> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Set up printable QR codes

> Create stable short-link QR codes for customer login, vehicle records, or front-desk handouts—and change the destination later without reprinting.

Use this guide when your facility wants **printed QR codes** at the front desk, on a car windshield card, or on a showroom poster—and you need the link to stay the same even if you update where it goes later.

## What you will accomplish

* Open [Settings > QR codes](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/qr-codes) (when your account includes this feature).
* Create a QR code linked to a **customer**, **vehicle**, or **unlinked** destination you assign later.
* Customize colors and an optional center logo so the code matches your facility branding.
* Download a **ZIP of PNGs** or a **printable PDF** for labels and posters.
* Test-scan a code with your phone before you print hundreds of copies.

> [!NOTE]
>
> **QR codes vs customer login links**
>
> A **customer login link** (from [Settings > Website & customer app](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/website)) sends everyone to the same sign-in page.
>
> A **QR code** can point to one customer, one vehicle, or a page you change later—while the printed image stays the same. Use QR codes when each card or poster needs its own destination.
>
> **When QR codes is not in your sidebar:** The feature must be enabled for your facility. Until then, use shareable links from [Configure portal and website](/docs/settings/configure-portal-and-website.md). Your Car Storage Software contact can turn on QR codes when you are ready.

## Before you start

* You should be signed in as a team **admin** or someone with permission to edit dashboard settings.
* Confirm **QR codes** appears in your [Settings](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings) sidebar. If you do not see it, ask your Car Storage Software contact to enable QR codes for your facility.
* Finish [Set up facility branding](/docs/settings/set-up-facility-branding.md) so optional center logos look correct.
* For vehicle or customer codes, create the record first in [Cars](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/cars) or [Contacts](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/contacts).

## Open QR code settings

**1. Open Settings**

From the [Dashboard](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard), click **Settings** in the left sidebar.

**2. Choose QR codes**

In the settings category list, click **QR codes**.

Direct link: [Settings > QR codes](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/qr-codes).

**Expected result:** The page title is **QR codes** with a short description about printable short-link codes.

![QR codes settings page showing Create, Export, and Your QR codes sections](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X/images/settings/settings-qr-codes-overview.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X\&q=85\&s=85e6e9ef27867af198f49968a689ec1c)

*[Settings > QR codes](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/qr-codes) is where you create codes, export print files, and manage destinations.*

## Create one QR code

**1. Click New QR code**

In the **Create** section, click **New QR code**.

**Expected result:** A window titled **New QR code** opens.

**2. Choose what the code links to**

Pick one of three link types:

* **Car** — opens a specific vehicle record (good for windshield cards or keys).
* **Customer** — opens a customer profile or portal path for that owner.
* **Unlinked** — creates a code you assign later (good when you print labels before intake).

**Why this matters:** Choosing the right type up front saves reprinting. You can change where an unlinked code points without changing the printed image.

**3. Select the car or customer (when linked)**

If you chose **Car** or **Customer**, use the search box to find the correct record.

Read the year, make, model, and plate (or customer name) carefully before you continue.

![New QR code dialog with Car link type selected and a vehicle search field](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X/images/settings/settings-qr-codes-create-car-dialog.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X\&q=85\&s=8912aa019df167d2e12134a9d512b810)

*When you pick **Car**, search for the exact vehicle before you click **Create**—windshield cards are hard to reprint.*

**4. Adjust appearance (optional)**

Change **QR color**, **background color**, or add a **center logo** so the code matches your shop's look.

Dark QR on a light background scans best under fluorescent shop lighting.

**5. Click Create**

Click **Create** at the bottom of the window.

**Expected result:** The new code appears in **Your QR codes** with a preview image and short URL.

![New QR code dialog showing Car, Customer, and Unlinked link types with appearance options](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X/images/settings/settings-qr-codes-create-dialog.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X\&q=85\&s=bde738987da74defcee6fa75f2892244)

*Pick **Car**, **Customer**, or **Unlinked**, then customize colors before you click **Create**.*

## Create many codes at once

Use **Bulk create** when you need QR labels for every car on a new row or every customer in a mailing list.

**1. Click Bulk create**

In the **Create** section, click **Bulk create**.

**Expected result:** A window opens where you can select many cars or customers at once.

**2. Choose cars or customers**

Follow the prompts to select multiple records. The app creates one code per record.

**Why this matters:** Bulk create saves hours when you label an entire new row of stored vehicles before a busy intake weekend.

**3. Review the list**

Scroll **Your QR codes** and spot-check a few rows before you export for printing.

**Expected result:** Each vehicle or customer has its own code and short URL.

![Bulk create QR codes dialog showing options to select multiple cars or customers](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X/images/settings/settings-qr-codes-bulk-create-dialog.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X\&q=85\&s=89804cd6f683ec5e3f83dc29749a9970)

***Bulk create** is for label runs—one printed code per car or customer, all created in a single step.*

![Your QR codes table listing several codes with preview images, link types, and short URLs](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X/images/settings/settings-qr-codes-table.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X\&q=85\&s=d0a33df87949e1cc097a5277c7fb8515)

*After you create codes, **Your QR codes** lists every printable code. Search here before you export or edit a destination.*

## Export for printing

**1. Open the Export section**

On [Settings > QR codes](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/qr-codes), find **Export**.

**2. Choose ZIP of PNGs or Printable PDF**

* **ZIP of PNGs** — one image file per code. Use this for custom label software or a print shop template.
* **Printable PDF** — a ready-to-print US Letter sheet. Pick a QR size (**1 in**, **2 in**, **4 in**, or **6 in**); codes are packed to that true size. Print at **100%** (turn off “fit to page”).

**Why this matters:** PNGs give designers flexibility. PDFs are faster when you need ten identical cards today.

**3. Test-scan before a large print run**

Open one exported PNG on your monitor or print a single test label. Scan it with your phone camera.

**Expected result:** The phone opens the correct customer or vehicle page—not an error screen.

![QR codes Export section showing ZIP of PNGs and Printable PDF download options](https://mintcdn.com/carstoragesoftware/HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X/images/settings/settings-qr-codes-export.webp?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=HrLVUvqKt7UkSq2X\&q=85\&s=f3a1afa15e7d5852176f2b1c13369219)

*Use **ZIP of PNGs** for a print shop template, or **Printable PDF** when you need front-desk handouts today.*

## Change where a code goes (without reprinting)

QR codes use a **short link** that stays stable. You can update the destination in the app when a car sells or a customer moves units.

**1. Find the code in Your QR codes**

Use the search box or scroll the table on [Settings > QR codes](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/qr-codes).

**2. Open the row menu**

Click **Edit** or the link action on that row (wording may vary by screen size).

**3. Assign a new car or customer**

Pick the new destination and save.

**Expected result:** The same printed sticker now opens the updated record. You do not need a new QR image.

> [!TIP]
>
> **Deactivate old codes**
>
> When a vehicle leaves permanently, turn the code **Inactive** instead of deleting it. Inactive codes stop working but keep history for your records.

## Common uses at car storage facilities

> [!NOTE]
>
> **Front desk customer login** — Unlinked code on a tabletop tent; destination points to your [customer login link](/docs/facility-web-pages/share-customer-login-links.md).
>
> **Windshield intake card** — Car code on a laminated tag so porters open the right record from the lot.
>
> **Showroom poster** — Unlinked or customer code for an event RSVP or registration page from [Facility Web Pages](/docs/facility-web-pages/overview.md).
>
> **Keys and valet tags** — Car code tied to the vehicle so anyone scanning sees location and owner contact rules your team configured.

## Troubleshooting

> [!WARNING]
>
> **I do not see QR codes in Settings**
>
> This feature must be turned on for your facility. Contact your Car Storage Software representative or facility owner. Until it is enabled, use **Shareable links** on [Settings > Website & customer app](https://www.carstoragesoftware.com/dashboard/settings/website) instead.

> [!TIP]
>
> **My phone will not scan the code**
>
> Increase contrast (dark QR on white background), print at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) square, and avoid glossy paper that reflects overhead lights. Test in the same lighting as your storage bay.

> [!WARNING]
>
> **The code opens the wrong vehicle**
>
> Open the row in **Your QR codes** and confirm the linked car or customer. Edit the destination before you hand the printed card to a customer.

## What to do next

* Copy public customer links from [Configure portal and website](/docs/settings/configure-portal-and-website.md).
* Print a facility QR for events with [Create a social event](/docs/marketing-events/create-a-social-event.md) (event-specific QR codes live on the marketing event page).
* Return to [Settings overview](/docs/settings/overview.md) for your full setup checklist.


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