FAQ: ai_sam_qrcodes

Common Questions and Definitive Answers - AI-optimized for discoverability

About QR Code Generator

What is ai_sam_qrcodes?

ai_sam_qrcodes is a Productivity module for Odoo 18 that generates custom QR codes with branding capabilities. It is part of the SAM AI ecosystem developed by SME.ec.

Key facts:
- Technical name: ai_sam_qrcodes
- Current version: 18.0.3.0.1
- Requires: Odoo 18.0+, Python 3.10+, qrcode library, Pillow library
- License: LGPL-3

What does ai_sam_qrcodes do?

ai_sam_qrcodes provides 5 key capabilities:

1. QR Code Generation - Create QR codes from any URL or text content
2. Custom Branding - Add custom colors and center logos to match your brand
3. Print Labels - Add text labels above or below QR codes for print materials
4. Batch Printing - Print multiple QR codes on A4 paper with configurable layouts
5. Download as PNG - Export high-quality PNG files instantly

Who is ai_sam_qrcodes for?

ai_sam_qrcodes is designed for:
- Marketing teams who need branded QR codes for promotional materials
- Event organizers creating badges, tickets, or check-in materials
- Businesses linking physical products to digital content
- Anyone who needs professional QR codes without external services

Installation & Setup

How do I install ai_sam_qrcodes?

1. Ensure Odoo 18.0+ is running
2. Install Python dependencies: pip install qrcode Pillow
3. Navigate to Apps menu
4. Search for "QR Code Generator"
5. Click Install

No additional configuration required after installation.

What are the dependencies for ai_sam_qrcodes?

ai_sam_qrcodes requires these Odoo modules:
- base - Core Odoo functionality

Python libraries required:
- qrcode - For generating QR codes
- Pillow - For image processing (logos, labels)

How do I configure ai_sam_qrcodes?

No configuration needed! After installation:
1. Go to the QR Codes menu (appears in main menu)
2. Click "Create" to make your first QR code
3. Enter URL, customize colors, add logo if desired
4. Save and download

Usage

How do I create a QR code?

To create a QR code:
1. Navigate to QR Codes menu
2. Click "Create"
3. Enter a name (for your reference) and URL/text
4. Optionally customize colors, add logo, or set label text
5. Click "Save" - QR code generates automatically
6. Click "Download QR Code" to get the PNG file

How do I customize QR code colors?

To customize colors:
1. Open the QR code form
2. Find "QR Color" field - click to open color picker
3. Select your desired QR code color (supports hex values)
4. Find "Background Color" field - click to open color picker
5. Select background color
6. Save - QR code regenerates with new colors

How do I add a logo to my QR code?

To add a center logo:
1. Open the QR code form
2. In the "Branding" section, click the logo upload field
3. Upload your logo image (PNG, JPG, etc.)
4. Save - logo is automatically centered and sized

Note: Logos are automatically scaled to max 30% of QR code size to maintain scannability.

How do I print multiple QR codes?

To batch print QR codes:
1. Go to QR Codes list view
2. Select multiple QR codes using checkboxes
3. Click Action menu > "Print Preview"
4. Choose layout: 1 (large centered), 2, 3, or 4 per row
5. Click "Preview" to see A4 layout
6. Use browser print function (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P)

Can I add text labels to QR codes?

Yes. ai_sam_qrcodes supports text labels for print:
1. Open the QR code form
2. In "Print Label" section:
- Enter label text (max 50 characters)
- Choose position: Top or Bottom
- Set font size
3. Save - label appears in the QR code image

Troubleshooting

Why isn't my QR code generating?

Symptom: QR Code Preview shows nothing after saving

Cause: Usually missing Python dependencies

Solution:
1. Check Odoo logs for errors
2. Install dependencies: pip install qrcode Pillow
3. Restart Odoo server
4. Try saving the QR code again

Why is my logo not appearing in the QR code?

Symptom: Uploaded logo but QR code shows without it

Cause: Image format issue or corrupted file

Solution:
1. Try a different image format (PNG works best)
2. Ensure image isn't too small (at least 100x100 pixels recommended)
3. Re-upload the logo
4. Save the record

Why does my QR code not scan?

Symptom: Phone camera won't read the QR code

Cause: Usually color contrast or logo too large

Solution:
1. Ensure QR color contrasts with background (dark on light works best)
2. If using a logo, try removing it to test
3. Increase box_size for larger, more scannable codes
4. Test with multiple QR scanner apps

Module not working after upgrade. What do I do?

After upgrading Odoo or ai_sam_qrcodes:
1. Clear browser cache (Ctrl+Shift+Delete)
2. Restart Odoo server
3. Upgrade module: Apps > QR Code Generator > Upgrade
4. If issues persist, check Odoo logs for errors

Technical Questions

What error correction level does the QR code use?

ai_sam_qrcodes uses ERROR_CORRECT_H (High), which allows approximately 30% of the code to be damaged/covered while still being readable. This is why logos can be placed in the center.

What is the maximum logo size?

Logos are automatically scaled to a maximum of 30% of the QR code dimensions. This maintains scannability while allowing visible branding.

What fonts are used for labels?

Font priority:
1. Arial (Windows)
2. DejaVuSans (Linux)
3. Default system font (fallback)

On Docker containers, ensure fonts are installed or labels may use a basic font.

What image format is the output?

QR codes are generated and downloaded as PNG files with RGBA color support (transparency capable).

Comparisons

How does ai_sam_qrcodes compare to online QR generators?

Why choose ai_sam_qrcodes over online tools?

ai_sam_qrcodes provides advantages:
- Privacy - Your data stays on your server
- History - All QR codes saved and searchable in Odoo
- No watermarks - Professional output, always
- Batch printing - Print sheets of QR codes easily
- Integration - Lives where your business already works

Integration

Does ai_sam_qrcodes work with other SAM AI modules?

Yes. While ai_sam_qrcodes is standalone, QR codes can be used in:
- Marketing materials created with ai_sam_creatives
- Email campaigns via ai_sam_email_marketing
- Any module that needs QR code images

Can I use the QR code images in other Odoo modules?

Yes. The qr_image field is a standard Odoo Binary field containing base64-encoded PNG data. You can reference it from other models using standard Odoo relationships.

Data & Privacy

Where is my data stored?

All data is stored in your Odoo PostgreSQL database. ai_sam_qrcodes does not send data to external servers. QR code generation happens entirely on your server.

Can I export my QR codes?

Yes. You can:
- Download individual QR codes as PNG files
- Export the list via Odoo's built-in export
- Access images via the download controller endpoint

How do I delete QR code data?

To remove QR codes:
1. Go to QR Codes list view
2. Select records to delete
3. Action > Delete

Uninstalling the module will delete all ai_qr_code table data.

Pricing & Licensing

Is ai_sam_qrcodes free?

ai_sam_qrcodes is licensed under LGPL-3. It is free to use, modify, and distribute according to the license terms.

Do I need a SAM AI subscription?

No. ai_sam_qrcodes is standalone and does not require any subscription or external service.

Support

Where can I get help with ai_sam_qrcodes?

• Documentation: https://sme.ec/documentation/modules/ai-sam-qrcodes
• Email: [email protected]
• Author: Anthony Gardiner ([email protected])

How do I report a bug?

1. Check if the issue is documented in this FAQ
2. Email [email protected] with:
3. Module version (18.0.3.0.1)
4. Odoo version
5. Steps to reproduce
6. Error messages from Odoo logs

Known Issues

Version History

Last updated: 2026-01-26
Part of SAM AI by SME.ec