# Notes on customised QR Code generation *Brian Marriott's notes:-)* ## Purpose We're trying to set up QR codes on posters near significant equipment, linking to documentation on the Hackerspace wiki. They look more acceptable and obviously Hackerspace-related if they have a log in them. Properly set up this doesn't interfere with the readability of the code. Created images are saved in a [`QR Codes` sub-folder of the `Stationery, signs, etc.` folder in our OneDrive store](https://hobarthackerspace.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/Committee/EkgTY-5QndBFowPNYvKfox0BoR1-x9SEdaoY2PTzs5aQuQ?e=e3gmbA). They are then available for import into posters etc. ## Creation We build them using `Inkscape` and the `Inkscape` QR Code plugin. ### Base document Create a base document in `Inkscape`. - Size (in `File` >> `Document properties...`): - 80x80mm - Set both `Format` and `Display units` to mm. - Note that, as Inkscape works basically in vectors, we don't need to specify a DPI at this point. - Depending on what the default document size is for your installation of Inkscape, you may have to scale up the document view to see the base document. ### QR Code Generation - Under `Extensions` choose `Render` >> `Barcode` / `QR Code` >> `QR Code ...` - parameters - Add the relevant URL - It has to be short, or Inkscape will break. - If it's for the Wiki, make it with the `wiki.local` prefix, eg: `wiki.local/3D_Printers` - This makes it useful within the Space while keeping the text short. - Size 29x29 unit squares - 8px/unit square - Error correction - Q (25%) - Mode `Bytes array` ("ALPHAnum" doesn't allow lower case) - Latin 1 encoding - Neutral smoothing - Square shape - Smooth square value 0.2 This produces a vector image with the QR code inside a goodly white border. It includes a white background and small white border to properly cover the underlying QR code - Slide the image over the base document - it should fit with a bit to spare. - Scale the image to fit the document cleanly (hold CTRL to keep aspect ratio) - Save the new document before you proceed - see [File title](#file_title) below. ### The Hacky logo - Create a new layer *above* the current layer - Under `Layer` choose `Add Layer ...` - Call it "Hacky" for clarity - Use the `Layers and Objects` tool to ensure that it is the top layer - Import the Hacky source file [`Hacky source 7x11.svg`](attachments/Hacky_source_7x11-kxzr34ldff7ygkwwnhxid75mnoh4.svg) into it. - Either download the file linked above and then import it into Inkscape - Select option `Include as editable object` - Set `DPI for rendered SVG` to 96 - or use the `Import Web Image ...` tool (if that works for your installation). - Slide it that so that: - its LH edge is 11 unit squares in from the LH of the pattern, and - its top edge is 9 unit squares down from the top of the pattern - Then scale it so that the RH edge and bottom edge are the 11 and 9 respectively from RH and bottom of pattern - Once again hold CTRL to keep tha aspect ratio - Note that the Hacky image includes a white background and small white border to cleanly cover the underlying QR code. ## Saving the file Export the lot to PNG for import into Word or whatever. - Use a resolution of 96 DPI. - This should create a PNG that's 302px square or thereabouts. ### File title If this is a QR code linking into the Wiki, save it with a name that represents where it links to. So, for example a code linking to `wiki.local/3D_Printers` will have an SVG title of `3D_Printers.svg` and the exported PNG will be `3D_Printers.png` Created images are saved in a [`QR Codes` sub-folder of the `Stationery, signs, etc.` folder in our OneDrive store](https://hobarthackerspace.sharepoint.com/:f:/s/Committee/EkgTY-5QndBFowPNYvKfox0BoR1-x9SEdaoY2PTzs5aQuQ?e=e3gmbA).