Digital-Only QR Codes: Print Your Own Event Photo Collection System

You don't need to buy a shirt to collect event photos. In fact, many of our smartest customers go digital-only and print QR codes on exactly what they need.

Here's why digital-only is perfect for:

• Budget-conscious event planners
• DIY enthusiasts who want creative control
• People who need QR codes on multiple items
• Events where wearing a shirt doesn't make sense

Let's dive into everything you need to know about using digital-only QR codes.

What is Digital-Only?

Digital-Only means you get:

• Your unique QR code (PNG, SVG, PDF formats)
• Personal subdomain (yourname.qrshrt.com)
• Photo upload page for guests
• 500MB storage (200-300 photos)
• Full control over your gallery

What you DON'T get:

• Physical products (shirts, hoodies, etc.)

Cost: $9.99 one-time

Why Choose Digital-Only?

1. Instant Access

Order at 9 AM, start using by 9:05 AM. No waiting for shipping.

Perfect for:

• Last-minute event planning
• "Oh crap, the wedding is next week" moments
• Testing before committing to physical products

2. Print on Anything

Your QR code, your rules. Print it on:

• Table signs for weddings
• Stickers for party favors
• Badges for conferences
• Posters for venues
• Business cards
• Magnets
• Literally anything

3. Multiple Copies

Need 50 table cards? 100 stickers? Print as many as you want.

With physical products, you'd need to buy multiple shirts. With digital-only, print once, duplicate forever.

4. Budget-Friendly

Digital-Only: $9.99
Basic Tee: $29.99
Premium Tee: $39.99

If you're crafty or have access to a printer, digital-only saves you $20-30.

5. Creative Freedom

Design your own materials to match your event perfectly:

• Wedding colors and theme
• Corporate branding
• Party decorations
• Festival vibes

What You Can Print Your QR Code On

For Weddings

Table Signs/Tents

• 5x7 acrylic stands
• Folded table tents
• Centerpiece cards
• Menu cards with QR code

Estimated cost: $15-30 for 10-15 tables

Signage

• Welcome sign at entrance
• Cocktail hour poster
• Photo booth backdrop
• Bathroom mirror stickers

Estimated cost: $20-40 for all signs

Programs & Favors

• Wedding programs
• Thank you cards
• Favor tags
• Napkins (yes, really!)

Estimated cost: $10-25

For Parties

Stickers

• Party favor stickers
• Cup labels
• Goodie bag seals
• Laptop stickers for guests

Estimated cost: $5-15 for 50-100 stickers

Posters

• Entry way poster
• Photo wall backdrop
• Bar area sign
• Bathroom mirror

Estimated cost: $10-20

Wearables (DIY)

• Iron-on transfers for shirts
• Temporary tattoos
• Wristbands
• Badges

Estimated cost: $15-30

For Corporate Events

Badges

• Name badge inserts
• Lanyard cards
• Conference materials

Estimated cost: $10-20

Signage

• Registration desk poster
• Breakout room signs
• Networking area displays

Estimated cost: $15-30

Swag

• Stickers for laptops
• Business card inserts
• Folder inserts

Estimated cost: $10-25

For Festivals & Concerts

Wristbands

• Waterproof wristband stickers
• Tyvek wristbands with QR code

Estimated cost: $10-20 for 10-20 wristbands

Flags & Totems

• Campsite flag with QR code
• Totem pole sign
• Group meeting spot marker

Estimated cost: $15-35

Step-by-Step: Digital-Only Setup

Step 1: Get Your QR Code (5 minutes)

1. Go to QRShrt.com/signup
2. Create your account
3. Choose Digital Only plan ($9.99)
4. Claim your subdomain (yourname.qrshrt.com)
5. Download your QR code in all formats

You now have:

• PNG (for printing)
• SVG (for design software)
• PDF (for print shops)

Step 2: Design Your Materials (30-60 minutes)

Option A: Use Canva (Free)

1. Open Canva.com
2. Search for templates:
   • "Table tent"
   • "Wedding sign"
   • "Party poster"
   • "Sticker sheet"
3. Upload your QR code PNG
4. Customize with your event details
5. Download as PDF for printing

Option B: Use Microsoft Word/PowerPoint

1. Create document in your size (5x7, 8x10, etc.)
2. Insert your QR code image
3. Add text: "Scan to Share Photos"
4. Add event details/branding
5. Save as PDF

Option C: Hire on Fiverr ($5-20)

Search "design QR code sign" and get custom designs in 24-48 hours.

Step 3: Print Your Materials

Home Printer (Cheapest)

• Use cardstock for table signs
• Use sticker paper for stickers
• Use regular paper for posters

Cost: $5-15 (paper/ink)

Local Print Shop (Best Quality)

• FedEx Office
• Staples
• UPS Store
• Local print shops

Cost: $20-50 depending on quantity/size

Online Printing (Most Convenient)

• Vistaprint
• Moo.com
• Sticker Mule
• Overnight Prints

Cost: $15-40 with shipping

Step 4: Display at Your Event

Placement tips:

• Eye level (not hidden in centerpieces)
• Multiple locations (don't rely on one sign)
• High-traffic areas (entrance, bar, photo booth)
• Clear instructions ("Scan to Share Photos")

Step 5: Collect Photos

Your QR code is live! Guests scan and upload instantly.

Monitor in real-time:

• See photos as they're uploaded
• Delete any duds
• Download favorites during the event

Real Digital-Only Success Stories

Amanda & Chris - Backyard Wedding (60 guests)

"We're not tech people, but this was SO easy. Printed QR codes at FedEx for $12, put them on tables. Got 300+ photos without any hassle."

Setup: DIY printed table cards
Photos collected: 327
Total cost: $9.99 + $12 printing = $21.99

Tech Startup - Company Retreat (100 employees)

"Printed QR code badges for everyone. Collected 1,200+ photos from team building activities. Used them for our year-end recap video."

Setup: Badge inserts printed in-house
Photos collected: 1,247
Total cost: $9.99 (printing done internally)

Birthday Party - 30th Birthday (40 guests)

"Made custom stickers with my QR code and put them on party favor bags. Everyone scanned and uploaded photos throughout the night. Got 200+ photos!"

Setup: Custom stickers from Sticker Mule
Photos collected: 218
Total cost: $9.99 + $19 stickers = $28.99

Digital-Only vs. Physical Products: Which is Right for You?

Choose Digital-Only If:

✅ You want instant access
✅ You're on a tight budget
✅ You want creative control over design
✅ You need QR codes on multiple items
✅ You have access to a printer
✅ Your event is in less than 2 weeks

Choose Physical Products If:

✅ You want a ready-to-wear solution
✅ You're wearing it to casual events (festivals, parties)
✅ You want premium quality printing
✅ You don't want to deal with printing
✅ You have 2+ weeks before your event

Can't Decide? Start Digital, Upgrade Later

Many customers start with Digital-Only to test it out, then order physical products for future events.

Your QR code never expires, so you can always add physical products later!

DIY Printing Tips & Tricks

Tip 1: Size Matters

Minimum QR code size: 2x2 inches
Recommended: 3x3 to 4x4 inches
For posters: 6x6 to 8x8 inches

Too small = hard to scan
Too large = wastes space

Tip 2: High Contrast

Best: Black QR code on white background
Good: Dark purple on light cream
Bad: Light gray on white (hard to scan)

Tip 3: Test Before Mass Printing

Print ONE test copy first. Scan it with multiple phones to make sure it works.

Nothing worse than printing 50 cards that don't scan.

Tip 4: Add Clear Instructions

Don't assume people know what to do. Add text:

• "Scan to Share Photos"
• "Point your camera here"
• "Upload your favorite moments"

Tip 5: Protect from Damage

For outdoor events:

• Laminate signs
• Use waterproof sticker paper
• Put in acrylic stands

For multi-day events:

• Bring backup copies
• Use durable materials

Common Questions

Q: Can I print my QR code at home?
A: Yes! Use cardstock or sticker paper for best results. Regular printer works fine.

Q: What if I need more than 500MB storage?
A: Upgrade to Unlimited plan ($9.99/month) for unlimited storage. Your QR code stays the same.

Q: Can I use the same QR code for multiple events?
A: Absolutely! Download photos after each event, clear your gallery, and reuse for the next event.

Q: What file format should I use for printing?
A: PNG for most uses. SVG if you're working in design software. PDF for print shops.

Q: How long does my QR code last?
A: Forever! Your QR code never expires. Use it for years.

Q: Can I change my subdomain later?
A: Contact support and we can help. Your QR code will stay the same.

Digital-Only Checklist

Before ordering:

• Decide what you'll print QR code on
• Check if you have access to a printer
• Plan your design (Canva, Word, or hire designer)

After ordering:

• Download QR code in all formats
• Test scan on multiple phones
• Design your materials
• Print test copy and scan
• Print final materials
• Set up upload time window

At your event:

• Display QR codes in visible locations
• Announce to guests how to use it
• Monitor uploads in real-time
• Download photos after event

The Bottom Line

Digital-Only is perfect if you want:

• Instant access to your QR code
• Maximum flexibility and creative control
• Budget-friendly solution
• Ability to print on multiple items

For just $9.99, you get everything you need to collect hundreds of event photos.

No shipping wait. No physical product needed. Just download, print, and start collecting memories.

Ready to go digital?

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Related Articles

• How to Collect Wedding Guest Photos Without an App
• Time-Based Upload Control Guide
• QR Code Wedding Ideas

Want to see what physical products look like? Check out our pricing page to compare all options.