QR Codes

QR Codes are 2-dimensional barcodes that can encode various types of information, which can be read using a cell phone or other camera-based devices. Gravatar provides simple QR codes that contain a link to the main profile page for the requested profile.

Base Request – with an Email Address

Follow these steps to request a QR code for a profile associated with an email address:

1. Create a valid email hash: Use an MD5 hash of the email address associated with the Gravatar profile.

2. Build the URL: Construct the URL to request the profile page using the email hash:

https://gravatar.com/{hash}

3. Append .qr to the URL: Indicate that you want the results in QR Code format by appending .qr to the URL:

https://gravatar.com/{hash}.qr

Example URL:

https://gravatar.com/27205e5c51cb03f862138b22bcb5dc20f94a342e744ff6df1b8dc8af3c865109.qr

When you request this URL in your browser, you will receive a QR Code image in PNG format that links directly to the profile page when scanned by a QR-compatible device.

Requesting a QR Code with a Username

Follow these steps to request a QR code for a profile associated with a username:

1. Know the username:
Obtain the username from the URL of their profile:

https://gravatar.com/username)

2. Append .qr to that URL:

Indicate that you want the results in QR Code format by appending .qr to the URL:

https://https://gravatar.com/ronnie.qr

Parameters and Requests Options

You can customize the QR code output with the following parameters:

• size (or s): Specify the edge length of the QR code image in pixels. As QR codes are square, you only need to provide one value.
• type: Choose what to display in the center of the QR code:
  • blank or default: No logo or avatar.
  • user: User’s avatar.
  • gravatar: Gravatar logo.
• version: Select the style of the QR code:
  • blank or 1: Standard QR code.
  • 3: Modern “small dots” QR code.

Example

Embedding a QR code in an img tag:

<img src="https://gravatar.com/27205e5c51cb03f862138b22bcb5dc20f94a342e744ff6df1b8dc8af3c865109.qr?type=gravatar&version=3&s=350" />

This example generates a QR code with the Gravatar logo in the center, using the modern small dots style.

Tips

• Default Size: QR codes default to 80px by 80px if the size parameter is not supplied.
• Encoded Data: The QR code only encodes a link to the profile page.
• Compatibility: Modern mobile devices can read QR codes directly from the camera.
• Profile Data: Profile requests will only resolve for the hash of the primary address on an account. Users may have multiple addresses on a single account, so while a Gravatar image request may return a result, a profile request for the same hash may not.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively generate and customize QR codes for Gravatar profiles.