# QR codes for chat links

Generate a QR code for a configured chat link so visitors can scan it to enter the linked engagement flow.

*Release 3.3 · developer, operator, visitor*

**Settings › Chat › Chat Links** · **Settings › Account › My Links**

## What it is

**QR Code** turns a configured chat link into a scannable image. A visitor scans the code and opens the linked engagement flow. The chat link determines the destination, routing and availability behaviour.

## Who uses it and why

- Operators generate codes for links they can access and share them with visitors.
- Developers and website teams place the exported image in a page or other material.
- Visitors scan the code with a suitable device to open the destination.

## Where to find it

Manage links in **Settings › Chat › Chat Links**. Operators can also find their personal and team links in **Settings › Account › My Links**.

Choose **Download Chat Link** for the link and select **QR Code** under **Select chat link style:**.

## How it works

1. Choose the configured chat link you want visitors to use.
2. Open its generation window and select **QR Code**.
3. Optionally enter **Referral Source Name** to distinguish this use of the link.
4. Choose **Generate** to create the code.
5. Use **PNG**, **SVG** or **Print** for the output you need.
6. When a visitor scans the image, their device opens the generated short link and follows the chat link's configured flow.

Generating a code creates or reuses a short link for that chat link and referral source. Repeated generation for the same source does not necessarily create a different destination.

## Configure it

Configure the destination and engagement options on the chat link before generating the image. The **Settings** role, with **Chat Links** permission, manages that configuration.

**Referral Source Name** is optional, with a maximum of 50 characters and no special characters. The console supplies the QR rendering options and includes the clear border around the code.

### Fields

| Field | Where | Required | What it is for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Referral Source Name | Settings › Chat › Chat Links | No | Adds an optional source label to the generated link. The editor allows up to 50 characters and rejects special characters. |

### Permissions

| Permission | Lets you |
|---|---|
| Settings | Access Chat Links management, subject to its permission options. |
| Chat Links | Manage Chat Links with the Settings role. |

## Limits and good to know

- The QR image contains a link. Scanning it still depends on the destination and its configured access and availability rules.
- A referral source identifies a use of the link; it is not a unique identity for each person who scans it.
- An already exported image does not change when you generate another image. The destination continues to depend on the linked configuration.
- Check the exported image by scanning it before distributing printed material.

## Depends on and works with

### This feature uses

- **Requires** [Chat links](CHAT-030.md): The QR code uses a configured chat link and its destination and routing options.
- **Configured in** [Roles and permissions](ADM-008.md): Roles and permission options determine who manages chat links.
- **Related** [Chat links for visitors](VX-024.md): The visitor Chat Links guide explains what happens after someone scans the code.

## FAQ and troubleshooting

### Does a QR code always start a chat immediately?

No. The underlying chat link determines whether the visitor starts chat, sees a form, enters scheduling or follows another configured entry behaviour.

### Which format should I use?

**PNG** provides an image for ordinary digital use. **SVG** provides a scalable export for layouts that need it. Both are available in the console generation window.

### Why is my referral source rejected?

Keep it to 50 characters or fewer and remove special characters.

### Why does a code scan but fail to connect the visitor?

Check the underlying chat link's destination, enabled state, routing and availability options. Image generation does not override those rules.