Symbologies
QR code generator
An http or https URL becomes a QR code, including a GS1 Digital Link. Write datamatrix for a Data Matrix.
A QR code here is the barcode for a web address. Enter an http or https address, including a GS1 Digital Link, and auto draws a QR code that holds exactly that address. Beepable does not shorten, redirect, or track it. Anyone who scans the code opens the address you entered.
How do I generate a QR code?
- Use the full address, starting with https://.
- Try it on the barcode form. auto picks a QR code for every web address.
- For a column, put the address in A2, your picture key in Z1, and this formula in B2:
=IMAGE("https://beepable.app/i/qr.png?v="&ENCODEURL(A2)&"&k="&$Z$1) - Fill down, then scan one code with a phone and check that it offers to open the right address, including any path and query.
ENCODEURL in the formula keeps the whole address inside the barcode, including question marks and ampersands. If you build a picture address by hand, encode the value the same way: https://beepable.app/b/qr.png?v=https%3A%2F%2Fexample.com%2Fitem&k=YOUR_PICTURE_KEY.
When is the result not a QR code?
| Value | With auto |
|---|---|
| A web address, including a GS1 Digital Link | A QR code |
| A valid GTIN | A retail barcode such as EAN-13 |
| A SKU or other text | A card; write qr to draw it as a QR code |
| More than 2,000 characters | A card: Value is longer than 2,000 characters. |
Write datamatrix instead of qr only when a specification asks for a Data Matrix. For retail packs, the QR code of a GS1 Digital Link is the 2D code to use, as the QR or GS1 DataMatrix guide explains.
What if the cell shows a card?
| The cell shows | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| This is neither a valid GTIN, an Amazon FNSKU, nor a URL. Name a symbology, such as code128. | The value is text, such as a SKU, and the formula says auto. | Put code128 in the formula instead of auto. |
| The GS1 identifier in this Digital Link has an invalid check digit. Name qr to encode the URL anyway. | The address is a GS1 Digital Link whose GTIN has a wrong check digit. | Fix the GTIN in the link, or write qr to encode it anyway. |
| This barcode needs an API key. | Z1 is empty, or the formula does not point at it. | Paste your picture key in Z1, and keep both dollar signs in $Z$1. |
| This API key has been revoked. | The key was revoked on the Account page. | Create a new picture key and paste it in Z1. |
What should I keep out of a QR code?
The address is visible to anyone who scans the code, and it is part of the picture address too. Do not encode a private supplier page, a link with a password or session token, or a page that is not live yet. A printed code cannot be taken back: revoking your key stops new pictures from drawing, but labels already printed still open the address.
What about Sunrise 2027?
A retail pack needs more than a QR code of your homepage. It needs a GS1 Digital Link, an address that carries the product's GTIN. Build one from a GTIN on the Digital Link page. Print it beside the existing linear barcode, which stays, as the dual-coding guide shows.
Frequently asked questions
Which addresses become a QR code?
Every http or https address, including a GS1 Digital Link. The QR code holds exactly the address you entered, with spaces at the ends trimmed.
Can I put a SKU or text in a QR code?
Yes. Write qr in the formula instead of auto. With auto, text that is not a GTIN or an address shows a card.
Does Beepable shorten or track the link?
No. The QR code contains your address exactly. There is no redirect, no tracking, and no added parameters.
How long can the address be?
Up to 2,000 characters. Shorter addresses make smaller QR codes that scan more easily.
Is the address private?
No. Anyone who scans the code or sees the image address can read it. Do not encode a private link or a link with a token.
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