Object placement — QR codes in the venue
Plan where hunt and object QR codes go so participants can move through the venue smoothly.
In this article, you'll plan where the hunt and object QR codes belong in the venue so the physical route supports the digital experience.
Choose the right entry point
Treasure Hunts usually use two kinds of QR or shared links:
| Entry point | Best for | What participants open |
|---|---|---|
| Hunt QR or hunt link | Starting the experience from a main location such as an entrance, welcome desk, or campaign poster | The full hunt entry point |
| Object QR or object link | Sending participants straight to one object at a specific location | The object in its own context |
Object links are especially useful when each stop has its own signage. They open directly into that object's experience instead of sending people back through the hunt entry point first.
Match the placement to the collection order
Your placement strategy should follow the hunt rules:
| Hunt rule | Placement advice |
|---|---|
Any Order | Spread object QRs where participants can discover them naturally in any sequence. |
Sequential | Place object QRs in a clear, physical order and label the route so participants do not skip ahead accidentally. |
If the hunt uses Specific Number, make sure participants can realistically find enough objects in the space without backtracking too much.
Plan the route before you print
Mark the hunt start
Decide where participants should first encounter the hunt.
This is usually a high-traffic location such as an entrance, information desk, event host stand, or feature display.
Assign one QR or link per object location
For each object, choose the exact physical spot where the object QR will be placed.
Keep the digital setup aligned with the venue plan:
- the object's
Location Hint - the optional map marker
- the physical sign or display
Add context around the code
A QR code works better when people know why they should scan it.
Add short supporting text such as:
Scan to find the next objectObject 2 of 5Look near the red stage lights before you answer
Test the route in walking order
Walk the real route with a phone and scan each code in the order a participant would.
Check:
- whether the code is easy to notice
- whether it scans at a comfortable distance
- whether the opened object matches the nearby clue or location
- whether sequential hunts unlock in the intended order
Placement tips that improve the experience
- Keep the first hunt QR easy to spot so participants do not need staff help to begin.
- Place object QRs close enough to the clue or branded moment that the scan feels logical.
- Avoid reflective surfaces, cramped corners, or very low placement heights that make scanning awkward.
- If the hunt uses a map, keep the physical placement and digital marker aligned.
- For sequential hunts, number the route on the signage so people do not get stuck at a locked later step.
When to use hunt QR codes versus object QR codes
Use the hunt QR when you want participants to begin with the full story, intro, or map.
Use object QRs when the route is already clear in the venue and each stop should open directly to the correct object. This is especially useful for larger spaces or multi-zone activations where participants may join midway through the venue journey.
Related
Print & place QR codes
Download the final hunt and object QR codes and prepare them for live placement.
Touchpoint URLs & slugs
Understand the shared link structure behind hunt and object entry points.
QR codes (download, design)
Use the broader Platform guide for export formats and general print advice.
Create a treasure hunt
Review the hunt-level order and completion rules that drive your placement strategy.