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Use QR Codes on Research Posters

A QR code on a research poster can connect attendees to a published article, preprint, dataset, lab website or presentation. For academic use, the destination and print quality matter as much as appearance.

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Choose the right destination

  1. Prefer a stable DOI link, institutional repository record, conference webpage or other durable landing page when possible.
  2. If the document is not public yet, use a permitted sharing link and check that attendees can open it without your personal login.
  3. Open QR Studio, select Website, and enter the destination URL. Check for spelling errors before exporting.
  4. For additional documents, use distinct QR codes with descriptive labels rather than squeezing many URLs into one code.

Prepare the poster graphic

  1. Export an SVG for a vector poster layout, or a high-resolution PNG/PDF when that fits your design workflow.
  2. Keep the QR code surrounded by clear space; do not crop the white border or overlap it with a caption.
  3. Add a short label such as “Scan for full paper” and, if practical, a readable fallback URL or DOI.
  4. Test the QR with a phone at the intended printed size and at the distance visitors will stand.

Important things to know

Do not use QR Studio’s 30-day temporary file storage for a poster expected to be useful beyond the conference. Choose a stable public URL instead.

If the QR points to a manuscript or data, confirm its sharing rights and whether the materials are already publicly available.

Static QR codes cannot change their destination after printing. Link to a stable landing page if you expect the underlying PDF to be updated.

Frequently asked questions

Should I use a DOI or a PDF link?

A DOI or stable repository landing page is usually the better long-term choice, since it can lead to updated information and appropriate access options.

Is SVG better than PNG for posters?

SVG remains sharp when scaled in many design programs. A sufficiently high-resolution PNG may also work, but test the exported poster proof.

Do QR codes require mobile data?

Opening an online paper requires an internet connection. Consider a concise printed citation or DOI as a fallback.