Location QR Code: Create Scannable Maps for Your Business (2025)

A location QR code opens a specific place in the user's preferred map app—Google Maps, Apple Maps, Waze, or others. One scan to get directions to your business, event venue, or meeting point.

No more typing addresses or searching for your business name. Customers scan and navigate.

What Is a Location QR Code?

A location QR code encodes GPS coordinates using the geo: URI format (RFC 5870). When scanned, the phone opens its default map application showing that exact location, ready for navigation.

Unlike sharing an address, coordinates are precise. "123 Main St" might match multiple locations. GPS coordinates (40.7128° N, 74.0060° W) are exact.

Why Use Location QR Codes?

Eliminate Address Confusion

• No misspellings
• No "which 123 Main St?"
• No confusion about entrances or building numbers

GPS coordinates are unambiguous.

One-Tap Navigation

76% of local searches result in a visit within 24 hours (Google). Make that visit happen by removing friction.

Works Everywhere

From a storefront sign to a wedding invitation, anywhere you'd write an address can benefit from a QR code alternative.

Multi-Platform

Your customers use different map apps. Location QR codes work with all of them.

Common Uses

Store Locations

Put location QR codes on:

• Storefront signage
• Business cards
• Print advertising
• Product packaging ("Find us here")

Event Venues

Wedding invitations, conference materials, and party invites can include location codes. Guests scan and get directions without searching.

Real Estate

Property listings, open house signs, and flyers can link directly to the property location. Buyers scan and drive over.

Parking Information

Direct visitors to parking structures, entrances, or designated areas. Especially useful for large venues.

Multi-Location Businesses

Create different codes for each location. Track which location materials drive the most scans.

Meeting Points

"Scan to find our picnic spot" beats typing coordinates or hoping GPS finds "the big tree in the park."

How to Create a Location QR Code

Step 1: Get Your Google Maps Link

1. Open Google Maps
2. Find your exact location
3. Click the share button or copy the URL from the address bar

Supported formats:

• https://maps.google.com/?q=40.7128,-74.0060
• https://www.google.com/maps/place/.../@40.7128,-74.0060,17z
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/xyz123 (short links work too)

Step 2: Paste in the Generator

Use our Location QR Code Generator. Paste your Google Maps link and we automatically extract the coordinates.

Step 3: Verify the Location

We show you the extracted coordinates and a preview. Confirm it's the right spot before generating.

Step 4: Customize the Design

Add your brand colors and logo. Location codes are static, so customization won't affect functionality.

Step 5: Test Navigation

Scan with your phone and verify:

• The correct location opens
• Navigation works properly
• The pin is where you intended

Step 6: Download and Deploy

Export as:

• PNG: Digital use, social media
• SVG: Print materials, signage

Best Practices

Pin the Entrance, Not the Building

If your business is in a large complex, pin the specific entrance or parking lot. "Building B, Suite 100" coordinates are more useful than the building center.

Include Address as Backup

Not everyone uses QR codes. Print the address alongside the code for those who prefer to search manually.

Consider Arrival Experience

Pin where someone should arrive, not where your office is. If there's a gate, a parking lot, or a specific entrance, mark that.

Size for Distance

Outdoor signage needs larger QR codes. A 6-inch code works from about 5 feet. A 12-inch code works from 10 feet.

Add a Label

"Scan for Directions" or "Navigate to Us" tells users what the code does before they scan.

Location QR Code vs Other Options

Location QR codes are ideal for printed materials where you want one-step navigation without relying on address search accuracy.

Technical Details

The geo: URI Format

Location QR codes use the geo: URI scheme defined in RFC 5870:

geo:40.7128,-74.0060

Some implementations add optional parameters:

• geo:40.7128,-74.0060?z=17 - Zoom level
• geo:40.7128,-74.0060?q=Empire+State+Building - Location label

Most phones will display nearby business information if Google Maps is installed, even though the code stores coordinates.

Coordinate Precision

GPS coordinates with 4 decimal places are accurate to about 11 meters—more than sufficient for navigation purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do location QR codes work offline?

The QR code itself works offline, but the map app typically needs an internet connection to display the map and calculate navigation. Exception: users with downloaded offline maps.

Which map app will open?

The user's default maps app. iPhone users typically see Apple Maps; Android users see Google Maps. Users can change their default or select a different app.

Can I mark a specific business instead of coordinates?

The QR code stores coordinates. However, if the user has Google Maps installed, it will display nearby business information if your business is listed there.

What's the advantage over just printing the address?

Addresses require users to type and search—which can lead to wrong matches or spelling errors. Coordinates are exact and one-tap to navigate.

Do I need a Google Maps account?

No. You just need a Google Maps link to copy the coordinates from. The generator extracts the data.

Create Your Location QR Code

Ready to make it effortless for customers to find you? Our Location QR Code Generator is free, requires no account, and creates codes that work forever.

Simply paste your Google Maps link and we'll handle the rest.