A QR code is a doorway, but a plain black square doesn't say where the door leads. People are far more likely to scan when a short line of text tells them what they'll get. That line is your call to action (CTA). This guide gives you a simple formula and dozens of QR code call to action examples you can copy for menus, flyers, reviews, packaging, events, signs and more, plus tips on placement and testing.
The short answer
- Use the formula: verb + benefit. "Scan to see today's specials." "Scan to book your free consultation."
- Be specific. Tell people exactly what opens: a menu, a video, a discount, a form.
- Keep it short. A few words people can read at a glance.
- Put the text right next to the code, usually directly above or below it.
- Make sure the destination matches the promise. If the CTA says "menu," the code should open the menu, not your home page.
A simple formula for writing your own
Most strong QR CTAs combine three parts. You won't always need all three.
- Action: "Scan," "Point your camera here," "Scan me."
- Benefit or destination: what they'll see or get. "Today's menu," "the full tour," "10% off."
- Detail that removes doubt (optional): "No app needed," "Takes 30 seconds," "Free."
Put together: "Scan for 10% off your first order. No app needed."
A few writing tips:
- Lead with the benefit when space is tight. "Free recipe inside → Scan" can work better than a long sentence.
- Use the reader's words. "See the price" beats "Access product pricing information."
- Avoid vague phrases like "Scan for more info." More info about what?
- Mention a deadline only if it's real, and update or remove the CTA when it ends.
Restaurants, cafés and bars
- Scan to see our menu
- Scan for today's specials
- Scan to order from your table
- Scan to pay your bill
- Scan for allergen and nutrition info
- Scan to join our rewards and get a free coffee
- Loved your meal? Scan to leave us a review
For setup help, see how to make a QR code for a menu.
Reviews and feedback
- Enjoyed your visit? Scan to leave a quick review
- Scan to rate us in 30 seconds
- How did we do? Scan to tell us
- Scan to share feedback (it goes straight to the owner)
Linking straight to your review form removes steps. Our guide on making a QR code for Google reviews shows how to get that link.
Flyers, posters and print ads
- Scan to see dates and buy tickets
- Scan to claim your discount
- Scan to watch the 1-minute video
- Scan to get the full schedule
- Scan to sign up, it's free
- Scan to RSVP
If you're designing a flyer, our QR code size for print guide explains how big the code needs to be.
Product packaging, labels and stickers
- Scan for setup instructions
- Scan to watch how it works
- Scan for recipes using this product
- Scan to register your warranty
- Scan to see where it was made
- Scan to reorder in one tap
See QR codes for packaging and QR codes on stickers for print and material tips.
Events, weddings and invitations
- Scan to RSVP
- Scan for directions and parking
- Scan to see the schedule
- Scan to share your photos with us
- Scan to see our gift registry
Our guides to event QR codes and wedding invitation QR codes go further.
Real estate and storefronts
- Scan for photos, price and floor plan
- Scan to book a showing
- Scan to see our hours and directions
- Closed right now? Scan to shop online
- Scan to call us
See QR codes for real estate signs for distance and sign-size advice.
Business cards, resumes and networking
- Scan to save my contact
- Scan to see my portfolio
- Scan to connect on LinkedIn
- Scan to book a call
A contact QR code can add your details straight to someone's phone. See our vCard QR code guide and QR codes on resumes.
Social media and content
- Scan to follow us on Instagram
- Scan to watch on YouTube
- Scan to listen to the playlist
- Scan to join our newsletter
See how to make a QR code for Instagram and for a YouTube video.
Wi-Fi, classrooms and community spaces
- Scan to join our Wi-Fi
- Scan to open today's worksheet
- Scan to hear the audio guide
- Scan to sign in
Our Wi-Fi QR code generator creates codes that connect phones without typing a password.
Payments and donations
- Scan to pay
- Scan to donate
- Scan to tip your server
- Scan to support our fundraiser
Before printing a payment code, double-check the account it points to. Our guide on payment QR codes covers setup.
Where to put the call to action
- Directly above or below the code. People should read the CTA and see the code in one glance.
- Never on top of the code. Text over the pattern can stop it scanning. A small logo in the center can work with the right settings; see can a QR code have a logo.
- Respect the quiet zone. Leave a clear margin around the code so the text doesn't crowd it. See QR code quiet zone.
- Make the CTA readable from the same distance as the code. If someone has to walk closer to read the text, they might not bother.
- Use high contrast for both the code and the text. See QR code colors that scan.
- Add a short URL under the code when you can, for people who prefer typing or whose camera struggles.
Make the destination keep the promise
A great CTA loses trust if the page disappoints. Check that:
- The page loads quickly and works well on a phone.
- It's the exact page promised, not a generic home page.
- Any discount or offer is visible right away.
- The link still works for as long as the printed material is in use.
If you might change the destination later, read static vs dynamic QR codes before you print.
Test before you print
- Generate the code with QR Studio and download a high-resolution file.
- Place it in your design with the CTA next to it.
- Print a test copy at final size.
- Scan it with more than one phone, in normal lighting, from a realistic distance.
- Confirm the CTA and the destination match.
If something goes wrong, our QR code not scanning guide covers the usual fixes.
Frequently asked questions
What should I write next to a QR code?
A short line with an action and a benefit, such as "Scan to see our menu" or "Scan for 10% off." Tell people exactly what they'll get.
Is "Scan me" a good call to action?
It's better than nothing, but it doesn't say why to scan. Adding the benefit, as in "Scan me for today's specials," gives people a reason.
Where should the call to action go?
Directly above or below the code, close enough to read together, without overlapping the code or its quiet zone.
Should I say "no app needed"?
It can help when your audience may not know that most phone cameras scan QR codes directly. Use it if you have space, but keep the main benefit first.
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