QR codes let you connect layout in the field directly to digital project information — shop drawings, detail sheets, safety documentation, prefab instructions, and more. Field teams scan the code printed on the slab and get instant access to the information they need.

This guide shows you how to prepare your DWG file in AutoCAD so the Dusty FieldPrinter generates and prints a QR code on-site.

What Is a QR Code?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that holds machine-readable information. Most smartphone cameras can scan one, and if the code contains a URL, the phone prompts the user to open the linked page.

Customers commonly link QR codes to:

• Shop drawings
• Detail drawings
• Punch lists
• Safety forms
• Prefabricated part numbers
• File storage locations

The FieldPrinter converts specific text in your file into a QR code at print time. How much a code can hold depends on its version (size) and error-correction settings. The default "Full" size Dusty provides stores over 600 characters, but keep the text short for easier scanning.

Prerequisites

• The Dusty AutoCAD Plugin installed.
• The URL or text string you want to encode. Plain text works — it does not have to be a URL.

Steps

1. Create the required layer

Place every QR code on a dedicated layer named exactly:

DR-QRCode

Dusty recognizes this layer and converts the text on it into a QR code during printing. The name must match exactly — no extra capitalization and no spaces.

Warning: If the text is not on the DR-QRCode layer, it prints as regular text, not as a QR code.

2. Add the QR code content as text

1. Insert a Single Line Text or MText object.
2. Paste the full URL or text string you want encoded.
3. Place the text exactly where you want the QR code printed.
4. Confirm the text object is on the DR-QRCode layer.

The robot automatically generates the QR code from this text when printing.

3. Set text justification (anchor point)

The QR code uses the text object's anchor point (justify property) as its alignment reference. For predictable placement:

• Use consistent justification across all your QR codes.
• Top-left justification gives the most accurate match between the Portal preview and the final printed result.
• Confirm the insertion point matches the corner where you expect the QR code to print.
• Place QR codes away from walls, columns, and other obstacles so there is room to print and scan.

4. Keep the text short (QR size depends on length)

QR codes scale automatically with the number of characters in the text string. Longer strings make larger, denser codes.

Longer URLs produce codes that take up more space, may be harder to scan, take longer to print, and can run into walls, pipes, or other barriers.

The Dusty Portal scales each QR code shape based on its character length, so the layout-canvas preview reflects how large the code will actually print. Use the preview to check that two codes won't overlap and that each has room to print before you send the file to the field.

Best practices:

• Use shortened URLs when possible.
• Avoid dynamic links that change after they're accessed.
• Keep the character count as low as practical.

5. Export using the Dusty plugin

Once the QR text is placed correctly:

1. Use the Dusty AutoCAD Plugin.
2. Export the file as you normally would.

No special export steps are required beyond correct layer setup.

6. Verify in the Dusty Portal

After uploading your file:

• The QR content first appears as text on the DR-QRCode layer.
• Once published, the Portal displays a QR code image (a barcode indicator) in the layout preview.

Seeing the code in the Portal preview confirms the file was prepared correctly. The Portal preview is designed to match what the FieldPrinter 2 prints — including the code's size. Portal estimates each QR code's printed size from its character count and scales the shape in the layout canvas, so you can spot overlaps or tight clearances before printing instead of discovering them in the field.

Field Printing Best Practices

Clean the surface and check alignment. QR codes rely on multiple print passes. Debris or an uneven surface can cause slight misalignment that hurts readability. Clean the surface before printing.

Make sure there's strong contrast. On dark concrete, QR codes can be hard to scan. Consider laying down a light base beneath the code, and always verify readability before you leave the area.

Add backup text (recommended). Many customers print a short label beneath the code — a detail number or sheet reference — as a fallback if scanning fails or the code wears over time.

Common Issues and How to Avoid Them

Quick Checklist Before Exporting

• Text is on the DR-QRCode layer
• Text justification is correct
• URL or text is finalized and reasonably short
• File exported using the Dusty Plugin
• QR code verified in the Portal

Need Help?

For help with QR code preparation or printing:

• Contact your Customer Success or VDC Manager.
• Email vdcsupport@dustyrobotics.com or support@dustyrobotics.com.