30 Legendary QR Code Examples To Inspire You

You have seen plenty of QR Code examples everywhere. They have been an unconscious part of your life—an obvious technology to make it easier. Perhaps you scanned a QR Code to order your regular Americano at Starbucks or to check the ingredients in your favorite pack of Cheerios. Either way, unknowingly, you experienced an example of a QR Code in the real world.

If this made you sit up, the rest of this article will make you go ‘I wanna try this right now’! We’ve curated over 30 creative, out-of-the-world, and redefining examples of QR Codes and can’t wait to share them with you.

But first, let’s quickly understand what these magical squares are all about.

Understanding QR Codes: More Than Just a Square

At its core, a QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can store a variety of information. Unlike traditional barcodes that hold data in one direction (horizontally), QR codes store information in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing them to hold significantly more data. This data can range from simple text and website URLs to contact details (like a vCard), e-mail address, app download links, SMS, and much more.

They consist of black squares arranged in a square grid on a white background, including three distinctive squares at the corners that help scanners orient the code. When you scan a QR Code with your smartphone camera or a dedicated QR reader app, the device quickly decodes the pattern and presents the embedded information or triggers an action, like opening a webpage or adding a contact. 

They are designed for fast readability and have error correction capabilities, meaning they can often be scanned even if a part of the code is damaged or obscured. This technology bridges the physical and digital gap, making information instantly accessible with a simple scan.

Now, let’s jump into the inspiring examples!

Table of contents

1. 10 inspiring QR Code brand examples
2. 10 easy-to-copy QR Code examples
3. 10 out-of-the-box QR Code examples

10 QR Code brand examples for ready inspiration

1. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola nails sustainability by adding QR Codes to their reusable bottles to track the refill cycles of a bottle and determine if it should be recycled or refilled again. It’s part of their global ‘World Without Waste’ initiative. This is one of the best examples of QR Codes on a product. 

Strategic Insight: The campaign is effective, but could be improved with a more interactive experience. Linking the QR Code to personalized dashboards showing the user’s individual impact (e.g., “You’ve saved X bottles from landfill!”), or offering small rewards/loyalty points for refills scanned via the QR Code could boost user engagement. Adding gamified elements or quick educational content about recycling would turn a simple scan into a more meaningful action.

2. Nike

Nike does a great job sharing product information, such as benefits, maintenance, and recycling on their products, in this case, shoes. Once you scan the QR Code on the heel, you’ll get tips on improving your shoe’s life cycle, details on its performance and environmental benefits, and how to recycle and donate it post-use. 

Strategic Insight: Nike could elevate this by integrating the QR scan with their Nike Training Club or Run Club apps, perhaps unlocking exclusive content related to the shoe model, like a curated workout or running route. Offering a trade-in discount for old shoes scanned via the QR code for recycling could also directly incentivize sustainable behavior.

3. Starbucks

Starbucks has one of the best QR Code examples in customer service. They promote their loyalty program through a WhatsApp QR Code and promise exciting discounts in exchange. 

Strategic Insight: While effective for acquisition, Starbucks could deepen engagement by making the WhatsApp interaction more personalized post-scan. For instance, based on previous orders (if data is available and permission given), the WhatsApp bot could suggest new drinks or offer a birthday surprise, making the loyalty program feel more tailored.

4. IKEA

IKEA uses QR Codes for its payment gateways. It enables customers to add products to their list and pay for all the items on the list by scanning a QR Code. A complete shopping experience with a QR Code—one of the finest examples in retail! 

Strategic Insight: IKEA could enhance this by integrating augmented reality (AR) previews through the QR code scan. Before adding to the list, a customer could scan the product’s QR code to see how the furniture might look in their own home via their phone screen, further aiding the purchase decision.

5. Sephora

Sephora is a great example of an app QR Code in use. It uses a QR Code to drive customers to download the app. The app is a doorway to jump into the Sephora ecosystem and find solutions, such as order tracking and availing discount offers. A win-win for the customer and the brand!

Strategic Insight: Sephora could offer an instant, small value-add for downloading via the QR code, like a “welcome” discount automatically applied in the app, or exclusive first access to a new product tutorial. This would make the call-to-action even more compelling than just the promise of the app’s standard features.

6. McDonald’s

One of the most outstanding examples of QR Codes in social media is from McDonald’s. They use a QR Code for an irresistible nudge to drive (pun intended) users to order. The right message at the right time—made possible with modern technology (a smartphone and a QR Code!). 

7. L’Oreal

This is a QR Code video example from L’Oréal. It uses QR Codes on many of its products to ensure its customers are aware of product details. Once customers scan a QR Code, they can access a host of product information, such as production details, ingredients, and quality control measures. 

Strategic Insight: L’Oreal could link these QR codes to interactive “ingredient explorer” guides or short video tutorials from beauty experts on how to best use the product. For products with ethical sourcing stories, a “track your ingredient” feature could add significant value and transparency.

8. BMW

BMW is an inspiring example of using a QR Code for customer feedback. In this Instagram post, it shares a landing page QR Code with a form where users can submit their feedback. Customers can choose between Google, Yelp, and other review platforms. 

Strategic Insight: To encourage higher participation, BMW could offer an entry into a prize draw (e.g., for BMW lifestyle merchandise) for those who complete the feedback form via the QR code. Also, providing a summary of “You said, we did” based on previous feedback could show customers their opinions are valued and actioned.

9. Disney

Disney reduces the painstaking process of adding people to the ‘Friends and Family’ section on the app with a QR Code. From sending emails and approving permissions to To encourage higher participation, BMW could offer an entry into a prize draw (e.g., for BMW lifestyle merchandise) for those who complete the feedback form via the QR code. Also, providing a summary of “You said, we did” based on previous feedback could show customers their opinions are valued and actioned.

Strategic Insight: Disney could further gamify this by allowing friends to unlock minor unique digital collectibles or app themes when they connect via QR code during a park visit or a specific event, making the connection process even more delightful and shareable.

10. Subway: Serving Up Surveys with a Treat

Subway takes a survey QR Code to the next level. Its Facebook post is an example of a QR Code with a logo that takes users to its feedback page. Customers reach a landing page with a survey form to share their opinions. Oh, and they also get a free cookie! 

Strategic Insight: Subway could personalize the follow-up. After the survey, instead of just a generic “thank you for the cookie,” they could offer a discount on the user’s next purchase of a previously rated item, or a “try this new sub we think you’ll like based on your feedback.”

10 QR Code creative examples you can’t help but copy

1. Pepsi’s ‘Gift it Forward’ campaign for Christmas

Pepsi’s ‘Gift it Forward’ campaign offers a superb example of using Coupon QR Codes for seasonal promotions in the retail sector. The QR code, shared via a Facebook post, took users to a digital scratch card to earn holiday rewards. 

Strategic Insight: Pepsi could have amplified this by adding a social sharing component where users could “gift” a scratch card chance to a friend after playing, expanding the campaign’s reach organically. User-generated content contests around holiday moments with Pepsi could also be linked via these QR Codes.

2. Paris Olympic’s Games Pass QR Code for getting around the city

Paris Olympics 2024 turned their Games Pass into a QR Code that users could scan to access specific areas in Paris. This was more of a security measure to restrict areas, such as the opening ceremony or competition venues, to pedestrians and cyclists. 

Strategic Insight: Beyond simple access, these QR codes could have linked to real-time event schedules, interactive maps of the accessible zones with points of interest, or emergency alert information, turning a security tool into a valuable attendee resource.

3. Katy Perry’s QR Code marketing marvel

Yes, you read that right! Katy Perry set a new benchmark for using QR Codes by placing a QR Code on herself at the 2024 MTV VMAs. The ingenious QR Code leads to her (now out) album page. The creativity is definitely something you can copy; the execution…well! 

Strategic Insight: The novelty was brilliant. To extend it, the landing page could have featured exclusive behind-the-scenes content or an AR filter related to the album, making the scan even more rewarding for fans. Limited-time merchandise drops accessible only via the “tattoo” scan could also create buzz.

4. Kansas University: Streamlining Event Registration

Kansas University uses a Google Forms QR Code to invite users via an X (formerly Twitter) post to register for their meet-and-greet program. This is a practical application in the education sector for a public university simplifying form registration.

Strategic Insight: The university could enhance this by having the QR code lead to a more dynamic landing page that includes a short welcome video from faculty or students, event FAQs, and then the registration form. Post-registration, a “add to calendar” option would be helpful.

5. Redfin’s real estate QR Code for home search experiences

Redfin’s use of QR Codes opens up doors (literally!). For one, they are a great example of QR Codes in real estate. Additionally, using these QR Codes in signage right outside the homes paves the way for fast open houses, virtual tours, and agent meets.    

6. Solopreneur showcasing their portfolio with a QR Code

You’ll find a great example of a QR Code on a resume or a portfolio among individuals and solopreneurs. They are using QR Codes in creative ways to showcase their work. This is a simpler and more interactive way to promote your portfolio. 

7. Mucinex turns adversity into opportunity with omnichannel QR Code innovation

Mucinex turned QR Code’s omnichannel superpower into a real-life use case. Limited by shipping restrictions, it sent product samples—with a QR Code—through direct mail. The physical QR Code took prospects to an online destination where they could watch the latest TV spot or place pickup orders. 

8. Chipotle goes contactless with a QR Code menu

Chipotle is a classic example of a QR Code menu in use. It started using contactless menus during the COVID-19 pandemic. QR Code menus on tabletops were an effective way to fight the pandemic, and today, they have become a proven way of restaurant ordering. 

9. Singapore Changi Airport offers free QR Code-based Wi-Fi access

Changi Airport has an excellent example of a Wi-Fi QR Code at work. The free, high-speed Wi-Fi is available in lounges and other areas. You can scan the Wi-Fi to start the authentication process. Once you share your details, you can access the Wi-Fi. 

10. Natalie Grant creates a unique experience with an audio QR Code for music lovers

You’ll find an audio QR Code example in Natalie Grant’s music album. Ever wondered that QR Codes would play music? This is a real-life example—another instance where QR Codes bridge the physical and digital gap. 

Many artists, including Natalie Grant, use audio QR Codes to offer exclusive music previews or direct fans to streaming platforms like Spotify.

10 ‘out of the box’ QR Code examples you need to see to believe

1. AI-generated QR Codes by Coca-Cola

When discussing unique QR Code examples, Coca-Cola’s illustrative, AI-powered QR Code campaign can’t be far behind. Launched as part of the Coke Studio global music platform, Coke used these attractive and interactive QR Codes in OOH advertisements at theatres, stadiums, and theme parks. People scanned the QR Code to watch the video from Coke Studio’s latest season. 

2. Wedding QR Codes

Give a modern twist to weddings with Image QR Codes! Use them to get invitation responses from guests, receive or share wedding images, or share gifts. This is also one of the best wedding QR Code examples where the QR Code is part of the wedding branding—fonts, color, et al. 

3. AR QR Codes by Burger King

Burger King has an augmented reality (AR) QR Code example you can take a cue from. Timed during the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs), the QR Code launched an AR experience for customers. The whole experience was interactive: nudges to download the BK app and plenty of incentives (free Whoppers and tickets!). 

4. Scavenger Hunt QR Codes by Mucinex

To raise awareness about cold and flu symptoms in the US, Mucinex launched a scavenger hunt across New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles. In the on-the-ground, real-life (IRL) scavenger hunt, people tracked the cold and flu symptoms that the Mucinex product would solve. The reward: an all-paid ticket to a concert. 

5. Tourism QR Codes by the Hong Kong Tourism Board

Hong Kong Tourism Board uses QR Codes and AR to create immersive travel experiences. It’s one of the best AR QR Code examples out there. The QR Codes allow you to interact with tourist attractions or take tourist photos with AR filters. 

6. Museum QR Codes by the National Museums Scotland

National Museums Scotland has been exploring QR Codes for museums for some time. It has several QR Code examples for its exhibitions. The use cases are varied: audio, video, 3D models, poetry, painting, and more. 

7. IoT meets QR Codes

When we talk about trending technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT) can’t be far behind. QR Codes play an essential role in the identification, authentication, and configuration of IoT devices. They can link physical objects to digital information. You can generate an IoT QR Code and print it on device bodies, packaging, or documentation that can replace a complex manual connection process. 

8. Interactive maps with QR Codes

One of the most unique QR Code examples is for interactive maps. In apartment communities, finding the right space can be confusing at times. QR Codes help locate specific areas easily with a simple scan. Residents can scan a QR Code to locate parking spaces, common areas, event locations, and more. 

9. QR Codes for churches

QR Codes are at the crux of faith and modernity. No, this is not an attempt to rile up an ancient debate but to show how faith intersects with modern technology. That churches use QR Codes now to collect donations, enable church event registrations or share booklets is no surprise. All hail QR Codes!

10. QR Codes for tradeshows

Attending a tradeshow? Don’t forget to stand out from the crowd with unique QR Code use cases. Use it as business cards, promotional materials, gamification and interactive elements, driving traffic and leads, and more.