QR code for your party: how to create and use it properly

A QR code is the shortest route from a guest's phone to your shared photo album. No app, no password, no link to type. Here is the full recipe – from code to card on the table.

Create the QR code in under a minute

Create a free album for your event. The moment the album exists, ShareEvent generates a 6-digit album code and a QR code that points straight to the gallery. You do not need an external QR generator, and the code never needs renewing – it works for as long as the album exists.

How big should the QR code be?

Rule of thumb: the code should be at least 2 x 2 cm with 5 mm of clear space all around. On a business card, 2.5 cm is plenty because the guest holds the phone close. On an A3 poster across the room, go up to 8–10 cm, since scanning distance grows. A good rule is that the code should be roughly one tenth of the distance people scan from.

Where should the cards go?

Use many small cards rather than a few large ones. A business card at every place setting works best, because the guest can pick it up and scan calmly. Add an A5 card on each table, an A4 card at the bar and an A3 sign at the entrance and by the restrooms. The more natural pauses, the more scans.

When scanning fails

Every recent iPhone and Android scans straight from the camera app. If that fails, the guest can open shareevent.io and type the 6-digit code printed under the QR code – which is why we always print it. Avoid glossy lamination, a dark code on a dark background, and cards buried under candles and napkins.

Test the code before the party

Print one card, scan it with two different phones and upload a test photo. Delete that photo again once you have seen it work. It takes two minutes and removes the only real risk: printing 100 cards nobody tried first.

Frequently asked questions

Does my album QR code expire?

No. The QR code points to the album and works for as long as the album exists. If you delete the album – or set a deletion date – the code stops working at that point.

Can I use the same QR code for several parties?

Each album has its own code. If photos from two events must stay separate, create one album per event. For a single event spanning several days, one album is fine.

Can guests get in without scanning?

Yes. They can go to shareevent.io and enter the 6-digit album code. Handy for older phones or for guests who receive the code by text message.

Can strangers find my album?

The album can only be opened with the album code or QR code. It is not public and is not indexed by search engines.

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