Overview 
Speed up check-in, eliminate manual lookups, and give your event a professional edge with SidewaysData's QR code system. One scan identifies any competitor instantly.
Why Use QR Codes?
Faster check-in. Scan a helmet sticker or badge instead of searching through registration lists. Competitors get to the grid faster, and your volunteers stay efficient.
Eliminate errors. No more misread numbers or confused identities. QR codes link directly to verified competitor profiles with accurate class and vehicle information.
Professional experience. Custom-printed QR codes on helmets, badges, or tech cards show competitors you run a well-organized event.
What You Can Do
For Organizers
- Generate event QR codes for registration pages, live timing, and documents
- Print competitor QR codes on standard label sheets or custom templates
- Scan at check-in using the Mobile App to queue competitors for timing
For Competitors
- Get a personal QR code that works across all events
- Add custom logos to personalize your QR code
- Print your own helmet stickers or badge inserts
How It Works
- Competitors register and receive their personal QR code
- Organizers print QR codes or competitors bring their own
- At the event, scan the QR code with any phone or the Mobile App
- Instantly see competitor name, class, vehicle numbers, and entry status
No special hardware required—any smartphone camera can scan SidewaysData QR codes.
Event QR Codes
Promote your event and make information accessible with dedicated QR codes for registration, live timing, and documents. Print them on flyers, display them at your venue, or share them digitally.
Accessing Event QR Codes
From Event Edit, select your event and navigate to the Links & QR Codes tab.
Available QR Codes
Registration QR Code
Links directly to your event's registration page. Perfect for:
- Event flyers and posters
- Social media posts
- Display at your venue entrance
- Inclusion in newsletters
Competitors scan and register in seconds—no typing URLs or searching.
Live Timing QR Code
Links to your live results page. Use it to:
- Post at spectator areas so fans can follow along
- Include in driver meeting materials
- Share with remote spectators who couldn't attend
Documents QR Code
Links to your event's public files page. Great for:
- Quick access to supplementary regulations
- Course maps and schedules
- Waivers and required forms
Entry/Helmet QR Code Link
Links to the competitor QR code management page where you can generate and print QR codes for all registered competitors.
Downloading QR Codes
Each QR code can be downloaded as a high-resolution image. Use them in:
- Print materials (flyers, posters, banners)
- Digital displays at your venue
- Email campaigns and social media
- Event programs and tech cards
Tips for Placement
- Registration counters - Help walk-up registrants sign up quickly
- Spectator areas - Let fans follow live timing on their phones
- Driver meeting area - Easy access to schedules and documents
- Social media - Share registration QR codes to boost sign-ups
Competitor QR Codes
Generate QR codes for every competitor at your event. Print batches on label sheets, use custom templates for professional badges, or assign codes on the fly during check-in.
QR Code Management Page
Access competitor QR codes at the QR Codes section in your event settings. This page gives you everything needed to print and manage codes for your entire field.
Printable QR Code Sheets
Generate ready-to-print sheets optimized for standard label paper:
| Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 2" x 2" | Helmet stickers, compact badges |
| 2.5" x 2.5" | Tech cards, medium badges |
| 3" x 3" | Easy scanning at distance |
Print an entire event's worth of QR codes in minutes. Each code is pre-assigned to a specific competitor.
Custom PDF Templates
Want QR codes integrated into your existing badge or tech card design? Upload a PDF template with a square placeholder, and SidewaysData automatically:
- Detects the square area in your design
- Places each competitor's QR code in that spot
- Generates a print-ready PDF
Create professional, branded materials without manual design work for each competitor.
Individual QR Codes
View and manage codes for specific competitors:
- See which competitors have assigned codes
- Generate individual codes on demand
- Access competitor profiles directly
Unassigned QR Codes
Running day-of registration or walk-up entries? Generate a batch of unassigned QR codes ahead of time.
- Print unassigned codes before the event
- Hand them out during check-in
- Assign to competitors using the Mobile App
Competitors get their QR code immediately, even if they registered at the last minute.
Printing QR Codes
Print QR codes that fit your workflow. Choose from standard label sizes for quick printing, or upload custom templates to match your event's branding.
Standard Label Sizes
SidewaysData supports common label sheet formats available at any office supply store:
| Size | Use Case | Scanning Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 2" | Helmet stickers | Close range |
| 2.5" x 2.5" | Badges, tech cards | Medium range |
| 3" x 3" | Easy scanning | Works from further away |
Select your label size, and SidewaysData generates a PDF with QR codes positioned to align with your label sheet.
Custom PDF Templates
Create professional, branded QR codes using your own designs:
- Design your template - Create a PDF with your badge, tech card, or sticker design
- Add a square placeholder - Include a square shape where the QR code should go
- Upload to SidewaysData - The system detects your placeholder automatically
- Generate codes - Get a print-ready PDF with QR codes in your design
Use custom templates for:
- Branded event badges with sponsor logos
- Tech inspection cards with vehicle information
- Professional helmet stickers with your event artwork
Print Settings
Fine-tune your output:
- Margins - Adjust for your specific printer
- Spacing - Control gaps between codes on multi-code sheets
Batch Printing
Printing for a large event? SidewaysData generates multi-page PDFs with multiple QR codes per page. Print your entire competitor list at once.
Tips for Best Results
- Test first - Print a single page to verify alignment before batch printing
- Use quality labels - Weatherproof labels work best for helmet stickers
- Check scannability - Ensure codes scan reliably before distributing
Personal QR Code
Your personal QR code is your passport to faster check-in at every event. Generate it once, print it on your helmet or badge, and use it anywhere SidewaysData events are held.
Get Your QR Code
Visit Personal QR Code to generate and customize your code.
Your QR code is created automatically based on your profile. When scanned, it displays your:
- Name
- Competition class
- Vehicle numbers
- Registration status
Add Your Logo
Make your QR code uniquely yours by adding a custom logo overlay. Your logo appears in the center of the QR code while maintaining full scannability.
Great for:
- Personal branding
- Team logos
- Sponsor recognition
Print Options
Customize how your QR code prints:
Size - Adjust dimensions to fit your helmet, badge, or tech card
Margins - Set page margins for precise printing
Print at home or at any print shop. Use weatherproof label material for helmet stickers that last through rain and heat.
Custom PDF Templates
Have a specific design in mind? Upload your own PDF template with a square placeholder. SidewaysData detects the square area and places your QR code perfectly within your design.
Create matching stickers for:
- Your helmet
- Your crew's badges
- Your pit area signage
One Code, Every Event
Your personal QR code works at any SidewaysData event. No need for different codes at different venues—register once, and organizers can scan your code to pull up your information instantly.
Arrive at any event, get scanned, and you're ready to compete.
QR Code Emails
New competitors automatically receive their QR code information after their first registration. One email, everything they need to get started with QR codes at your events.
When It's Sent
Competitors receive the QR code email after registering for their first event on SidewaysData. This is a one-time welcome that introduces them to the system.
What's Included
The email contains:
- Profile link - Direct access to their competitor profile
- QR code access - Instructions to generate and print their personal QR code
- Usage guide - How QR codes work at events for check-in and identification
No Email Fatigue
Competitors only receive this notification once—not with every registration. Returning competitors who already know the system won't be bothered with repeat emails.
Always Accessible
Missed the email or can't find it? No problem. Competitors can always access their QR code at Personal QR Code.
For Organizers
You don't need to explain the QR code system to every competitor manually. SidewaysData handles the introduction automatically, so competitors arrive prepared with their QR code ready.
If a competitor asks about QR codes, point them to their dashboard where they can generate and print their personal code anytime.
Scanning QR Codes
Scan a QR code and instantly access everything you need to know about a competitor. Works with any smartphone or the SidewaysData Mobile App for integrated event operations.
What You See When Scanning
When you scan a competitor's QR code, you're taken directly to their profile showing:
| Information | Description |
|---|---|
| Driver Name | Competitor's registered name |
| Class | Their competition class for the event |
| Vehicle Numbers | Assigned car numbers |
| Event History | Past events and results |
| Entry Status | Current registration and payment status |
No searching through lists, no typing names—instant identification.
Scanning Methods
Any Smartphone Camera
Point your phone's camera at the QR code. Most modern phones recognize QR codes automatically and display a link to tap.
SidewaysData Mobile App
The Mobile App provides integrated scanning with additional features:
- Queue competitors directly to timing
- Update entry status on the spot
- Assign unassigned QR codes to walk-up registrants
Where to Use QR Codes
Check-in - Verify competitor identity and confirm they're registered and paid. Skip the clipboard searches.
Start line - Queue competitors for their runs instantly. Scan and they're in line.
Tech inspection - Pull up vehicle information without asking competitors to repeat details.
Grid management - Know exactly who's in each spot without relying on memory or hand-written lists.
Tips for Reliable Scanning
- Ensure adequate lighting on the QR code
- Hold the phone steady at a readable distance
- Make sure the entire QR code is in frame
- Larger QR codes (3" x 3") scan from further away