Creating interactive QR codes

QR codes can be linked to your workspace in Backstage, so that when they are scanned by app users specific actions are triggered in the app.

Actions linked to scanning a QR code can be to add a bookmark to the app, open an item such as a page/form/document, open the user's profile to prompt them to enter their personal information, or show a pop-up message.

QR codes are configured using the Shortlink module, available on the Content category of the main menu.

Note: You will need to install the QR scanner module in order to see the Shortlink menu in Backstage.

Tip: Shortlinks can also be used associated to app menu items or quick links.

To create your QR codes you can use free services like http://www.qr-code-generator.com, where you can enter the text for the code and then generate the QR code images in order to print them off.

Configuring shortlink QR codes

To create a shortlink QR code in Backstage, go to the Shortlinks module in the Content category.

Click on New shortlink, and fill out the following information:

Short name
This is the actual textual content of the QR code you have created and wish to link to an action. It must be unique code and start with SL. For example: SL001, SL002, etc.

Make sure there are no spaces or special characters in the name.

Reference name
This is just the name used in Backstage to identify the shortlink. 

Actions
Select the action that will be triggered after scanning this QR code:

• Add to bookmarks
  Select an item that will be bookmarked when the QR code is scanned. Just select the action and from the following dropdown menu select the type of item you would like to be automatically added to the app user's bookmarks.
  
  
• Open a feed link
  Use this option in order to open a hashtag or a mention in a specific feed.
  To open an feed using a shortlink, use the option "Open an item".
  
  
• Open an item
  This option contains a large variety of options that can be used. Choose the type of item in the drop down list, then the specific item you would like to associate with the QR code.
  Some of the most popular items are:
  
  • Document – select it to link the action to a specific document
  • Session – select it to link the action to a specific session
  • Presenter – select it to link the action to a specific presenter
  • Page – select it to link the action to a specific document
  • Feed – select it to link the action to a specific feed

• Edit profile
  Select this option so that the app user will be prompted to edit their information on their profile page (such as their contact information or photo) after scanning the QR code.
  
  
• Show a popup message
  Select this to create a pop-up message, with a title and message text, that will be displayed when scanning the QR code. The pop-up message can also contain a link to an item to be opened after seeing the pop-up.

• Record session attendance
  This is used for tracking session attendance, using the Session attendance module.

Icon

Add an icon for your shortlink. This is used when you are using the shortlink as a quick link in the app home page.

Exporting QR code scan activity

From the Shortlinks module, you can also download a report of all the scans done by the app users.

In the Shortlinks tab, click on Export XLS to download a spreadsheet that contains the details of all the scans for the shortlinks.