QR codes

A QR code is just a tracking link in another form: scanning it opens the partner's affiliate link, so the scan is counted as a click with all the usual checks, sub IDs and attribution. Use it for flyers, packaging, event booths, podcasts or TV spots.

Create a QR code (staff)#

1. Open the offer, tab Tracking.
2. In Affiliate tracking link, choose the Tracking domain, the Affiliate and, optionally, a Landing page and sub IDs. Use a sub ID to tell placements apart, e.g. sub1=flyer-berlin.
3. Click QR code under the tracking link.
4. In the dialog, check the preview, then download SVG (for print, scales without loss) or PNG (1024 × 1024 pixels).

The file is named <offer code>-<partner code>-qr.svg / .png.

Create a QR code (partners)#

Partners use the same QR code button under their link in the portal's link builder (offer page). The link type must be Tracking link; Google Ads templates are not meant for QR codes.

Partners can also get a QR code of their referral link on the portal's Referrals page.

How it works#

• The QR code is generated in your browser. The link is not sent to any server to build the image.
• Error correction level M, with a quiet zone of 2 modules. The code is dark violet on white.
• If the link is too long for a QR code, the dialog shows "This link is too long for a QR code." Shorten it by removing unused sub IDs.

Tips#

• Use a distinct sub1 (or source_id) per printed placement, then group reports by Sub 1 to compare them.
• Prefer your own short tracking hostname (for example go.example.com) — shorter links give simpler, more robust codes, and the domain is visible to people who preview the link before opening it.
• Test the printed code with two different phones before a print run.
• Scans count as clicks: unique-click rules, caps, targeting and fallbacks apply exactly as for a typed link (Affiliate tracking links).

Limits#

• QR codes are available for affiliate tracking links (and partner referral links). There is no QR button for smart links or impression pixels; for those, copy the link and use any QR generator.
• There is no separate "scan" metric: a scan is a click. Use a dedicated sub ID to isolate scans in reports.