Available on Pro plan and above.
When you publish a survey, KnoCommerce automatically generates a QR code linked to that survey’s URL. Scanning this QR code with a smartphone camera will take customers directly to your survey.
This feature is especially useful for collecting responses in person or via printed media. For example, you might include the QR code on packaging inserts, posters, or receipts so customers can easily access your survey by scanning it.
The QR code is an additional delivery channel for your survey – it doesn’t change the survey itself or how responses are recorded, but it provides a convenient new way for customers to reach it.
Table of Contents
Generating a QR Code (Link Channel)
To use the QR code feature, you’ll create or use a Link survey (sometimes called a “KnoLinks” survey). This simply means a survey intended to be shared via a direct link/URL (as opposed to being embedded on a website).
Generating the QR code for a survey is part of the publishing process for link surveys:
Create or Select a Survey: Build your survey as usual, or open an existing survey that you want to share outside of the typical post-purchase flow. Make sure the survey is set up to be delivered via Link (KnoLinks). (If you’re creating a new survey, choose the option to deliver it with a link. All link surveys automatically support QR code sharing.)
Publish the Survey: Once you’re ready, click the Publish Survey button. (Publishing makes the survey live/available to take, but doesn’t send it out to anyone on its own) After clicking publish, you will get confirmation that your survey is live. At this point, you can copy the survey’s URL or proceed to obtain the QR code.
Access the QR Code: After publishing, look for the survey link details. There are two places you can get your survey link and QR code:
Immediately after Publishing: After publishing, you'll see your survey link rendered. Below your link, you'll see a QR Code with download options..
Surveys Dashboard: You can always retrieve the QR code later. Navigate to the Surveys page (the list of all your surveys) and find the survey you published. Click the three dots (…) or the options menu for that survey. Click on "Edit Survey", click "Next" through options, and then click "Complete" to revisit your publishing page.
Download the QR Code: Use the options to download your QR Code as either a SVG or PNG.
Need a walkthrough? See below:
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Downloading the QR Code Image
KnoCommerce allows you to download the generated QR code in different formats:
SVG format: This is a high-quality vector format. SVG is ideal if you plan to resize the code or print it at larger scales, because it preserves sharpness at any size. Choose this option for most print uses or if a designer will incorporate the code into a larger graphic, since SVG can be imported into design software without quality loss.
PNG format: This is a standard image format. PNG is convenient for quick uses, like dropping the QR code into a document or presentation. If using PNG for print, ensure the resolution is high enough for the code to remain clear, otherwise use the SVG optioin.
To download, simply click the Download as SVG or Download as PNG button provided. Your browser will save the file to your desktop. You can then insert that file into any content where you want the QR code to appear. It’s a good idea to keep both formats if you’re not sure which you’ll need. (For instance, use the SVG for professional print work, and PNG for web or quick-sharing purposes.)
Tip: The QR code image represents your survey URL. If you update the survey questions or design and republish, the URL (and thus the QR code) remains the same unless you create a brand new survey. You do not need to re-download the QR code each time you make changes to the survey content. However, if you duplicate a survey or create a new one, it will have a different URL (and a different QR code).
Best Practices for Printing QR Codes
Once you have your survey’s QR code, you might print it on various materials (flyers, packaging, signage, etc.). Here are some best practices to ensure the QR code scans easily and looks professional:
Use high-resolution or vector artwork: For best results, use the SVG file when printing. Vector images scale without losing clarity, which means your QR code will stay crisp at any size.
Maintain contrast and clarity: Always print the QR code in a color that strongly contrasts with the background. The classic black QR code on a white background is most reliable. Light-colored codes or busy background patterns can make scanning difficult. It’s usually best to keep the QR code black/dark on a white or light solid background for easiest scanning.
Give it some breathing room: Don’t crowd the QR code with other text or images. Leave some empty space (a quiet zone of a few millimeters) around the code. This blank border is required for scanners to recognize the code. Avoid placing the code too close to edges of a paper or cut line as well, to prevent it from being cut off or distorted.
Place it visibly: If using the QR code on signage or posters, position it at eye-level or in a spot that’s likely to be noticed. If it’s on a printed card or packaging, consider the unboxing or purchase flow – the customer should naturally see the code during their experience (for example, on a thank-you insert right on top of the product in a box).
Add a call-to-action: People are more likely to scan the code if you tell them why they should. Add a short instruction or call-to-action text near the code, such as “Scan to take our survey” or “Tell us what you think – scan me!”. This not only draws attention to the QR code, but also sets the expectation of what scanning will do (leading to a feedback survey). Keeping the message brief is key.
Test before wide release: Always test the QR code once it’s on the actual material. Print a sample or proof and use multiple devices to scan the code. Ensure it quickly opens the survey and that the survey loads correctly. It’s much better to catch any scanning issues (for example, code printed too small or too low contrast) before you print 5,000 flyers with an unreadable code!
Following these guidelines will help avoid common pitfalls and ensure that your customers have a smooth experience when they try to access your survey via the QR code.
Use Cases for QR Code Surveys in DTC Brands
QR codes make it easy to bridge offline customer touchpoints with your online surveys. DTC brands can incorporate survey QR codes into various aspects of their marketing and operations.
Here are a few ideas and use cases we've seen brands use at KnoCommerce:
On Printed Receipts or Checkout Screens: If you have a physical retail store or pop-up shop, include a QR code at the bottom of receipts or on the digital checkout screen for in-person purchases. This allows customers to provide feedback on their shopping experience as soon as the sale is complete. For example, some brands add a “Tell us about your experience” QR code on receipts.
Using a Shopify POS system? Follow this guide to leverage Shopify's out-of-the-box QR code functionality
In-Store Signage and Displays: Place the survey QR code on signage inside your brick-and-mortar store or pop-up events. For instance, a small poster by the exit might say “Scan to take a quick survey about your visit.” Customers can scan on their way out to share immediate feedback about their in-store experience. You could also attach QR code stickers or table tents in fitting rooms, at product displays, or checkout counters asking for input (“How did you find us today? Scan to let us know!”). This captures on-the-spot feedback when the experience is fresh.
Product Packaging Inserts: Include a survey QR code in your shipped orders or product packaging. Many DTC brands slip a thank-you card or flyer into the box – this is a perfect place to add a QR code asking the customer to take a post-purchase survey. For example, on a package insert you might print “Love your purchase? Let us know!” with a QR code linking to a quick survey about why the customer bought the product or how they heard about the brand. Because the insert is encountered during unboxing, customers can scan it with their phone immediately. Even printing the QR code on the product packaging itself (or on a label) is an option for products where it makes sense. This use case helps brands gather feedback from customers at home, connecting the physical product experience back to a digital survey.
Events, Pop-Ups, and Outdoor Marketing: If your brand participates in events (trade shows, markets, conferences) or does experiential marketing, QR code surveys can capture feedback in those settings. For instance, at an event booth you can display a QR code for a survey to collect visitor information or opinions about the event/products. Someone walking by can scan a poster or banner with a “Scan to give us your feedback” code and fill out your survey on the spot. Similarly, if you give a talk or workshop, you might put a QR code on the last slide asking the audience to provide their feedback or answer a question (much easier than asking them to type a URL). This turns live interactions into data you can use later.
Printed Ads and Direct Mail: QR codes can enhance your offline marketing materials. If you send out catalogs, brochures, or postcards, consider printing a QR code that leads to a survey about the content. For example, a mailer advertising a new product line could include a “Tell us what you think” survey QR code. Similarly, posters or ads in public spaces (transit ads, billboards, etc.) could have a QR code for a short survey to gauge interest or recall. This is a creative way to measure marketing effectiveness: those who engage can provide feedback instantly. It also gives an interactive element to otherwise one-way media.
The key is to place your survey’s QR code wherever your customers engage with your brand in person or via printed media. By doing so, you extend your reach with KnoCommerce surveys. Specifically, you can collect valuable customer insights from channels that don’t involve clicking a link in an email.