Location QR Codes: Skip Typing an Address Into Maps

Typing an address into a phone is small but real friction: autocomplete suggests the wrong branch, a typo lands two towns over, or someone just doesn't bother and gives up. A location QR code skips all of that - scan it, and the exact pin opens in maps, ready for directions.

Where it's actually useful

A storefront window for walk-by foot traffic. A real estate yard sign pointing to the listing itself. A wedding invitation with the venue address. A conference badge or printed map pointing attendees to a specific hall or booth.

What you're actually pointing it at

Not a typed-out address - a share link copied directly from Maps. Open Google Maps, find the spot (search it, or drop a pin if there's no clean address to search), tap Share, and copy the link. That's the whole setup; paste it in and the QR code opens to exactly that point, with turn-by-turn directions one tap away for whoever scans it.

One thing worth knowing

Google Maps and Apple Maps links aren't interchangeable in how reliably they open for a stranger scanning your code. A Google Maps link is the safer default precisely because it doesn't assume anything about whose phone is scanning it - it opens in the Google Maps app if that's installed, and falls back to a working map in a browser either way. An Apple Maps link is a reasonable choice if the audience is known to be mostly iPhone users, but it's a narrower bet.

Getting started

Location is one of 19 QR code types available after you sign up free - copy a share link from Maps, paste it in, and it's ready to print.