The QR Code (Quick Response Code) is an 2D Code, that can be accessed using a smartphone or an other mobile device.
I`ve seen a lot of QR Codes until now. Most of them look the same. I`m gonna show you today, how to customize your QR Code.

Step 1 – Generate a QR Code

Our first step is to generate our own QR Code. There are a lots of QR Code Generator, just search on google “generate qr code”. My QR Code contains an url (http://creativepaths.net).

Step 2- Recreate the QR-Code

I`m going to use illustrator for this task, because vector shapes are very editable. So import your Qr Code in illustrator. The easy way (but not the best way) is to transform it into a vector shape using “Live Trace” (one color logo settings). But result is not good, you can see that in the picture below.

So let`s start by importing the QR Code image in a new layer. Set the opacity of the image to 50% and after that block the layer.

Create a new layer. In this new layer i`m going to recreate the original QR Code.

I`m going to use the Rectangle Tool for this task.

I draw some rectangles.

I finished recreating the QR Code using the rectangle tool.

Using the Pathfinder tool i united the shapes.

Step 3- Customize the QR Code

I draw some red shapes over my QR Code. You shouldn`t edit those zones to much.

Effect> Stylize> Round Corners.
Try to check the qr code by scanning it, after you customize.

Colored some of the dots, changed the main color.

Effect> Stylize> Inner Glow.

I`ve drawn a circle using the ellipse tool. In this circle i`m going to put the creativepaths logo.

Select the circle and add some shadow. Effect> Stylize> Dropshadow.

Adding the logo! Scanned! It works! Finished!
Hope that you find this tutorial useful!