Free template
A busker QR sign that actually scans.
Letter-sized, 300 DPI, error-correction H, matte-lamination-safe. Drop in your own Encore handle or Venmo QR. Print on any home inkjet and tape inside the guitar case.
What's in the template
Everything a busker QR sign needs, done right.
- Letter-size (8.5×11) — prints on any home inkjet.
- 4-inch QR — readable from 3 feet away (guitar-case distance) in any lighting.
- Error-correction H — tolerates laminate glare, tape overlap, and wear.
- Payment-method chips — Apple Pay, Venmo, Cash App, card icons in a row, so tippers know what to expect.
- Short headline— “Tips welcome. Scan inside.” Nothing gimmicky. 7-word maximum.
- Your stage name in serif display typography at the top.
- Warm cream background — easy on the eyes in direct sun, still high-contrast black QR.
How to use it
Two paths to a printable sign.
Option A — Use Encore's auto-generated poster (recommended)
Sign up for free at Encore, claim your handle, and hit “Print poster” in the dashboard. You get a PDF with your personalized QR, your name, and the payment chips you've enabled. No Photoshop needed. Takes 3 minutes.
This option gets you: a hosted tip page (Apple Pay native, card, Venmo, Cash App), a follower list, and optional paid song requests — plus the printable poster. Free forever.
Option B — Use the bare template below
If you're running your own tipping setup (direct Venmo link, personal Stripe page, etc.), use the raw template PDF:
- Download the editable template (coming soon — for now, send us a noteand we'll send it).
- Generate a QR for your tip URL (any QR generator works; set error-correction to H, 300 DPI PNG).
- Drop the QR into the template's center frame.
- Update the stage name at the top.
- Export as PDF, print at home or at FedEx.
Print specifics that matter
Details most templates get wrong.
Print quality setting
At home: set your printer to “high quality” or “photo” — NOT “draft.” Draft mode drops to ~100 DPI and can kill QR readability. If you're unsure, do the 5-second scan test (print, stand 3 feet away, scan with phone). If it scans in under 2 seconds, you're fine.
Lamination
Matte laminate, not gloss. Gloss creates glare under streetlights and sun. A $20 laminator + $15 pouch set from Amazon covers 50+ posters.
Paper
Matte photo paper (Epson / Canon) scans best. Plain copy paper works but fades faster in outdoor conditions. Never use glossy photo paper — see lamination note above.
Placement inside the guitar case
Tape it inside the case lid at a slight angle so passersby can see it without blocking the case's opening. Avoid taping it flat on the bottom where tip bills pile on top of it.
Common questions.
Can I use this without signing up for Encore?
Yes — the template works for any QR destination. Generate a QR pointing at your Venmo, Cash App, or personal Stripe tip page, drop it into the template, and you're good.
Why is Encore recommending you use their hosted page?
Because it works better. A hosted Encore page offers Apple Pay natively (huge conversion lift over a Venmo-only QR), lets tippers pick their preferred payment method, and captures followers. We recommend it; we don't require it.
Does the template work outside the US?
Yes. The template itself is payment-agnostic. For the hosted Encore page, Stripe Connect supports most Western countries and a growing list elsewhere.
Can I customize the template colors?
Yes. The template is an editable PDF/Illustrator file. Swap the cream background for any warm neutral; keep the QR area high-contrast (dark-on-light, never the reverse).
Is there a size limit on the template?
It's designed for letter (8.5×11). You can scale up to 11×17 for a stage poster, but at 2x size, the QR will still scan fine — same design works for both.
Print it today. Tape it tonight.
Your first cashless tip is five minutes away.