Bring a daily page to life with a scan

Newsprint is quick to read and quickly recycled. A QR code lets a story or ad keep working after the page is turned.

QR Codes in Newspapers

Create Your QR Code

Complete the content

Include country code for international numbers
Use decimal degrees (e.g., 40.7128, -74.0060 for New York)

Design your QR

Download your QR

Click 'Generate QR Code' to create your custom QR

Newspapers are printed on absorbent, low-contrast newsprint with grey backgrounds and dot-heavy printing, so a QR code needs to be a little larger and bolder than on glossy paper to scan reliably. They are read fast and folded often, which makes a clear, well-margined code essential. Done right, a code turns a static story into a gateway to video, full data tables or a timed offer.

On newspapers, keep the code static, high contrast and linked to a stable destination. It will keep scanning without expiry and without scan tracking from us.

Why it works

Survives low-contrast newsprint

Grey paper and ink spread reduce sharpness, so a slightly larger, bold code keeps scans reliable.

Extends a quick read

Readers move fast through a paper, and a code lets an interesting story continue online after the page turns.

Backs up reporting

Link articles to source documents, full statistics or video that the column inches cannot hold.

Adds value for advertisers

Local ads can drive readers straight to a coupon, booking page or map.

How to create yours

  1. 1

    Pick the follow-up

    Choose what readers gain by scanning, such as a video, data set or coupon.

  2. 2

    Generate the code

    Paste the link into the free generator and create your QR code in seconds.

  3. 3

    Size up for newsprint

    Go a step larger with a thick quiet zone so it scans despite ink spread and grey paper.

  4. 4

    Test a real print run

    Scan an actual newspaper proof, not a laser print, to confirm it reads.

Ideas & examples

News story extras

Link to source documents or a video clip of the event.

Local business ad

Send readers to a printable coupon or a booking page.

Classified listing

Point to full photos and details for a property or item for sale.

Common questions

Will this QR code expire?

No. The static QR code you create here does not expire. It keeps working as long as the website, file, contact details or other destination still exists.

Do you track scans on this QR code?

No. We create privacy-first static QR codes and do not track scans. For campaign reporting, use your own analytics on the destination page.

Ready to create yours?

Create a free QR code for your newspaper now.

Create your QR code