An augmented reality QR code leads you to an immersive digital experience, such as 3D models or animations overlaid on the real world when you scan it with a smartphone.
In a way, an AR code blends interactive virtual content with physical, printed materials. Even without specialized tools, people can easily access it nowadays thanks to its compatibility with mobile devices.
Brands such as Coca-Cola, Kinder, and Toyota demonstrate successful use cases of augmented reality and QR codes to make their marketing campaigns alive.
This guide gives you an overview of everything you need to know about how to make an AR and create a QR code for free.
Table of Contents
How to make an augmented reality QR code?
Creating augmented reality code requires you to create the AR first in a web-based or app-based software. Once done, you can customize a QR code for it.
Follow this step-by-step guide:
Part 1: Embedding the AR experience
1. Ready your AR experience content. It could be a 3D product model, an animated character, an AR video overlay, a virtual try-on, or filters.
2. Pick a webAR or an augmented reality app to host your content, which will give you the link. You can choose from 8th Wall, ZapWorks, Blippar, ARize/Vectary, or Adobe Aero.
3. Add the AR assets you want your audience to see. It could be 3D models, animations, videos, text, buttons, or interactions.
4. Publish the AR experience.
5. Save and copy the AR link.
Part 2: Generating the QR code
1. Go to the Free QR Code Generator website.
2. Choose the URL QR code solution.
3. Paste the AR link.
4. Generate and customize the QR code.
5. Download the QR code and share.
Why is the AR QR code a trend among brands?
Augmented reality QR codes on brands and marketing strategies today have triggered a more involved audience.
After all, AR makes you feel like the digital world gently leaks into the real one without fully replacing it. And QR codes make it happen.
Accessible through smartphones
Brands feel the need to be closer to their audience, and they understand that most potential clients nowadays are on their smartphones.
While AR used to feel “techy,” a simple scan of a QR code, which you can create on a free QR code builder, now quickly launches an AR experience on a smartphone without the need for app downloads or special hardware.
This makes QR codes and augmented reality ideal tools, as they align with modern consumer behavior.
Contributes to higher engagement
The ease of use that QR codes offer removes the biggest barrier to AR adoption and massively boosts participation.
Instead of just seeing a campaign, people interact with it. Products come to life, murals animate, packaging tells stories, and events become immersive. That shift from viewing to doing increases dwell time and emotional engagement.
Bridges the physical to the digital world
For brands, both physical and virtual presence matter. People crave tangible things and, at the same time, desire rich digital experiences.
Using a QR code for augmented reality, they can bridge the gap between the physical and digital worlds by instantly connecting posters, packaging, print ads, and products to immersive digital content.
Influences marketing and branding impact
Offering an AR experience through QR codes for marketing says so much about a brand and its readiness to adopt technology.
When it's part of their strategies, it helps them stand out in crowded markets or create “wow” moments, especially because AR experiences are highly “share-worthy.”
Users record them, post them on social media, and tag brands, turning a single QR scan into organic reach and user-generated content.
Measurable and data-driven
Unlike traditional print or outdoor ads, AR QR codes provide scan data, location insights, engagement time, and interaction metrics.
Brands love this because it proves ROI and supports smarter marketing decisions.
Popular augmented reality code experience
Here are a few of the real-life use cases of augmented reality QR codes by big brands:
‘Escape to a Malfy World’ campaign by Malfy Gin
To help immerse customers in the complete Malfy Gin production process, they used a QR code to guide them through a 360-degree AR experience.
These QR codes are on the 300,000 bottles they released. The AR experience allowed viewers to see different sceneries and locations, all anchored to various Malfy botanicals.
These include a terrace overlooking the sea or a comfortable bench by the pool featuring the famous Malfy flavors.
The campaign has caught the attention of many and was shortlisted in the 2024 Campaign Experience Awards, Virtual Experience B2C category.
Toyota Crown’s AR immersion
When the Toyota Crown was launched in 2023, the company found a way to help clients examine the vehicle from the comfort of their own smartphones.
When clients scan the QR code, they can see how their Toyota Crown will look in their driveway or garage, and they can even sit in the seat for a full-on AR experience.
This retail QR code solution enabled Toyota to gain deeper insights into how to improve its customers' experience, especially regarding color choices.
‘Unlockable’ AR experience by Revolut
Revolut, a financial app, used AR technology for marketing reasons upon launching its Ultra membership plan.
They installed several Platinum Portals sculptures in Europe that feature QR codes. Scanning these QR codes will reveal an AR experience that displays a Revolut Metal Ultra card.
Blend imagination with reality using the Free QR Code Generator
If you’re planning your own AR stunt, make sure to use an augmented reality QR code to enhance your audience’s experience.
It creates a memorable impact for consumers. It’s also cost-effective, works across all platforms, and is easy to make.
With this type of QR code experience, you get to market your brand or business without a sweat. If this excites you, go ahead and make your own QR code for augmented reality today.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a cost to generating AR codes?
You can generate QR codes for free, but developing the AR experience can cost money. Most AR apps require a subscription fee. But don’t worry, most of them also offer free trials for a few days.
How to scan augmented reality?
You can use your phone’s camera and hover it over the code to access the AR 3D experience. If not, you may need to download a brand’s specific app.
What is the difference between augmented reality vs. virtual reality?
AR enhances the real world, meaning it only adds digital elements. On the other hand, VR is entirely virtual, allowing you to experience a digital environment. Augmented reality commonly uses smartphones and tablets, while virtual reality uses a headset device.
