Artificial Intelligence QR codes took off in 2023, and if you’re looking to generate your own AI QR code for your business or just for fun, you’re in the right place!
Making QR codes with AI is fairly straightforward but there are a few steps involved.
In this article, I’ll give a detailed outline of how to make your own QR code with AI.
How do You Make QR Codes with AI?
You make an AI QR code by running a normal QR code through an AI image generator (Stable Diffusion with ControlNet), so the code becomes part of the artwork.
Here’s how to make a QR code with AI:
- Generate a normal QR code
- Open Stable Diffusion (I use RunDiffusion)
- Adjust the checkpoint and ControlNet settings, then prompt
- Fix any QR code that won’t scan
- Check your results
The benefits of using an AI-generated QR Code include increased engagement, improved branding, and well they’re just kinda cool too.
Thanks to @rowancheung on Twitter for the detailed walkthrough 😍
Let’s get our hands dirty!
1. Generate your QR Code
First, you want to generate your QR code as normal using any free online QR code generator. Just search for a QR code generator on Google.
I used Adobe Express’s free QR code generator. It makes static QR codes for any URL, and you can download them as a PNG, JPEG or PDF.
If your generator lets you choose the error correction level, pick the highest. It makes the code more forgiving once the AI art is layered over it.
I’m going to design a QR code that scans through to this website 🙂.
rareconnections.io QR code.
2. Access Stable Diffusion (RunDiffusion)
Stable Diffusion is an open-source AI image generation tool that can be installed locally for free (I cover it in my roundup of Midjourney alternatives).
However, installing Stable Diffusion can get fairly technical so luckily for us there are cloud versions you can start on for free.
Go to RunDiffusion and sign up. Its free plan gives you up to 100 tokens a day and access to open-source apps like Auto1111 (the Stable Diffusion interface I use below) and ComfyUI. If you run out, its paid plans add more tokens.
RunDiffusion’s dashboard has changed a lot since I took the screenshot below, but Auto1111 is still listed among its open-source tools. Launch it and wait a few minutes for it to start.
Run Diffusion Pre-Configured Session.
No setup option: if you just want to try it out, Hugging Face hosts a free QR Code AI Art Generator that runs Stable Diffusion with a QR code ControlNet right in your browser. Type in your link and a prompt, and it makes the QR code for you. Free users get a daily usage limit.
3. Adjust Your Stable Diffusion Settings
Enter the settings as seen in the images below. You can type in the keywords to find the right setting in the list. For example for the first setting, type dreamshaper_6 into the dropdown box and select the right one.
- Checkpoint: dreamshaper_6
- Sampling: DPM++ 2M Karras
- Click the ControlNet dropdown menu
Both ControlNet models below are built for Stable Diffusion 1.5, so stick with an SD 1.5 checkpoint like DreamShaper. If dreamshaper_6 isn’t in the list, pick another SD 1.5 checkpoint.
Run Diffusion Settings for Checkpoint and Sampling.
In ControlNet Unit 0 do the following:
- Upload your QR code image
- Select Enable
- Preprocessor: Inpaint_global_harmonious
- Model: Select the model that ends with ‘brightness’ (as seen)
- Control weight: 0.35
Run Diffusion Settings for ControlNet Unit 0.
In ControlNet Unit 1 do the following:
- Upload your QR code
- Click Enable
- Preprocessor: inpaint_global_harmonious
- Model: Select the model that ends with ’tile’ (as seen)
- Control Weight: 0.65
- Starting Control Step: 0.35
- Ending Control Step: 0.75
Run Diffusion Settings for ControlNet Unit 1.
And that’s it!
To generate your AI QR code just scroll up and enter your prompt as you normally would. Have a play around with the basic settings and see what type of artistic QR code you can come up with!
Shortcut: you can also swap the brightness and tile combo for a single ControlNet model built just for this job, QR Code Monster. It’s free and works with SD 1.5 checkpoints. Its makers recommend feeding it your QR code on a gray (#808080) background, and the control weight works like a dial: higher makes the code easier to scan, lower makes it more creative.
4. What If Your QR Code Won’t Scan?
You might have noticed that some of your QR codes won’t scan, but don’t worry there’s an easy fix!
It’s as simple as putting your original QR code over the top of the AI-generated QR code, setting opacity (transparency) to 100%, and decreasing opacity until your phone picks up the QR code.
Usually, it only takes a few percent, I like to add a few percent just to be safe.
Also, the bigger the QR appears, the less transparency you’ll need. Meaning, if the AI QR code is massive on your computer screen, try moving your phone back a few feet. It should eventually pick up the QR code art as expected. If not, try the transparency trick.
I use PowerPoint to do this but you can use other tools like Photoshop, Canva, or even online tools such as Photopea or Pixlr. Basically, any tool that lets you change the opacity of the original QR code image.
You can also go back and bump up the ControlNet control weight, then generate again. A higher weight makes the code easier to scan, at the cost of a less creative image.
5. Check Your Results
Admittedly, I’m more used to using Midjourney than stable diffusion, so these could be a lot better. But you get the idea!
What Are AI QR Codes?
AI QR codes are working QR codes that have been blended into artwork by an AI image generator.
AI QR code generator tools allow the creation of visually striking QR code art and customized QR code image designs.
Unlike traditional plain black-and-white QR codes, AI QR codes can incorporate colors, patterns, logos, and other graphical elements while still being scannable.
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This allows companies to integrate branding into their AI QR codes for greater brand recognition. Artists are also exploring using them for digital artworks.
The image generation capabilities of AI are enabling these new creative uses for QR codes. AI QR codes showcase how AI can reinvent and improve existing technologies like QR codes.
Who Should Use AI QR Codes?
Artificial intelligence-generated QR codes can be used by a broad spectrum of users, from individuals to businesses of all sizes, across various industries.
Anyone who already uses QR codes can leverage this technology, as well as new users who are attracted to their attention-grabbing designs.
Businesses both small and large can benefit greatly from AI QR codes. These QR codes can be used for marketing campaigns, providing product information, user verification, or facilitating digital payments. They can enhance brand identity by incorporating logos, company colors, and other design elements into the QR code itself.
- Retailers: Brick-and-mortar retailers can use these QR codes to create a bridge between offline and online shopping experiences. Customers can scan codes on physical items to learn more about them or access digital coupons.
- Restaurants and Cafes: QR codes have become an essential tool in the food service industry, particularly with the rise of contactless ordering. AI-enhanced QR codes can provide an interactive, engaging menu experience and can be easily updated to reflect changes in menu items or prices.
- Event Organizers: AI-generated QR codes can provide a seamless experience for event ticketing, check-ins, and interactive experiences during concerts, exhibitions, or conferences.
- Educational Institutions: Schools and universities can use these QR codes for interactive learning, linking to online resources, or even facilitating campus navigation.
- Individuals: On a personal level, individuals can use AI-generated QR codes for personal branding, connecting others to their digital presence (like social media accounts or personal websites), or sharing information easily with friends and family. AI Freelancers can even use them to make some extra money!
The potential applications of AI-generated QR codes are vast and varied, offering exciting opportunities for engaging and connecting with people in a tech-driven world. By adopting this technology, entities, and individuals can create a more dynamic, interactive experience for their audience, whether it’s customers, students, event attendees, or personal connections.
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Wrapping Up
Today we’ve looked at integrating existing QR code technology with generative AI to make AI QR codes. The resulting AI-generated QR codes are not only functional but also visually aesthetic, making them powerful branding and marketing tools.
This new idea is a testament to the power of AI and its capability to breathe new life into existing technologies.
In an age where grabbing attention is getting harder than ever, these AI-generated QR codes stand out, piquing interest and engaging users in a unique way.
In the end, it’s all about delivering enhanced user experiences, whether it’s making a customer’s shopping journey more enjoyable, a student’s learning experience more interactive, or a personal connection more engaging.
That’s it from me – thanks for reading!
