How to use QR Code Forms

Orca Scan gives every sheet its own unique, permanent QR code and orca.link web address. Scan it with any camera phone to open a form and submit data directly to the sheet - no app or account required. Each submission creates a new row. The same address also works as an API endpoint.

How QR Code Forms Work

• Every sheet gets a unique, permanent orca.link address
• Print or share the QR code anywhere you want to collect data
• Scan with any phone camera, no app or account required
• Complete the form to add a new row to your sheet

What happens when a QR Form is scanned

Anyone can scan a QR Form using their phone camera. No app or Orca Scan account is required.

1. A form opens in the phone browser
2. The person completes the fields and taps submit
3. The data is added to your Orca Scan sheet

QR Form vs Item Link

Both let people interact with Orca Scan data using a QR code without installing an app. The difference is what the QR code identifies.

How to enable a QR Code Form

1. Log in to the Orca Scan web app
2. Select the sheet you want to enable QR Code Form for
3. Click Settings on the toolbar
4. Select QR Form from the menu
5. Enable Allow new entries
6. Optionally enable a PIN Protection
7. Download or Print the QR code
8. Click Save

How to use a QR Form as an API endpoint

Every orca.link address is also an API endpoint. Send an HTTP GET request with Accept: application/json to return JSON instead of the web page:

# run this in your terminal
curl https://orca.link/5cfc84ed8ff98000c076e703 -H "Accept: application/json"

The response includes the form schema and POST URL:

{
  "mode": "enabled",
  "schema": {
    "id": "5cfc84ed8ff98000c076e703",
    "$schema": "http://json-schema.org/draft-03/schema#"
    "title": "Live URL Example",
    "type": "object",
    "additionalProperties": false,
    "properties": {
      "name": {
        "title": "Name",
        "type": "string",
        "format": "textarea"
      },
      "quantity": {
        "title": "Quantity",
        "type": "number"
      },
      "description": {
        "title": "Description",
        "type": "string",
        "format": "textarea"
      },
      "location": {
        "title": "Location",
        "type": "string",
        "format": "gps-location-auto"
      },
      "date": {
        "title": "Date",
        "type": "string",
        "format": "date-time"
      }
    }
  },
  "links": [
    {
      "title": "Submit",
      "rel": "create",
      "href": "https://orca.link/5cfc84ed8ff98000c076e703",
      "method": "POST"
    }
  ]
}

PIN protection (optional)

A QR Form may be PIN protected. If it is, the first request returns 401 with a schema asking for a PIN and a rel: next link to POST it to:

{
  "mode": "enabled",
  "schema": {
    "properties": {
      "_pin": {
        "title": "Please enter the 4-digit PIN",
        "type": "string"
      }
    }
  },
  "links": [
    {
      "rel": "next",
      "href": "https://orca.link/5cfc84ed8ff98000c076e703",
      "method": "POST"
    }
  ]
}

POST the PIN and follow the redirect to access the data:

curl -L -X POST https://orca.link/5cfc84ed8ff98000c076e703 \
  -H "Accept: application/json" \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{ "_pin": "1234" }'

QR Code Form use cases

• Inspections: collect checks and inspection results
• Fault reporting: let anyone report problems
• Maintenance: record completed maintenance work
• Visitor check-in: replace paper forms and touchscreens
• Event registration: collect attendee details
• Feedback: collect responses without an app

QR Code Form FAQs

Do I need an app to scan a QR Form?

No. QR Forms can be scanned with any phone camera and completed in a web browser. No app or Orca Scan account is required.

Does each sheet have its own QR Form?

Yes. Every sheet has its own unique QR Form and orca.link address.

Can anyone submit data using a QR Form?

Yes, when Allow new entries is enabled, anyone with the QR code or URL can add a new record to the sheet.

Can QR Forms collect photos, files and signatures?

Yes. QR Forms support photos, file attachments and signatures, along with standard form fields.

Can I stop people submitting data?

Yes. You can disable Allow new entries at any time.

Can a QR Form be used without a QR code?

Yes. The orca.link address can be opened directly in a browser or used as an API endpoint.

Need help using QR Code forms?

We’re happy to help, chat with us live or book a free implementation call.