Master Excel Macros to Generate VCARDS with QR Codes

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a Vcard and QR Code
3. Benefits of Using QR Codes for Vcards
4. Creating Vcards Using Excel Macros
   • 4.1. Demo of Vcard QR Code Generation
   • 4.2. Writing the Code for Vcard QR Code Generation
5. How the Code Works
   • 5.1. Generating QR Codes with Google APIs
   • 5.2. Fetching Data from Excel Sheets
   • 5.3. Formatting Data into Vcard Format
   • 5.4. Generating Final URL for QR Code
   • 5.5. Displaying QR Code Images in Excel
6. Conclusion

Automatically Creating Vcard QR Codes using Excel Macros

In today's tutorial, we will explore a fascinating topic: how to automatically create Vcards in the form of QR codes using Excel macros. In a previous tutorial, I explained how to automatically generate VCF or Vcards. Today, we will achieve the same outcome but with the result being in the form of a QR code.

What is a Vcard and QR Code?

A Vcard is a digital file format used to store contact information, such as names, phone numbers, and email addresses. It is widely used for sharing contact details with others. On the other hand, a QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that contains encoded information. When scanned, QR codes can quickly provide access to website URLs, text, or other data.

Benefits of Using QR Codes for Vcards

Using QR codes for Vcards offers several advantages. One of the main benefits is the convenience it provides in adding contacts to your phone. By simply scanning the QR code, the contact details are instantly added to your phone's contact list. Additionally, QR codes can be printed on business cards, making it easy for others to quickly save your contact information.

Creating Vcards Using Excel Macros

Demo of Vcard QR Code Generation

To better understand the process, let's begin with a demonstration. Here, I have a set of contact details in an Excel sheet. By clicking a button, QR codes will be generated for each contact in column J. You can pause the video and scan these codes using a QR code scanner or your phone's camera to see the contact details being added to your phone.

Writing the Code for Vcard QR Code Generation

To achieve automatic generation of Vcard QR codes, we need to write the necessary code. Using Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) in Excel, we can accomplish this task efficiently. The code consists of several essential steps, which I will now explain.

Generating QR Codes with Google APIs

To generate the QR codes, we will leverage Google APIs. It is crucial to store the API URL in a variable for easy reference. With this URL, we can make a call to the Google API and obtain the necessary QR code image.

Fetching Data from Excel Sheets

Next, we need to fetch the contact data from the appropriate Excel columns. Using a loop, we can iterate through the desired rows and extract the data to be included in the Vcard.

Formatting Data into Vcard Format

To generate the QR code, we need to format the contact data into the Vcard format. This format follows specific conventions, such as using tags like "n:" for names, "org:" for company names, and "title:" for job titles. The formatted Vcard data is stored in column I.

Generating Final URL for QR Code

To generate the QR code image, we need to form the final URL. This URL is appended with the Vcard data stored in column I. It also includes parameters like the size of the QR code. The resulting URL is ready for generating the QR code image.

Displaying QR Code Images in Excel

Finally, to display the QR code images in Excel, we utilize the "Pictures" object. By inserting the generated QR code image using the appropriate coordinates, the QR code will be placed in the desired cell (in this case, column J).

By executing this code, the contact details from the Excel sheet will be converted into Vcard QR codes, which will be displayed in column J.

In conclusion, automating the process of generating Vcard QR codes using Excel macros provides a convenient and efficient way to share contact information. Utilizing QR codes eliminates the need for manual contact entry and allows for easy sharing on business cards. By following the steps outlined above, you can create your own script to automate QR code generation.