How to Make QR Code Labels in Advance
Print your QR codes ahead of time, drop them in a bag, and assign them on the spot — no setup needed when something needs a label.
The moment you need a label is never the moment you're set up to make one. This guide shows you how to print QR code labels ahead of time — so when something needs a label, you just grab one, scan it, and you're done.
What you'll do
1. Start from a new account
Your empty dashboard, ready to go.
2. Create a staging group
A place to park unassigned QR codes until you need them.
3. Generate 10 QR codes
A manageable first batch to get started.
4. Configure and save as template
Set size and hanging hole, then save as a template.
5. Print and bag them
Print all at once, ready when something needs a label.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Start from a new account
Once you've signed in, this is what you see — an empty dashboard ready for your first group.
Step 2: Create a group for unassigned codes
Groups are how QRFirst keeps your QR codes organised. Before generating any codes, create a placeholder group — something like QR Stock or Unassigned.
This group acts as a staging area. When you later need to label something specific, you can move a code from here into a more descriptive group.
You don't need to overthink the name — you're not committing to anything. The whole point is to have a pool of ready-to-use codes in one place.
Step 3: Generate 10 QR codes
Open your new group and generate a batch of QR codes. Starting with 10 is a good number — enough to be useful, small enough to print without waste.
QRFirst creates each code with a unique short URL. The codes are blank for now — no destination set yet. You'll fill that in later when you know what each one is for.
Step 4: Configure your print settings
Before printing, configure how the labels should look. Open the print view and set up the layout to match what you'll be physically making.
In this case, the goal is a 3D-printed QR code tag, so there are two important settings:
- Hanging hole — adds a hole at the top so the tag can be hung on a hook or string.
- Size — set the physical dimensions to match your 3D print bed or desired tag size.
Once you're happy with the configuration, save it as a template. This way you won't have to re-enter the same settings the next time you print a batch.
Step 5: Print all and bag them
Select all 10 QR codes and send them to print. Once printed, put them in a bag or small container and keep it wherever you do your labeling work.
Next time you have something that needs a label — a box, a cable, a parts bin — grab a code from the bag, scan it to open the app, assign it to that item, and stick or hang it. Done.