How to generate a QR code on a Mac
When’s the last time someone handed you a flyer, a business card, or a printed coupon—and you actually kept it?
Didn’t think so.
Odds are, it ended up crumpled in your bag, lost in your car, or straight in the trash.
If you’re still relying on old-school methods to share links or contact info, you’re making things harder than they need to be for both you and your audience.
QR codes are fast, clean, and ridiculously easy to use. One scan, and boom—you’re exactly where you need to be.
They have become a modern-day bridge between the physical and digital worlds, letting users access links, contact details, payment gateways, or apps with a single scan.
Whether you’re sharing your portfolio, promoting a product, or connecting customers to your Wi-Fi, generating a QR code can make that experience fast, easy, and professional.
And if you’re a Mac user, you’re in luck—there are several slick ways to create QR codes without switching devices.
Try Parallels Desktop for Mac to get access to advanced tools like the barcode generator—perfect for professionals who want more from their Mac.
How to create a QR code on a Mac
Using the Chrome browser
If you’re using Google Chrome, generating a QR code is simple:
Click the three-dot menu (Customize and control Google Chrome) in the top-right corner of the browser.
From the dropdown, go to “Share” and then select “Create QR code.”
Chrome will generate a QR code for the current page, which you can download and use in documents, websites, or printed materials.
With the Shortcuts app (macOS)
On macOS, you can create a QR code by utilizing the built-in “Shortcuts” app.
Begin by opening the “Shortcuts” app and clicking the plus (+) button in the top-right corner to start a new shortcut.
In the search bar, type “QR” and select “Generate QR Code” from the results.
By default, this action generates a QR code from text input; however, you can modify it to use the clipboard content by clicking on “Text” and selecting “Clipboard” instead.
To save the generated QR code, add the “Save to Photo Album” action, which will store the image in your “Photos” app.
Once set up, you can copy any URL or text to your clipboard, run the shortcut, and the QR code will be automatically created and saved to your “Photos” library for easy access and sharing.
Using Parallels Desktop
Ready to generate your own personalized QR code on a Mac?
Parallels Desktop offers a dedicated barcode generator tool as part of its Toolbox.
This tool is ideal for users who want more customization or need to create QR and barcodes regularly as part of a broader workflow.
Whether you’re in marketing, design, education, or retail, these options make it easy to integrate QR codes into your day-to-day work—no advanced tech skills required.
Here’s a simple, step-by-step walkthrough using Parallels Desktop:
- Locate the “Toolbox” icon
- Choose “Utilities”
- Click on “Barcode Generator”
- Enter the content or link you want to encode
- Click “Save”
And just like that, you have a personalized QR code.
You can now add it to marketing materials, your website, or wherever it’s needed.
Are you more of a visual learner? Watch this YouTube tutorial to see how to generate a QR code.
What is a QR code?
Think of a QR code as a digital doorway that opens instantly with a quick scan from a smartphone or tablet.
A QR code, short for “Quick Response” code, is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information in a matrix of black squares on a white background.
Unlike traditional barcodes—like the ones you see on products at the grocery store—that are limited to horizontal data and typically hold only numeric values, QR codes can encode much more information.
This information includes URLs, plain text, contact details, payment information, and more.
What makes QR codes especially powerful is their versatility and speed.
They’re designed for fast readability and can be scanned from various angles and surfaces, making them ideal for both digital and physical environments.
In the mobile-first world of today, QR codes are everywhere—from product packaging and restaurant menus to event tickets and mobile payments.
For businesses, QR codes are about more than just convenience.
They’re dynamic tools for improving customer interaction, driving engagement, and supporting smooth digital integration.
Whether printed on packaging, embedded on a website, displayed on a storefront, or included in a presentation, QR codes create direct, frictionless pathways that help customers connect with your brand in seconds.
Why would you need to create a personalized barcode or QR code?
Personalized QR codes act as customizable touchpoints that align with your brand identity and amplify your reach.
By tailoring QR codes to your specific needs, you can turn everyday interactions into measurable, meaningful engagements.
Here are some of the most impactful ways to use personalized QR codes:
Marketing purposes
QR codes can transform traditional marketing into interactive experiences.
When added to posters, flyers, brochures, or print ads, they can direct viewers to digital content like landing pages, videos, product demos, or limited-time offers—bridging the gap between physical and digital marketing efforts.
Lead generation
Custom QR codes make it simple to capture new leads.
Link them to sign-up forms, surveys, or newsletter subscriptions to quickly grow your contact list.
They’re especially useful at trade shows, events, or retail locations where scanning a code is easier than typing a URL.
Payments
QR codes have become an increasingly popular method for contactless payments.
From small businesses to global retailers, brands use QR codes to link directly to platforms like PayPal, Venmo, or Stripe, creating a secure, easy checkout process—no cash, cards, or physical contact required.
Event check-in
Speed up entry and reduce event congestion by using QR codes for attendee check-in.
Simply send attendees a code beforehand, and scan it at the door for a touchless, efficient way to manage guest access.
Feedback collection
Gathering feedback is easier when you lower the barrier. Place QR codes on receipts, tables, or walls that link to simple feedback forms.
Customers can scan and share their thoughts immediately, improving your chances of receiving timely and honest reviews.
Customization
Stand out by customizing your QR codes with brand elements like logos, colors, and shapes.
Branded QR codes not only maintain functionality but also enhance visual appeal, reinforcing brand recognition wherever they’re seen.
Tracking and analytics
Dynamic QR codes can be updated with new content and provide real-time tracking data.
This tracking lets you measure how many times a code is scanned, when, and from where.
The insights gained can help refine campaigns, understand customer behavior, and make more informed business decisions.
Use cases for personalized QR codes
You’ve probably seen countless QR codes, but if you’re still wondering exactly what you can link one to, here’s a list of smart, practical uses that business owners and professionals can start using right away:
Downloading an app
What better way to get people to download your app than to lead them straight to it?
By using QR codes, you can send users directly to the App Store or Google Play to download your app. Perfect for SaaS businesses.
As a business card
Rather than handing out printed business cards, creating a digital version with a QR code can be much more effective.
It can mimic the layout of a traditional card while instantly sharing your contact details.
Compared to a printed card, it’s eco-friendly, modern, and always up to date.
Alternatively, if you still prefer using a printed business card, you can include a QR code that links directly to your website, portfolio, or contact information.
For sharing coupons
Distribute exclusive promotions via QR codes printed on receipts, ads, or product packaging.
Connect to Wi-Fi
How many times have you had to ask the barista to repeat the Wi-Fi password, just because you forgot to capitalize the “H” in Hg$wjwy!721ZeH?
Wi-Fi passwords are often complex for security reasons, but that complexity can make them frustratingly hard to remember.
Creating a QR code that allows guests to join your Wi-Fi network with a simple scan makes this so much simpler. It’s great for offices, cafés, and event spaces.
Link to a website
Send people straight to your homepage, online store, portfolio, or any specific webpage with a quick scan.
Whether it’s on a flyer, business card, or product packaging, a QR code makes it easy for someone to jump right to your site without having to type out a URL.
Contactless menus and payments
Ideal for restaurants, cafés, and bars, QR codes let customers instantly view your menu on their phones without the need for printed copies.
It’s a cleaner, more flexible option that’s easy to update anytime. You can also include a link to your payment system for quick, contactless checkout when needed.
Creating QR codes and other Parallels Desktop solutions for Mac users
QR codes have gone from a novelty to a necessity.
Whether you’re promoting a product, gathering feedback, or sharing contact information, creating personalized QR codes helps you stay relevant and efficient.
And for Mac users, especially those managing business operations or digital campaigns, having the right tool is key.
Parallels Desktop bridges the gap between Mac convenience and powerful tools, like the Mac barcode generator, that help your business thrive.
It’s intuitive, fast, and built with productivity in mind.
Ready to get started with creating a Mac QR code? Kick off your 14-day free trial of Parallels Desktop and begin generating in minutes.
