SigningHub enables you to add a QR Code to documents to help simplify signature verification. The QR code in the document enables users to scan the QR code with the camera on their smartphone. Upon scanning the user is redirected to a page which allows viewing the document in read-only mode and viewing the verification results for the digital signatures, separately.

This field is associated with a specific document and becomes the part of a PDF document when it is shared, signed, reviewed or updated. The availability of a QR Code field is subject to your assigned enterprise user role. If you wish to use this feature, ask your Enterprise Admin to enable the QR Code option in your Role>Document Settings. SigningHub embeds annotations, and other necessary content within a PDF file to make your documents fully compliant with the PDF/A-1a and PDF/A-1b standards. This content embedding is required by ISO 19005-1, and is usually associated with a document's visual appearance. 


Add a QR Code to a Template

  1. Select the document from the left side of document viewer screen, on which QR Code is required. Click , if you want to manage the added documents

2.  Click the "QR Code" option from the viewer right panel and drop it on the document as required. A default QR code is placed upon dropping which is later replaced with the system generated QR Code. 



3.  You can drag and drop the QR Code anywhere in the document by using your mouse. The grid lines will assist you in better alignment of QR Code accordingly. Resize the QR Code with respect to its height and width or use the bottom right corner to resize it diagonally as required. Now take the cursor to the field, and click  to view and edit its details and configurations. Refer to the below tables for the descriptions of the fields available in the "Edit QR Code" dialog.





  1. Repeat the above steps to add multiple QR Codes.


Delete a QR Code from a Template


  1. Take the cursor to the QR Code which you want to delete from the document.
  2. Click on the  button appearing on it. The QR Code will be removed from the document.



The following table describes the fields available in the "Details" tab of the "Edit QR Code" dialog.


Edit QR Code - Details

Properties

Description

Field Name

It's an auto-generated (unique) field name that is used when you need to update/delete the QR Code through the API calls. You can change the name as required, but make sure the uniqueness of a field name is not compromised, i.e. two or more fields in a document cannot have the same field name. 

Screen/PDF

Use this tab to relatively set the on-screen and PDF coordinates/ position (Left, Top, Width & Height) of this form field. However. you can also manually drag the field for moving it to the desired position on the document, and the coordinates will be updated accordingly. These coordinates are only available as far as the status of a document is Draft.

1. You can only edit the on-screen dimensions but not the PDF dimensions.
2. The width and height of on-screen dimensions for QR Code will be same. If you change any one of it, other will be set on it's own
3. For the best QR Code scanning experience, use the default size of 120 * 120. The user can decrease or increase the size of the QR Code as per their requirement. In case of a QR Codes lesser in size than 50 * 50, the scanning experience might be affected.


The following table describes the fields available in the "Configurations" tab of the "Edit QR Code" dialog.


Edit QR Code - Configurations

Properties

Description

Data

This field allows the users to input the specific information they wish to encode into the QR code. It supports two types of data:

    • URL: Users can input a web address, which will be embedded in the QR code. Scanning the code will direct the user to the specified website.
    • Text: Alternatively, users can input plain text that, when scanned, will be displayed to the user. This is useful for conveying short messages, contact information, or other relevant details.

The maximum length of the data is capped at 500 characters. This limit ensures the QR code remains scannable and the encoded information is accurate.

Error Correction Level

This drop down allows the user to set the error correction levels which play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the QR code, especially when it might be partially obscured or damaged. Given below is the list of the available error correction levels:

    • Level L (7%): This level can correct up to 7% of data loss, making it suitable for QR codes that are expected to be in clean, unobstructed environments.
    • Level M (15%): Can correct up to 15% of data loss, offering a balance between error correction and the amount of data that can be encoded.
    • Level Q (25%): The default setting, capable of recovering 25% of the data, providing a good safeguard against moderate damage or dirt.
    • Level H (30%): The highest level, correcting up to 30% of data loss, ideal for QR codes used in harsh environments where damage is likely.

Encoding

This drop down allows the users to choose the character encoding standard for the QR code. Encoding options define the character set used for the QR code’s data. This ensures the data is properly encoded and decoded across different systems and languages. Given below is the list of the available encoding standards:

    • Default: Automatically selects the most appropriate encoding based on the content.
    • Iso8859_1: Supports characters used in Western European languages, making it ideal for most English and European text.
    • Iso8859_2: Supports Central European languages, ensuring correct display of characters from these regions.
    • Utf8: A universal encoding standard that supports a vast range of characters, suitable for multilingual content or special symbols.

Pixels Per Module

This drop down allows the users to set the size of each individual module (dot) in the QR code. Larger pixel values result in a larger overall QR code, which can improve readability, especially from a distance or when printed on large surfaces. Given below is the list of the available pixels per module options:

    • 20: The default setting, providing a balance between size and clarity.
    • 30: Increases the size, making the QR code easier to scan, particularly in low-light or long-distance conditions.
    • 40: Further increases the module size, ideal for medium to large prints.
    • 50: The largest setting, best for QR codes that need to be scanned from a significant distance.

Add Margins (Quiet Zones)

This checkbox allows the users to enable/disable quiet zones (margins). Quiet zones are the white margins around the QR code. These ensure the scanner can accurately distinguish the code from its surroundings. By default, this checkbox is checked.

Logo Settings
  • Logo: This option allows the users to personalize their QR codes by embedding a logo within the code, which can enhance brand recognition and add a professional touch to the QR code. Clicking on the "Browse" button allows the users to upload an image of the logo, which will be centered in the QR code.
  • Hide Background Dots: This checkbox allows the users to control whether the QR code’s dots that would appear behind the embedded logo are hidden. If the checkbox is checked, the background dots are hidden, ensuring the logo remains clear and prominent. If the checkbox is unchecked, the background dots are visible behind the logo, which may be suitable if the logo is semi-transparent or if users prefer a more integrated look.
  • Logo Size %:  This drop down allows the users to adjust the size of the embedded logo as a percentage of the overall QR code size. Given below is the list of the available logo size % options:
    • 10%: A small, subtle logo.
    • 15% (Default): A standard logo size that maintains a balance between visibility and QR code functionality.
    • 20%, 25%, 30%, 35% and 40%: Larger logos, which can be used for greater emphasis, though users should ensure the QR code remains functional.

Color Settings
  • Dots Color: This option allows the users to customise the color of the QR code’s dots, allowing them to match the code with their branding or aesthetic preferences. Black is the default dots color, since it provides the highest contrast against a white background. The users can select from a variety of colors, although they should ensure sufficient contrast with the background for reliable scanning.
  • Background Color: This option allows the users to customise the background color of the QR code, which can enhance visual appeal or match specific design needs. White is the default background color, since it ensures high contrast with the dots. The users can select a different background color, but they should ensure it contrasts well with the dots for clear scanning.

Preview

After configuring the QR code settings, this button allows users to generate a preview of the QR code. This preview reflects all customizations, enabling users to verify the appearance and functionality before finalizing.



  1. The option to add a QR Code is available for "Individual" workflows as well.
  2. The user can now add multiple QR Codes on a document.
  3. The QR Code becomes a part of PDF document when it is shared, signed, reviewed or updated.


See Also