Hack of the day: Create your own custom QR codes

'The Times of India' brings you 'Hack of the Day'—a new weekday series of quick, practical solutions to everyday hassles. Each hack is designed to save you time, money or stress, using tools and features within your reach—from government websites to everyday apps. In simple terms, it's simple fixes for smarter living.QR codes are now part of day-to-day communication. They are widely used by businesses and individuals to share payment pages, contact details, event registrations and even Wi-Fi passwords. The good news is that you do not need special software or technical knowledge to create one. Platforms like Canva, Adobe, Microsoft and others offer tools to generate QR code quickly and safely. What’s more, these tools are easily available and equally convenient to use. Here’s a step-by-step guide explaining how to create QR codes. But before, a look at some of the popular tools that you can use:Canva: Offers a built-in QR code generator inside its design platform.Adobe Express: Provides a free online QR code generator with customization options.Microsoft Edge: Allows users to generate QR codes directly from webpages.Microsoft 365 Add-ins: Enables QR code creation inside Word or PowerPoint through extensions.Step 1: Identify the purpose of the QR codeThe first step is to decide what the QR code will link to. QR codes are commonly used as payment links, or to direct users to a website, social media page, online form, PDF file, or contact information. The link or data should be final and accurate before generating the code.Step 2: Open a trusted QR code toolUsers should open a verified platform. It is important to ensure that the tool is accessed from its official website or app to avoid security risks. Do note that using established platforms helps reduce security risks while ensuring QR codes work as intended.Step 3: Enter the link or dataOnce inside the QR code tool, paste the URL or enter the required information. Many tools also allow basic design adjustments such as colour and size. It is recommended to use high contrast for better scanning.Step 4: Generate and download the QR codeAfter entering the data, users can generate the QR code from the tool and download it in formats such as PNG or PDF. If you wish to use the QR code for printing, high-resolution files are recommended, while PNG files are suitable for digital use.Step 5: Test the QR codeBefore sharing or printing the QR code, it is advisable to run a test using a smartphone camera or QR scanning app. This step ensures the code opens the correct link and works reliably.