How to create a QR code for a Google Maps location
A location QR code lets people scan with their phone and instantly open your address in Google Maps — ready for navigation. You can create one for free at oneclickqrcode.com by pasting a Google Maps link.
Why use a QR code for a location
Typing an address into a phone is annoying. A QR code skips the typing entirely:
- One scan to navigate — the customer, guest, or attendee scans the code and their phone opens the map with directions ready. No copying, no searching, no getting the wrong "123 Main Street" in the wrong city
- Exact pin placement — a Google Maps link points to a precise location, not just a street address. This matters for businesses inside malls, venues in large parks, offices in multi-building campuses, or locations where the street address doesn't lead to the right entrance
- Works offline-ish — once the map loads, most navigation apps cache enough data to get someone there, even if signal drops
- Universal — Google Maps links open in Google Maps on Android and typically in Apple Maps or Google Maps on iPhone (depending on the user's settings). Either way, navigation starts immediately
Where location QR codes are useful
Business cards and flyers
Print a QR code on your business card or flyer that opens your office, store, or studio location. Instead of printing a small map on the card (which nobody can actually use for navigation), the QR code launches real turn-by-turn directions.
Event invitations
Wedding invitations, conference badges, meetup flyers — any event with a physical venue benefits from a location QR code. Guests scan the code on the invitation and navigate directly to the venue. No more "just Google the address" (which may show the wrong entrance or a different location with the same name).
Storefront and window signage
A "Find us" QR code on a pop-up shop banner or market stall can point to your permanent location. Customers who discover you at a market can scan and navigate to your main store later.
Real estate
Open house flyers, yard signs, and listing sheets can include a QR code that opens the property location in Maps. Buyers can navigate directly without typing the address.
Tourism and hospitality
Hotels, tour operators, and visitor centers can print location QR codes for attractions, restaurants, or points of interest on maps and brochures. Tourists scan and get walking or driving directions instantly.
How to get your Google Maps link
Before creating the QR code, you need the right URL. Here's how to get it:
On desktop
- Go to Google Maps
- Search for the location or navigate to it on the map
- Click the location pin to open its details panel
- Click Share (the share icon)
- Click Copy link
The link will look something like:
https://maps.google.com/maps?q=40.7128,-74.0060
Or a shortened version:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/abc123
Both work. The shortened version produces a simpler QR code (fewer characters = fewer dots = easier to scan at small sizes).
On your phone
- Open Google Maps
- Find and tap the location
- Tap Share
- Tap Copy link (or share directly to another app)
Using a direct coordinates link
If you know the exact coordinates, you can construct the URL yourself:
https://www.google.com/maps?q=LATITUDE,LONGITUDE
For example: https://www.google.com/maps?q=48.8584,2.2945 opens the Eiffel Tower.
This is useful when you need to point to a specific spot (like a parking lot entrance or a trailhead) rather than a named business.
How to create the QR code
1. Go to oneclickqrcode.com
Open oneclickqrcode.com in any browser. No account needed.
2. Paste your Google Maps link
The default QR type is Link. Paste your Google Maps URL into the input field. The QR code appears immediately.
If you're using a long maps URL, consider using the shortened maps.app.goo.gl version — it produces a cleaner QR code with fewer dots.
3. Customize the design
Make it recognizable:
- Change the foreground color to match your brand or event theme
- Add your logo or a location pin icon to the center
- Pick a dot style that fits your design
For design tips, see our guide on customizing QR code colors and styles.
4. Download
- PNG at 1024px for most print needs (cards, flyers, invitations)
- SVG for large-format printing or professional design work
- Transparent background if placing on a colored surface
Placement and design tips
Always add context
People won't scan a mystery QR code. Label it clearly:
- "Scan for directions"
- "Scan to navigate"
- "Find us — scan here"
- "Scan for venue location"
Print size
The right size depends on where the QR code appears and how far away the scanner will be:
| Placement | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| Business card | 1.5 × 1.5 cm |
| Invitation or flyer | 2.5 × 2.5 cm |
| Poster or banner | 5 × 5 cm+ |
| Storefront sign | 8 × 8 cm+ |
For detailed sizing guidelines, see our QR code size guide.
Pair with the address
Even with a QR code, print the address in text too. Some people prefer to type it, and the text provides context so people know where the code will take them before scanning.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps
When someone scans a Google Maps QR code:
- Android — opens in Google Maps (the default map app)
- iPhone — depends on the user's setup. Some links open in Google Maps if installed, others open in Apple Maps. The
maps.google.comformat typically opens Google Maps in the browser or app. Either way, the user gets to the right location
If you want to ensure cross-platform compatibility, the standard https://www.google.com/maps?q=... format works reliably on both platforms. The location opens correctly regardless of which map app handles it.
FAQ
Does the QR code work on both iPhone and Android?
Yes. Google Maps links work on both platforms. On Android, they open in Google Maps. On iPhone, they open in Google Maps (if installed) or Safari, where the user can tap to open in Apple Maps.
Can I link to a specific place or just coordinates?
Both. You can link to a named Google Maps listing (like a restaurant or business) or to exact GPS coordinates. Named listings show the business name, hours, and reviews. Coordinates just show a pin on the map.
What if my business doesn't show up on Google Maps?
You can still create a QR code using GPS coordinates. Find the exact spot on Google Maps, right-click (or long-press on mobile), and copy the coordinates. Then use the https://www.google.com/maps?q=LAT,LNG format.
Does the QR code expire?
No. The QR code is a static image encoding a URL. It works forever — as long as the Google Maps link remains valid (which it will, unless Google changes something fundamental about Maps URLs).
Can I track how many people scan the location QR code?
Not directly with a static QR code. If you want scan tracking, use a URL shortener with analytics (like Bitly) as an intermediary: create a short link pointing to your Google Maps URL, then make the QR code point to the short link.
Create your location QR code free at oneclickqrcode.com — paste your Google Maps link, customize, and download. No sign-up needed.
Founder of oneclickqrcode.com