A school newsletter QR code that keeps up
Parents read this week's news on their phone at the gate, and you publish each issue without printing new codes.
A school newsletter QR code opens the current issue on parents' phones. Upload each newsletter as a PDF to the same editable code, print the code once on the school gate, the classroom doors and the term planner, and every scan shows the latest issue. Parents read it while they wait.
News at the school gate
A parent scans the gate sign at pickup and sees Friday's newsletter with the trip date on top.
How to publish the newsletter by scan
Make the issue
Save the newsletter as a PDF with the date and the three key dates of the week at the top.
Upload it
Choose the PDF type above and upload the file. The code opens it in any phone browser.
Print the code once
The gate, the reception window, classroom doors and the term planner on the fridge.
Replace weekly
Upload the new issue on Friday. The same code shows it from the next scan.
Worked example: a primary school of 300 pupils
- The sign
- A weatherproof sign on the gate reads "This week at school" beside a 6 cm code.
- The habit
- The office uploads each issue on Friday at noon, and parents scan at pickup.
- The saving
- The school prints a few paper copies for families who ask, instead of one per child.
Fixed or editable for a school newsletter?
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Fixed QR code (static)
A fixed code can only hold a link to a file the school hosts, at an address that never changes. It is free if your website allows that.
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Editable QR code (dynamic) Our pick for this job
An editable code hosts each issue and swaps it weekly, so we recommend it here. Scan counts show how many families read it. From $9 a month after the 14-day trial.
Newsletters that get read
Dates first
Parents look for dates: trips, closures, events. Put them at the top.
One page if you can
A short issue read fully beats a long one skimmed.
Keep paper for some
A few printed copies at reception help families without a smartphone.
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.
Can the same QR code show a new newsletter every week?
Yes, with an editable code. Upload the new PDF to the same code and every printed sign and planner opens it from the next scan.
Do parents need an app to read the newsletter?
No. The phone camera opens the PDF in the browser, where parents can zoom and save it.
Where should the code go at school?
At the gate where parents wait, by reception, on classroom doors and on the term planner that goes home.
Can I keep older issues available?
Put a short list of past issues at the end of each newsletter, or upload a combined PDF at the end of term.
How do I know parents read it?
An editable code counts scans by day, so you can see whether Friday or Monday issues reach more families.
Can each class have its own newsletter code?
Yes. Give each class an editable code on its door and upload the class letter there, next to the school-wide code at the gate.
Can I send the newsletter link by e-mail too?
Yes. Copy the code's short link into your e-mail or the parent app message. It opens the same current issue, so every channel stays in step with the gate sign.
This week's news, one scan away
Upload the current newsletter and print the gate sign once for the whole year.