Walk through any cemetery built in the last five years and you may notice something new: small square barcodes affixed to headstones, memorial plaques, and grave markers. These are QR codes — and they are quietly transforming the way families remember and honour the dead.

What is a QR code on a headstone?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that can be scanned with any modern smartphone camera. When scanned, it instantly opens a web page — in this case, a digital memorial page dedicated to the person buried there.

The QR code itself is typically laser-engraved or printed on a small plaque — usually 3×3 inches — that is attached to the headstone, placed nearby, or mounted on an urn or memorial object. The code never changes; it always points to the same memorial page.

What do visitors see when they scan?

When a visitor scans the QR code, they are taken to a digital memorial page that can include:

In short, everything that a headstone cannot hold.

How durable are QR code plaques?

Durability is one of the most common questions families ask. The short answer is: very durable, if you choose the right material.

Acrylic plaques

Clear acrylic plaques with laser-engraved QR codes are UV-resistant and weatherproof. They are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use and typically last many years without fading.

Wood plaques

Premium hardwood plaques with a sealed finish are weather-resistant and provide a warm, natural aesthetic. They are best suited for sheltered outdoor locations or indoor display.

Stainless steel plaques

304-grade stainless steel plaques are the most durable option. They are fully weatherproof, corrosion-resistant, and designed to last decades. They are the recommended choice for permanent outdoor installation on a headstone.

"The QR code itself is just a pattern of squares. What matters is the material it's engraved on — and what it links to."

Do cemeteries allow QR code plaques?

Policies vary by cemetery. Most modern cemeteries permit small plaques or attachments to headstones, but it is always worth checking with the cemetery administration before installing anything. Some key questions to ask:

In most cases, a 3×3 inch plaque is well within permitted limits.

How do I get a QR code plaque?

The process is straightforward:

  1. Create a digital memorial at qrlegacylink.click/create. This takes about ten minutes and is free.
  2. Download your QR code. A print-ready PNG is available immediately after creating the memorial.
  3. Order a plaque. Choose from acrylic ($49), wood ($79), or stainless steel ($179). Your QR code is laser-engraved on the plaque and shipped within 5–7 business days.
  4. Attach the plaque. Most plaques include adhesive backing or mounting hardware. Follow the instructions included with your order.

What happens if the website goes down?

This is a legitimate concern. The QR code points to a URL, and if that URL becomes inaccessible, the code becomes useless. At QR Legacy Link, we take this responsibility seriously. Our infrastructure is built for long-term reliability, and we maintain backups of all memorial data. In the unlikely event that we ever need to shut down, we will provide families with ample notice and the ability to export their memorial data.

Is it appropriate?

Some people feel uncertain about whether QR codes are appropriate in a cemetery setting. It is a fair question. But consider: the purpose of a memorial is to honour a life and help the living maintain a connection with the dead. A QR code that opens a rich, loving tribute — full of photographs, stories, and the voices of those who loved the person — serves that purpose more fully than a name and two dates ever could.

Grief is not diminished by technology. It is, if anything, enriched by the ability to see a face, hear a voice, and read the words of those who knew and loved the person who is gone.