Making a 3D QR Code

I was making some signs for an event recently, and I thought this might be a useful process to share with others. I made a little video you can watch, or if you scroll further you’ll find some text instructions with pictures.

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Prerequisites

• URL, Text, Email, etc. to convert to a QR code

• Blender installed on your computer

Procedure

1. Use a website to generate QR code. Best: www.qrmonkey.org

Some websites give very messy SVG files, this one gives clean files. Messy files are much harder to simplify in Step 5.

2. Download the QR code as an SVG file.

An SVG (Scalable Vector Graphic) is unique from other image files, because they contain data that can be used by modeling and CAD programs like Blender or Fusion 360. Other image files like PNG of JPG files don’t include the mathematical geometry of the objects in the file.

3. Import the SVG file to Blender

In Blender: File > Import > Scaled Vector Graphic (.svg)

4. Manipulate the QR Code

• Highlight all and scale up significantly.

• Delete the background

• Convert all the “Curves” to “Mesh” objects

5. Simplify the objects

• Switch into Edit Mode

• Dissolve Faces. This may have to be done in smaller, individual areas

6. Extrude the object faces

Make sure the QR code is only extruded a millimeter or two. If the QR code is too thick, devices will have trouble reading it. QR codes are really meant to be 2-dimesional objects, so just raise it enough to give it some color definition.