QR Codes

QR Codes

A Guide to Using QR Codes in Your Correspondence

You're probably used to seeing them in advertisements for everything from movies to detergent: Those little squares made up of quirky shapes. However, it isn't just companies anymore incorporating QR Codes into their messaging anymore.

Now, brides, CEOs and perhaps even your (tech-savvy) mother are using them as part of a more traditional means of communication: stationery. The QR code has found a place on invitations, business cards and everyday personalized notes, and with that, a place at Crane & Co., too.

We're proud to say we can now incorporate QR codes into many of our personalized products. Simply provide us with the design, and we'll do the rest. It's all quite exciting, don't you think?

After all, it is possible to incorporate QR codes into your stationery in a way that still exudes the distinct craftsmanship everyone expects from us. Below, we've put together a guide to help you do so. Technology never looked so luxurious.

Jump To Section

QR Code Etiquette

Make sure your QR code offers relevant, pertinent information. Don't incorporate a QR code into your stationery simply because it's trendy.

Treat a QR code like any other design element (monogram, paper stock, printing process) incorporated into your stationery. You want it to blend effortlessly and beautifully, not stick out like a sore thumb.

The QR code is meant to be a supplement to the information normally provided on your personalized stationery, business cards & invitations, not a substitute. Be mindful that some recipients may prefer not to use it.

Things to Consider

Like any other element of your personalized stationery - monogram, paper stock, printing process - there are certain guidelines and best practices to consider when designing a QR code:

Do:
  • Make sure there is enough contrast between your background and the QR Code color.
  • Make sure your wherever you are sending people can be seen easily via their mobile devices.
  • Make your QR code at least 3/4 inch for business cards & one inch or larger for other forms of correspondence.
  • Shorten your links using a service like bit.ly.
Don't:
  • Create your QR code on a reflective surface.
  • Place your QR code too close to the edge of the paper.
  • Mail out your QR code-incorporating stationery without testing it first.

How to Incorporate QR Codes

Business & Calling Cards

Business Cards and Calling Cards are a great way to incorporate QR Codes, even if you're not in a technology-focused business. Depending on how you'll be using it (business or social), it can point to your blog, website, Linked In profile, Facebook page or anywhere else you'd like to send people to get to know more about you and/or your work.

Engraving

Engraving

Letterpress

Letterpress

Back to Top

Invitations

On an invitation, a QR Code can serve many functions. Guests can scan it to RSVP, to find out what's on the menu for the evening or listen to an audio clip of the band that will be performing. If it's for charity gala, for example, the QR code can point to the charity's website or be used to disclose the `secret' celebrity guest host. If the invitation is for a wedding, the QR code can be used to view the couple's registry, to watch a clever video of how they met or to simply receive more information on the Big Day (maps, hotels, attire suggestions).

Engraving

Engraving

Letterpress

Letterpress

Back to Top

Personalized Stationery

On one's every day correspondence notes, a QR code can serve as a way for the recipient to keep in touch (if that's the desire, of course), as it can take him/her to your Facebook page or blog. It can also be a reflection of your interests. For example, if you're hobby is photography, you might want to give people the chance to visit your online photo gallery. If you're cooking is your passion, perhaps a link to your online recipe book.

Letterpress

Letterpress

Engraving

Engraving

Back to Top