A museum exhibit QR code on every label
Visitors hear the curator's story, see the hidden side of an object and read more, all from the label in front of them.
A museum exhibit QR code on the label opens more than the label can hold: a short audio track, a video or the full story of the object. Give each exhibit its own page, paste its link above and print the code on the label. Visitors listen with their own phone and headphones.
The story behind the glass
A visitor scans the label beside a clay jug and hears the potter's grandson talk about it.
How to add a deeper layer to labels
Make a page per exhibit
A short page with one audio track of two to three minutes, a few photos and a longer text.
Make one code each
Paste each page link above, or use the bulk tool for a whole room at once.
Number the labels
Print the exhibit number next to the code, so visitors and staff can match them.
Test in the room
Scan every label in the gallery light before opening. Glass cases and spotlights cause glare.
Worked example: a town museum with forty objects
- The labels
- Each label carries a 2.5 cm code and "Listen to the story" next to the object number.
- The content
- Volunteers record two-minute stories; local families add photos of objects in use.
- The insight
- Scan counts show which objects people want to hear about, which guides the next exhibition.
Fixed or editable for exhibit labels?
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Fixed QR code (static)
A fixed code holds one page link. It is free and right for a permanent label whose page stays at the same address.
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Editable QR code (dynamic) Our pick for this job
Editable codes let you swap the audio for a temporary show, add a language and count scans per object. We recommend them for changing exhibitions. From $9 a month after the 14-day trial.
Labels people scan
Invite, then explain
"Hear the potter's story" says more than "More info".
Mind the glare
Matte labels and a code at an angle away from spotlights scan best.
Offer Wi-Fi
A guest Wi-Fi code at the entrance helps visitors with weak signal indoors.
Questions and answers
Before you print
- Is it free?
- Fixed codes are free: make as many as you like, download a PNG with no sign-up, and get every other format and print files with a free account. Editable codes come with a plan, a pass, Keep-alive or the 14-day trial.
- Can I change the link after printing?
- Yes, with an editable code. It holds a short link you control, so you can point the printed code somewhere new any time, and the next scan opens the new page. A fixed code keeps the link it was made with.
- Can I use my own domain?
- Yes. A custom domain is included on passes, from Starter, and during the trial. Starter covers one subdomain, for example go.yourbrand.com, and apex domains start on Pro.
- What happens if I stop paying?
- Editable codes work to the end of your paid period, and after a failed payment every code keeps working for 14 days. Turn codes back on within 12 months. Fixed codes keep working as long as their links do.
What should a museum QR code link to?
A short page for that object: an audio track of two to three minutes, a few photos and a longer text for those who want it.
Do visitors need an app for the audio guide?
No. The audio plays in the phone browser. Suggest headphones at the entrance so the galleries stay quiet.
How big should the code be on a label?
About 2 to 2.5 cm on a label read at arm's length. Wall panels read from further away need 4 cm or more.
Can I offer the audio in several languages?
Yes. Put a language choice at the top of each exhibit page, or give each language its own track on the same page.
Can I see which exhibits interest visitors most?
Editable codes count scans per label, so you can see which objects visitors want to hear about.
Do codes work behind glass?
Usually, if the light does not reflect straight into the camera. Test each case and move the label or angle it slightly if a scan fails.
Can school groups use the exhibit codes?
Yes. Teachers can give each small group one phone and a list of objects to find and listen to. Add a question to each exhibit page to turn the visit into a task.
Every object, a story
Paste the first exhibit page and print a label code for it today.