1. Decide what the QR code holds
A QR code is just text. What matters is that whatever scans it recognizes that text:
- An attendee ID or order number from your registration export. Best for check-in apps and lead retrieval, which look the number up.
- A web link, the same on every badge, to the agenda, event app or Wi-Fi page. Any phone camera opens it.
- A personal link, such as the attendee's profile or digital contact card, built from a column in your list.
If you use a check-in app, ask its support team which value it scans. Some apps only accept the codes they generate, in which case include that code's number in your export.
2. Export your attendee list
Export a CSV or Excel file with one row per attendee: name, company, ticket type, and the column the QR code should hold. If you're using Eventbrite, Cvent or Google Forms, see how to print badges from an attendee list.
3. Add the QR code to your badge design
In the badge maker, add a QR code and set its value to a column name in double curly braces, for example {{Attendee ID}}. Use a fixed link instead if every badge should open the same page. Then put the name, company and ticket type around it.
- Size: at least 0.75 in (2 cm) square. Larger is faster to scan in poor light.
- Placement: where nothing covers it: not under a slot punch or a lanyard clip.
- Contrast: dark code on a light background. The editor adds the white border scanners need.
- Both sides: badges flip on lanyards, so consider repeating the code on the back.
4. Upload the list and test before you order
Upload the CSV on your design's Roster page and preview every badge. Each one gets its own code. Before ordering for everyone, scan a few previews on screen with your check-in app or a phone camera, and if the app is strict about format, order a single badge first and test the printed code at the door.
On event day
- Have a printed list or a search box ready for the badge someone forgot.
- Order a few spare blank-name badges for walk-ins.
- For multi-day events, plastic badges keep their codes scannable after days on a lanyard. See paper vs plastic badges.