A location QR code opens Google Maps (or Apple Maps) directly to a specific address or coordinates when scanned. One scan — the map is open, navigation is ready.
Here's how to create one in under a minute, free.
What is a location QR code?
A location QR code encodes a geo: URI or a Google Maps URL. When scanned:
- Android devices open Google Maps (or the default maps app)
- iOS devices open Apple Maps or prompt the user to choose
The user doesn't type an address. They don't search. They don't copy-paste coordinates. They scan and navigate.
How to create a Google Maps QR code
Go to the QR Code Generator at Ultimate Tools.
Select the Location content type.
Enter either:
- A full address — street, city, country (the tool encodes a Google Maps URL)
- GPS coordinates — latitude and longitude for precise locations (useful when the address isn't in Google Maps or you want to point to an exact spot)
Customize the style if you want — colors, dot shape, corner style, logo overlay.
Click Generate QR Code and download as PNG or SVG.
When to use a location QR code
Business storefronts — print the QR code at the entrance, on receipts, or on business cards. Customers scan to get directions back to your shop without typing the address.
Event venues — put the QR code on invitations and tickets. Guests scan on the day of the event for turn-by-turn navigation.
Conference and exhibition stands — "Scan to find us on the floor map" works better than a PDF floor plan.
Restaurant menus — a delivery or pickup address on a menu, encoded as a QR, makes ordering pickup seamless.
Airbnb and short-term rentals — include a QR on the welcome card that opens directions to the property.
Job sites and construction — temporary locations that aren't yet in maps databases can be encoded as GPS coordinates rather than an address.
Hiking trails and parks — encode trailhead coordinates. Hikers scan the sign at the parking lot and get the exact starting point.
Address vs coordinates — which to use
Use a full address when the location is a named place that exists in Google Maps. The QR encodes a maps.google.com URL which opens the location page with reviews, hours, and photos, not just a pin.
Use coordinates when:
- The location isn't in any maps database (a field, a construction site, a remote trailhead)
- You need precision that addresses can't provide (a specific entrance on a large campus)
- You want the QR to work offline with any maps app, not just Google Maps
Coordinates format: latitude, longitude — for example, 23.0225, 72.5714 for Ahmedabad.
Dynamic location QR codes
A dynamic QR code redirects through a short URL rather than encoding the destination directly. This means you can update the destination after printing.
Useful for:
- Pop-up businesses or events that move locations between seasons
- QR codes printed in large quantities where reprinting would be expensive
- Any situation where the address might change
The Dynamic QR Code Generator supports this — you can update the maps link without touching the printed code.
Try it
Create your location QR code at Ultimate Tools — free, no signup, download as PNG or SVG.
Other QR code types:
- WhatsApp QR Code — open a WhatsApp chat
- Email QR Code — pre-fill an email compose window
- Wi-Fi QR Code — share network credentials without typing
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