How to Use QR Codes
on Books

Enhance the reading experience, connect with literary fanbases online or empower students with a new way to learn by adding QR Codes to books.

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The Benefits of Using QR Codes on Books

For the true bookworm, the idea of making a book any more engaging than it already is, seems absurd at best, unspeakable at worst. Words are already a bridge between the abstract and the physical world, a connection between private ideas and public comprehension. But there is so much more to be had from stories than just their words.

Paris salons were hosted to increase knowledge through conversation. Nowadays online forums carry on literary adventures, and even listening to the author’s writing process playlist gives readers a sense of going behind the scenes.

Michael D. Shaw describes the benefits of offering students an immersive way to learn about space in How Augmented Reality Will Bring Space Books to Life using mobile devices and digital tools. Connecting books to digital platforms has been clunky until now. QR Codes are changing the way we connect with books and each other, enhancing the consumption of ideas.

1. Going beyond the text

QR Codes connect the physical to the digital world. For example, the modernist literature of Gertrude Stein includes a collection at the Beinecke Rare Books & Manuscripts Library. Documents from this collection helped authors create Gertrude Stein: The Language That Rises, showing the development of her work from drafts to refined manuscripts. QR Codes let readers go beyond the text from fiction to textbooks.

2. Engage students

Make learning materials interesting with multimedia tools. Print an MP3 QR Code next to vocabulary lists to help students with pronunciation, or provide answers via a Text QR Code. Include picture galleries, videos, or extra learning material without additional printing costs. Dynamic QR Codes allow updating information anytime without reprinting.

3. Connect with readers

Use QR Codes in book jackets or endpapers to include bonus material such as guides, discussion questions, reading recommendations, or preview chapters. Video QR Codes can link to exclusive author interviews or vlogs.

John Green, author of The Fault in Our Stars, hosts the popular Vlogbrothers channel with his brother Hank. Welcome to Night Vale shows the podcast-to-book journey. QR Codes bridge literature with digital experiences for readers.

Connect fans on social media with Social Media QR Codes, share playlists of songs that inspired chapters with MP3 QR Codes, or showcase fanart using Image Gallery QR Codes with proper credit.

4. Interactive narratives

QR Codes create interactive experiences. Augmented reality allows stories to extend beyond the page with scavenger hunts, quests, and reader-to-reader gameplay, encouraging creativity in readers of all ages.

How to create a QR Code on a Book?

1. Select the type of QR Code you want on your book (start with URL QR Code).
2. Enter your website address.
3. Your QR Code is generated automatically.
4. Customize the QR Code by adding a frame and “Scan Me” logo.
5. Select colors to match your style or brand identity.
6. Download the QR Code in .jpg format.
7. Integrate the QR Code into your book design.

*Sign up to access more QR Codes such as Event, Video, and Coupon, which allow adding extra info, visuals, and editing without reprinting. You can also upload logos and frames.

QR Codes on Books Best Practices

• Add instructions: Explain what readers gain from scanning the QR Code.
• Frame it: Blend QR Codes with book design, covers, or illustrations. Use engaging CTAs like “Scan to find the truth.”
• Add a logo or icon: Place illustrations or symbols in the center of the QR Code without affecting scannability.
• Save designs: Reuse designs across a series of books with templates.
• Customizable URL: Dynamic QR Codes can include author names or book titles for recognition and trust.
• Test before printing: Minimum size 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 in). Test on multiple devices to ensure readability.

See QR Codes on Books in Action

Publishers

Lionspring Publishing promoted Henry A. Baskin’s book tour by printing an Event QR Code on the dust jacket flap, directing to bookstores, readings, Q&As, and signings.

Educational Institutions

Glasmont Academy created a QR Code scavenger hunt for children’s books, using App Store QR Codes on book covers to guide children to booths, clues, and story exploration at the city book fair.

Photographers and Videographers

Through the Lens published a photography book with a Business Page QR Code under the author’s bio, connecting readers to the studio, mission statement, address, hours, and portfolio.

Software and Game Developers

eGo Gaming published The Art of Shuriken Chronicles, including Video QR Codes for behind-the-scenes videos, exclusive interviews, and commentary to explore the creative process.

Tourism

World Trekker Tours integrated Image Gallery QR Codes in travel books, providing mobile access to photo albums, blog links, and social media sharing, reducing printing costs while enhancing the reader experience.