Location QR Code Generator — Create a Scan-to-Navigate QR Code
Create a QR code for any map location. Paste a Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze link and get a QR code for location sharing that opens the exact spot when scanned.
Pattern
Eyes
Easy to use
Create a Location QR Code in 3 Steps
Get Your Map Link
Open Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze on your phone or computer. Search for the location or drop a pin at the exact spot — the front entrance, parking lot, or side gate. Copy the share link or the URL from the address bar.
Paste and Customize
Paste the map link into the generator above. Choose your colors, add your logo, and pick a frame style. Add call-to-action text like “Scan for Directions” so people know what to expect when they scan.
Download & Share
Download your QR code as PNG (for digital use) or SVG (for print). Place on business cards, flyers, event invitations, store signage, or share digitally. Anyone who scans it sees the location pinned on the map.
Pro tip: Use a Google Maps link for maximum compatibility — it works on both iPhone and Android. If your audience primarily uses iPhones, an Apple Maps link provides the most native experience. For a detailed walkthrough on sharing Google Maps locations via QR, see our Google Maps QR code guide.
Step-by-step
How to Get Your Map Link
Before creating your QR code, you need a shareable map link. Here's how to get one from each platform.
Google Maps
Most Compatible- Open google.com/maps or the Google Maps app
- Search for the address, business name, or long-press to drop a pin at the exact spot
- Click “Share” (desktop) or tap the share icon (mobile)
- Copy the link — paste it into the QR code generator above
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.7484,-73.9857For directions, search for directions first, then copy the URL. The link includes the route.
Apple Maps
- Open the Maps app on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- Search for the location or drop a pin
- Tap the share button and select “Copy Link”
Apple Maps links open natively on iPhones and iPads. On Android devices, they open in a web view of the map.
Waze
- Open the Waze app on your phone
- Search for the destination
- Tap the three-dot menu and select “Share drive” → Copy link
Waze links open the Waze app for turn-by-turn navigation. If the scanner doesn't have Waze installed, it opens in a browser.
Using GPS coordinates?
Paste them directly into Google Maps (format: 40.7128,-74.0060), then copy the resulting URL. This works for trailheads, campsites, construction sites, and any location without a street address.
How it works
What Is a Location QR Code?
A QR code for location is a scannable code that opens a specific place on a map. When someone scans it with their phone camera, their default map app — Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze — opens with the location pinned. They can view the spot, get directions, and start navigating with one tap.
A location QR code encodes a map link — typically a Google Maps URL, Apple Maps URL, or geographic coordinates using the geo: URI protocol. When scanned, the QR code tells the phone to open the preferred maps app at the specified location.
Google Maps URL
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.7484,-73.9857geo: URI Protocol
geo:40.7484,-73.9857?q=Empire+State+BuildingApple Maps URL
https://maps.apple.com/?ll=40.7484,-73.9857Waze Deep Link
https://waze.com/ul?ll=40.7484,-73.9857The geo: URI opens the device's default map app (Google Maps on Android, Apple Maps on iPhone) — the most cross-platform approach. Google Maps URLs are best for maximum compatibility across both platforms.
Under the hood, a location QR code is a URL QR code that contains a map link. When the phone reads the URL, it recognizes it as a map link and opens the appropriate app automatically. No special setup needed — it just works. It's one of many QR code types you can create with QRKIT.
Why QR codes beat typed addresses: If you print an address on a flyer or business card, the reader has to type it into their map app manually. “123 Main St” might match four cities. A QR code eliminates that friction — one scan and they're looking at the exact pin, with a “Directions” button ready to tap.
Choose your approach
Pin, Navigate, or Multi-Location?
Depending on your use case, a QR code for location can open a map pin, start turn-by-turn navigation, or show multiple locations at once.
Show Location (Pin)
Map opens at your pin — scanner can explore, zoom, and start navigation when ready. Best for stores, offices, and venues.
Get Directions (Navigate)
Navigation starts immediately from the scanner's current location to your pin. Best for events, deliveries, and time-sensitive scenarios.
Multi-Location (Choose)
Scanner sees all your locations and picks the nearest one. Best for multi-branch businesses with several offices, clinics, or stores.
Tip: For “Get Directions,” search for directions in Google Maps first, then copy the URL — it includes the route. For “Show Location,” copy the share link from the location pin.
Use cases
8 Ways to Use a QR Code for Location Sharing
Retail Stores & Restaurants
Print location QR codes on business cards, flyers, and advertisements. Customers scan to see your exact location on the map and get turn-by-turn directions — no more “where are you located?” calls. Add a Google Review QR code to collect feedback after visits, pair with a WiFi QR code so customers connect when they arrive, or link your social media QR code to grow your following. Share your menu QR code so customers can browse your offerings before arriving.
Event Invitations
Add to wedding invitations, party invites, or save-the-dates. Guests scan to see the venue on the map — no confusion about which entrance or parking lot. Pair with an event QR code for calendar adds.
Real Estate Listings
Include on listing flyers, yard signs, and brochures. Potential buyers scan to see the property on the map, check the neighborhood, and get directions for the open house. Pair with a vCard QR code so prospects save your contact details instantly.
Tourism & Travel
Hotels, tour operators, and travel guides print QR codes linking to attractions, meeting points, or hotel locations. Tourists scan for directions in unfamiliar cities without typing addresses in a foreign language.
Construction & Job Sites
Include on work orders, permits, or crew communications. Workers scan to navigate to remote or hard-to-find job sites. Use GPS coordinates for locations without street addresses.
Delivery & Logistics
Add to shipping labels, delivery instructions, or invoices. Drivers scan to navigate directly to the exact delivery point — the loading dock, not the front office.
Trailheads & Outdoor
Print on trail guides, park signage, or campground maps. Hikers scan to see the trailhead pinned on their map. Use a dynamic QR code to update if trail access points change seasonally.
Office & Campus
Print on employee welcome packets, visitor badges, or conference materials. New visitors scan to navigate to the correct building entrance. Add an email QR code for quick contact with reception. Ideal for large campuses, hospitals, and universities.
Scan analytics
Track Where Your QR Code Gets Scanned
When you create a dynamic location QR code, your QRKIT dashboard tracks every scan — including the geographic location of the person scanning. This gives you two layers of location data.
Where Your QR Points To
The map link you paste into the generator. This is the destination the scanner sees — your business, event venue, trailhead, or meeting point.
Where Scans Happen
The geographic data captured by dynamic QR codes. See which cities, regions, and countries your audience scans from. Identify which printed materials drive the most engagement.
Example: A restaurant chain prints location QR codes on flyers distributed across different neighborhoods. After one month, analytics show 73% of scans come from the downtown area, peaking between 11am–1pm on weekdays. The chain adjusts their next ad buy to focus on downtown lunch-hour placements.
Compare
Static vs Dynamic Location QR Codes
Which should you choose? It depends on whether the location might change and whether you need scan analytics.
Static Location QR Code
FreeThe map URL is encoded directly in the QR code pattern. It works forever, no account needed, and it's completely free. If the location changes or you want to link to a different map, you need to create a new QR code. Create free static location QR codes with our free QR code generator.
Best for
Permanent locations, personal sharing, one-time events.
Dynamic Location QR Code
RecommendedThe QR code points to a redirect URL you control from your dashboard. Change the map link anytime — switch venues, update to a different map platform, or redirect to a new location. Plus, you get scan analytics: total scans, devices, dates, and locations. Learn more about dynamic QR codes.
Best for
Businesses, events with venue changes, printed materials where flexibility matters.
Our recommendation: For any printed material — business cards, flyers, signage — always choose a dynamic QR code. If the venue changes or you need to switch map platforms, you can update the link without reprinting.
Best practices
QR Code for Location Best Practices
Use a Short, Clean Map URL
Google Maps share links are shorter than address bar URLs. Shorter URLs create simpler QR patterns that scan faster and more reliably at small print sizes. With a dynamic QR code, the redirect URL is always short automatically.
Add a Clear Call-to-Action
Print “Scan for Directions” or “Scan to Find Us” next to the QR code. A location QR code looks like any other QR code — the label tells people what will happen when they scan. Use QRKIT's frame feature to add the CTA directly to the code.
Test on Both iPhone and Android
Google Maps links may open differently on each platform. iPhone might open Apple Maps by default for some URL formats. Test your exact link on both devices before printing to verify it opens the correct map app with the right pin.
Print the Address Alongside
Always print the street address next to the QR code. Not everyone will scan — some prefer to type the address manually. For outdoor or remote areas where signal may be weak, the text address is an essential fallback.
Size for Scan Distance
Business cards: 2–3 cm. Flyers: 5–8 cm. Posters: 10–15 cm. Outdoor signs: 30+ cm. Rule of thumb: QR code width should be 1/10th the expected scan distance. Download as SVG for print so it scales to any size without losing quality.
Use Dynamic for Printed Materials
If the venue changes, you switch map platforms, or you just want scan analytics — a dynamic QR code lets you update without reprinting. Always choose dynamic for anything expensive to reprint: signs, banners, business cards, packaging.
Multiple QR Codes for Complex Venues
A large campus, convention center, or festival ground benefits from multiple location QR codes — one for each entrance, parking area, and key destination. Label each QR code clearly: “Parking,” “Main Entrance,” “Registration.”
Location QR Code — Frequently Asked Questions
Get started
Turn Any Location into
a One-Scan Destination
Create a QR code for location sharing in seconds. Paste a Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze link and generate a QR code that opens the exact location on any phone. Free, instant, no account needed.