Paper tickets feel like a relic of the past — and for good reason. They get lost, forged, or crumpled in pockets. QR code tickets, on the other hand, live on your attendees' phones, can't be duplicated, and scan in under a second. In this guide, we'll show you exactly how to create QR code event tickets for free using MakeTicket.
What Are QR Code Event Tickets?
QR code tickets are digital tickets that contain a unique 2D barcode — a QR code — that uniquely identifies each attendee. When scanned at your event, the system instantly verifies the ticket and marks the attendee as checked in.
- Small, scannable 2D barcodes that uniquely identify each attendee
- Fraud-proof, fast to scan, and work entirely on mobile
- No printing required — attendees show them on any device screen
Why You Should Use QR Tickets for Your Next Event
How to Create QR Code Tickets with MakeTicket (Free)
- Step 1: Sign up free at maketicket.app — no credit card required.
- Step 2: Create an event by entering your event name, date, location, and uploading a banner image.
- Step 3: Once attendees register, the system automatically generates a unique encrypted QR code for each one.
- Step 4: The QR code ticket is emailed automatically to the attendee — no manual steps needed.
- Step 5: On event day, scan QR codes with any smartphone using the MakeTicket check-in tool.
How Attendees Use QR Code Tickets
- Open the ticket email on any device — phone, tablet, or laptop
- Show the QR code at the entry point
- Works on iPhone, Android, or even printed out — any format goes
- Attendees can also save the ticket to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
How to Scan QR Code Tickets at Your Event
You don't need any special hardware — any smartphone works as a scanner.
- Open MakeTicket on any phone or tablet and go to your event's Check-in page
- Point your camera at the attendee's QR code
- The app verifies and marks the attendee as arrived in under a second — green for valid, red for invalid or duplicate
- Your real-time dashboard updates live, so you always know how many people have arrived
QR Code Ticket Tips for Event Organizers
- Test your QR scanner before the event — do a dry run with a teammate
- Have a backup manual attendee list downloaded just in case of network issues
- Set up multiple check-in stations for large events to prevent queuing
- Brief your team — anyone with the MakeTicket app on their phone can scan tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
Are QR code tickets free to generate?
Yes, with MakeTicket. The free plan includes QR code generation for up to 50 attendees per event, with no credit card required.
Can QR codes be duplicated or faked?
No. Each QR code is uniquely encrypted and server-verified. If someone tries to use the same code twice, the second scan is immediately flagged as invalid.
Do attendees need to print the QR code?
No. Showing the QR code on a phone screen is perfectly fine and is the most common method. Printing is also supported if attendees prefer it.
QR code tickets are the gold standard for modern events — and with MakeTicket, generating them is completely free and takes just minutes. Whether you're running a 20-person workshop or a 500-person conference, QR code check-in will make your event smooth, professional, and stress-free.