Q: Can QR codes be scanned from a screen?

A: Yes, QR codes work on screens (phones, tablets, monitors) as well as printed materials.

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Create your first tracked QR code in seconds. Try y.hn free — no signup required for your first link.