You can generate a QR code from any ARTERNAL artwork share link, but the QR code will always open the artwork's mobile-friendly share page in a browser — not inside the ARTERNAL app. This article explains why, what to expect when you scan, and the recommended workflow for using QR codes on wall labels and inventory tags.
How QR codes work with ARTERNAL artwork links
In ARTERNAL, open the artwork you want to share.
Copy the artwork's share link. (See: Create a Share Link for an Artwork.)
Paste that link into any QR code generator.
When someone scans the code with their phone, the artwork's public share page opens in their mobile browser.
The recipient does not need an ARTERNAL account to view the page.
What to expect when the QR code is scanned
The scan opens the artwork's share page in the phone's default browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.).
The page displays the artwork image and the caption formatters that are saved in Settings. For example: title, artist, and any details you have enabled on the share link.
The page is read-only. It is designed for viewing, not editing.
The ARTERNAL iOS app will not launch from the scan.
Notes and limitations
Editing from a QR scan is not currently supported. Artwork share links are designed to open in a browser and do not deep-link into the ARTERNAL iOS app. This means you cannot scan a QR code on a wall label and jump straight into edit mode.
ARTERNAL's built-in PDF editor is not set up to format QR codes. The editor's formatting tools aren't set up to include QR codes. If you need QR codes on your wall labels, we recommend building the label outside of ARTERNAL (see the recommended workflow below).
QR codes are still useful for quick reference and public sharing. They give collectors, staff, or exhibition visitors a fast way to pull up the artwork's public page without needing an account.
This behavior is by design so that recipients without an ARTERNAL account can still view shared works.
Troubleshooting
The QR code isn't opening the app.
This is expected behavior. Artwork share links always open in a browser.
The QR code looks squished or misaligned on my ARTERNAL wall label.
The built-in wall label editor doesn't format QR codes cleanly. Build the label in a separate tool (Canva, Word, InDesign, Avery, etc.) and print from there.
The share page shows the wrong details.
The QR code always reflects the current state of the artwork's share link. Review your caption formatter settings and confirm the correct details are enabled.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can I make a QR code open the artwork inside the ARTERNAL iOS app so I can edit it?
A: No. When someone scans the code with their phone, the artwork's public share page opens in their mobile browser.
Q: Can I add a QR code to a label built inside ARTERNAL?
A: The editor's formatting tools aren't set up to include QR codes. For labels that include a QR code, we recommend creating the label in an external tool like Canva, Word, InDesign, or an Avery template and printing it from there.
Q: Can visitors edit the artwork from the share page?
A: No. The share page is view-only. Only signed-in ARTERNAL users can edit an artwork, and edits happen inside the app.
Q: Do I need an ARTERNAL account to scan the code?
A: No. The share page is public, so anyone can view it.
Q: Where do I get the QR code from?
A: ARTERNAL does not currently generate a QR code for you. Copy the artwork's share link and paste it into any free QR code generator.