What is a custom URL QR code?

A custom URL QR code encodes a fully customised web address including the base URL, query parameters, UTM tracking parameters, and URL fragments (anchors). It lets you create trackable, campaign-specific QR codes that tell you exactly where scans come from.

What are UTM parameters and why add them to a QR code?

UTM parameters are tags added to a URL that Google Analytics and other tools use to track where traffic comes from. Adding UTM source, medium, campaign, term, and content to your QR code URL lets you see exactly how many people scanned your QR code and where it was displayed.

How do I track QR code scans with Google Analytics?

Add UTM parameters to your QR code URL: utm_source (e.g. print_flyer), utm_medium (e.g. qr_code), utm_campaign (e.g. summer_sale). When someone scans the QR code and visits your site, Google Analytics logs this as a campaign visit with those exact labels.

What is a URL fragment or anchor?

A URL fragment (the #section part of a URL) tells the browser to scroll to a specific section of a page. Adding #pricing to a URL takes the scanner directly to the pricing section. Use the Anchor field to add this without typing the # symbol.

Can I add custom query parameters beyond UTM?

Yes. Use the Custom Parameters section to add any key=value pairs to the URL — affiliate IDs, referral codes, product variants, A/B test flags, or any parameters your website or tracking system uses.

Does the custom URL QR code expire?

No. The QR code image never expires. The URL it encodes will work as long as the destination page exists. For campaign QR codes in printed materials, ensure the destination URL remains live for the duration of the campaign.

Is my URL and tracking data stored on your servers?

No. All URL building and QR code generation happens entirely in your browser. Your URL, UTM parameters, and custom data never leave your device.

🔗 Custom URL QR Code Generator

QR Codes With Custom URLs
UTM Tracking & More

Build QR codes with fully custom URLs — add UTM campaign parameters, URL anchors, query strings, and affiliate tags. Track every scan in Google Analytics and make data-driven marketing decisions.

📊 Google Analytics 📈 UTM Tracking #️⃣ URL Anchors 🔑 Custom Params 📋 Any URL

🔗 URL Builder CUSTOM URL QR

Base URL

Anchor / Section

Scroll to this section. No # needed.

QR Label

Custom Query Parameters

Built URL

🎨 Customise QR Code

Custom URL QR —

💡 Tracking tips

Use utm_source=print, utm_medium=qr_code for offline QR codes

Each print location gets a unique utm_content value

Use Level H with logo overlay for branded codes

Download SVG for any print size — scales perfectly

Test scan before printing to confirm tracking works

📊 QR Code Campaign Tracking by the Numbers

94%

of marketers say campaign tracking is essential to justify marketing spend

11B+

QR code scans projected globally in 2025 — growing 40% year on year

3×

more campaign insight when UTM-tracked QR codes are used vs. plain QR

67%

of marketers report improved ROI measurement after adding UTM QR codes

📖 How to Create a Custom URL QR Code

Choose Your Mode

Select URL Builder for custom parameters, UTM Tracker for Google Analytics campaign tracking, or Raw URL if you already have a complete URL ready to encode.

Enter Base URL

Paste your destination URL — your landing page, product page, or any website. Make sure it's a live, publicly accessible page before printing.

Add Parameters

In UTM mode: fill in source, medium, and campaign. In Builder mode: add custom key=value pairs and an optional anchor to scroll to a specific section.

Preview the Full URL

The "Built URL" preview shows exactly what will be encoded. Review it before generating — this is what Google Analytics will receive when someone scans.

Customise & Generate

Apply brand colours, add your logo, set QR size. Click Generate — your custom URL QR code is ready instantly.

Deploy & Track

Download SVG for print or PNG for digital. Deploy and track results in Google Analytics → Acquisition → Campaigns to see exactly which QR placement drives the most scans.

🎯 8 Campaign Uses for Custom URL QR Codes

Print Ad Tracking

Give each print ad placement (magazine A, magazine B, flyer, poster) a unique utm_content. Know exactly which publication drives the most web traffic.

Product Packaging

Track which product SKU drives the most website visits. Use utm_content=sku_001 vs sku_002 to see which packaging's QR gets scanned more.

Event Campaigns

Each event gets a unique UTM campaign. Compare scan volume from conference_a vs conference_b to prioritise future event sponsorships.

Email Campaign QRs

Embed QR codes in email newsletters. utm_source=email_newsletter + utm_medium=qr_code tracks email-to-scan conversions in Analytics.

In-Store vs Online

Use separate utm_source values for in-store QRs (utm_source=store_ny) vs online (utm_source=instagram). Measure offline-to-digital conversion.

Deep Link to Page Section

Add an anchor (#pricing, #contact, #menu) to take scanners directly to the most relevant section of your page — reducing bounce rates.

Affiliate & Partner QRs

Add affiliate_id=XXXXX as a custom parameter. Each partner or affiliate gets a unique QR that automatically attributes traffic and sales.

A/B Test QR Placements

Test two different QR placements (table_left vs table_right) with separate utm_content values. Find the highest-scan placement data-driven.

🚀 6 Benefits of Custom URL QR Codes

Full Campaign Visibility

UTM parameters let Google Analytics show you exactly how many people scanned your QR code, where the code was placed, and which campaign it belonged to.

Deep-Link Precision

URL anchors take scanners directly to the most relevant section of your page — pricing, contact form, specific product — reducing drop-off from irrelevant landing pages.

Affiliate & Partner Tracking

Custom query parameters encode affiliate IDs, referral codes, and partner tags — making QR-driven affiliate attribution automatic and accurate.

A/B Test QR Placements

Generate two QR codes with different utm_content values for two placements. Measure which location drives more scans and higher conversion.

Reusable Across Campaigns

Change UTM values for each campaign cycle while keeping the same base URL. The tool lets you build new tracked URLs instantly without starting from scratch.

Prove Print ROI

The perennial challenge: proving print advertising works. UTM QR codes give you hard data on scans, sessions, and conversions from every printed piece.

🔗 Related QR Code Tools

📖 Complete Guide to Custom URL QR Codes

A custom URL QR code goes beyond simply encoding a web address. By embedding UTM parameters, URL anchors, affiliate tags, and custom query strings, a custom URL QR code becomes a powerful analytics tool that tells you exactly where your traffic comes from, what campaigns are working, and which physical placements drive the most engagement.

Understanding UTM Parameters for QR Codes

UTM parameters are five tags you can append to any URL: utm_source (where the traffic comes from, e.g. "print_flyer"), utm_medium (the channel, e.g. "qr_code"), utm_campaign (the campaign name, e.g. "summer_sale_2025"), utm_term (keyword tracking, less relevant for QR), and utm_content (differentiates between two versions, e.g. "table_left" vs "table_right"). When someone scans the QR code and visits your site, Google Analytics logs all of these tags — you can see exactly how many sessions came from each QR placement.

URL Anchors for Deep Linking

A URL anchor (the #section at the end of a URL) tells the browser to scroll directly to a specific section of a page. If you're linking to a long landing page, adding #pricing sends the scanner straight to the pricing section, #contact straight to the contact form, and #menu straight to the restaurant menu. This dramatically reduces bounce rate for QR-driven traffic because visitors immediately see the most relevant content.

Custom Parameters for Affiliate and Partner Tracking

Beyond UTM parameters, any key=value pair can be added to a URL. Common uses: affiliate_id=123 for affiliate tracking, ref=partner_name for referral attribution, variant=blue for product configuration, lang=en for language preference, or any parameter your website, CRM, or e-commerce platform recognises. Use the Custom Parameters section to add as many parameters as needed.

Pro Tips for UTM QR Campaigns

Consistent naming convention: Use underscores, not spaces. Lowercase always. Establish a naming guide your whole team follows — e.g. utm_source=print_[publication], utm_medium=qr_code, utm_campaign=[season]_[year].
One QR per placement: Each physical location (counter, receipt, menu, flyer) should have its own QR code with a unique utm_content. This lets you compare placement performance.
Short base URLs: UTM parameters make URLs very long. Use a short base URL to keep the QR code less dense and more scannable. Avoid 300+ character URLs in QR codes.
Test in Google Analytics before printing: Scan the QR on your phone and check Google Analytics Realtime → Traffic sources to confirm the UTM data appears correctly before bulk printing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are UTM parameters and why use them in QR codes?

UTM parameters are tags (utm_source, utm_medium, utm_campaign, utm_content, utm_term) appended to a URL. When someone scans the QR code and visits your site, Google Analytics records these tags as campaign data. This lets you see exactly how many sessions came from each QR code, which campaign it belonged to, and which placement performed best.

How do I see QR scan data in Google Analytics?

In GA4: Reports → Acquisition → Traffic acquisition → filter by Session source/medium containing "qr_code". In Universal Analytics: Acquisition → Campaigns → All campaigns. You'll see sessions, bounce rate, and conversions from each UTM-tagged QR code.

What's the difference between URL Builder and UTM Tracker mode?

UTM Tracker mode has pre-built fields specifically for the five standard UTM parameters, plus quick-select dropdowns for common values. URL Builder mode lets you add any custom key=value parameters (affiliate IDs, referral codes, product variants) plus an anchor. Use UTM Tracker for Google Analytics campaigns, URL Builder for custom parameters.

What is a URL anchor and how does it help?

A URL anchor (the #section part) makes the browser scroll to a specific named section of a page. For example, yourdomain.com/about#team scrolls directly to the team section. This is valuable for QR codes — instead of dropping scanners at the top of a long page, send them directly to the most relevant content.

Does the QR code expire?

No. The QR code image never expires — it works as long as the destination URL remains live. If you need to change the landing page after printing, use a URL shortener as the QR destination, then update the redirect. The same QR code always points wherever the redirect sends it.

Is my URL or tracking data stored on your servers?

No. All URL building, parameter encoding, and QR code generation happens entirely in your browser. Your URLs, UTM parameters, and custom data never leave your device and are never stored on our servers.

Can I use this for affiliate or referral tracking?

Yes. In URL Builder mode, add your affiliate parameter as a custom key=value pair (e.g. key: affiliate_id, value: your_code). The generator appends this to the URL — when scanned, your affiliate platform registers the referral automatically.