- Test the printed card at its real size, not the image on your screen.
- Use two phones: one iPhone and one Android.
- Scan from where guests will actually sit or stand.
- Upload a real test photo so you know the whole flow works.
The 10-minute checklist
- Print one card at 100% scale. Turn off “fit to page”.
- Scan it with an iPhone using the built-in Camera app.
- Scan it with an Android phone using the camera or Google Lens.
- Check the link opens your event, with the right name and date.
- Scan from the distance guests will be: across a table, or a few steps back from a sign.
- Try it under the lighting you expect, including dim light.
- Upload a test photo and check it appears in your gallery.
- Type the short link by hand to make sure it works as a backup.
- Delete your test photo when you’re done.
- Lock the link so it can’t change after printing.
Common problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Phone won’t focus | Code too small for the distance | Print the code larger, or move the card closer |
| Scans on one phone only | Low contrast or a busy background | Dark code on a plain light background |
| Nothing happens | Cropped quiet zone | Leave a clear white margin around the code |
| Glare | Glossy card or a frame with glass | Use matte card stock, or remove the glass |
| Wrong page opens | Link changed after printing | Lock the link, or reprint with the current code |
At the venue
- Check the mobile signal where guests will be. If it’s weak, ask the venue for a guest Wi-Fi name and password to put on the card.
- Scan one card on the day before guests arrive.
- Keep a couple of spare cards in case one goes missing or gets wet.
In Sharefetti, locking the event link keeps your printed QR codes and short link pointing to the same place, even if you rename the event later. Downloading a printable card locks it for you.
Print-ready cards that scan
Sharefetti’s printable cards are sized with a generous quiet zone and high contrast, with bleed and crop marks for print shops.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a QR code works?
Print it at full size and scan it with an iPhone and an Android phone from the distance your guests will be. Then check the link opens the right page.
Why won’t my QR code scan?
The most common causes are a code that’s too small, low contrast, a cropped white margin, or glare from glossy paper.
Do QR codes expire?
The code itself doesn’t expire; it opens whatever its link points to. If the link stops working or changes, the code stops leading to your event.
Can I change my event after printing QR codes?
You can change the name, photos and settings. Keep the link locked so the printed codes keep working.
Written by the Sharefetti team. We build QR code photo sharing for weddings, birthdays and company events, and we test every tip at real events.