PDF Tickets & QR
PDF Tickets & QR Codes#
Generate professional PDF tickets with QR codes for validation at live events.
Overview#
Every raffle ticket can be:
- Downloaded as a professional PDF
- Validated via QR code scan
- Manually validated by ticket number
PDF tickets#
Customer download#
- Go to My Account → My Tickets
- Find the desired ticket
- Click PDF button
- Download or print the ticket
PDF contents#
Each PDF ticket includes:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Site Logo | Your site logo (or site title if no logo) |
| Raffle Name | Product title |
| Ticket Number | Unique ticket identifier |
| Holder Name | Ticket owner’s name |
| QR Code | Scannable validation code |
| Prize Details | What the winner receives |
| Raffle Dates | Start and end dates |
| Terms | Brief terms text |
PDF design#
- Professional, clean layout
- Print-friendly formatting
- Works on A4 and Letter paper
- High-resolution QR code
Email attachment#
PDF tickets are automatically attached to:
- Order completion emails
- Gift recipient notification emails
QR code system#
What’s in the QR code#
The QR code contains:
- Ticket number
- Validation URL
- Security hash
When scanned, it links to your site’s ticket validation page.
Scanning methods#
- Admin Scanner - In-app scanning interface
- Public URL - Direct validation page
- Any QR Scanner - Opens validation URL
Ticket scanner (admin)#
Access: WooCommerce → Ticket Scanner
Using the scanner#
- Go to Ticket Scanner page
- Allow camera access (if prompted)
- Point camera at QR code
- Scanner automatically reads code
- Validation result displayed
Manual entry#
If QR code is damaged or camera unavailable:
- Enter ticket number manually
- Click Validate Ticket
- View validation result
Validation results#
| Result | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Valid | Ticket is active and valid | Check in attendee |
| ❌ Already Used | Ticket was already validated | Deny entry |
| ❌ Invalid | Ticket doesn’t exist | Verify ticket number |
| ❌ Cancelled | Order was cancelled/refunded | Deny entry |
Check-in feature#
After validation, you can:
- Check In - Mark ticket as used for event entry
- View Details - See full ticket information
- View Order - Link to original order
Public validation#
Validation URL#
Format: https://yoursite.com/?rfwc_validate=1&ticket=TICKET_NUMBER&hash=SECURITY_HASH
Use cases#
- Self-service kiosks
- External scanning devices
- Quick verification links
Security#
- No sensitive data exposed
- Only shows valid/invalid status
- Logs all validation attempts
Validation log#
What’s logged#
Every validation attempt records:
- Ticket number
- Timestamp
- Result (success/fail)
- Method (scan/manual)
- User who validated
- IP address
Viewing the log#
In Ticket Scanner page:
- Recent Validations section
- Shows last 20 validations
- Color-coded by result
Log fields#
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Time | When validation occurred |
| Ticket | Ticket number validated |
| Status | Success, Already Used, Failed |
| Validated By | Admin user who validated |
| Method | QR Scan or Manual Entry |
Use cases#
Live events#
- Print PDF tickets for attendees
- Station staff with QR scanners
- Scan tickets at entry
- Track attendance in real-time
Prize drawings#
- Attendees bring printed tickets
- Verify ticket is valid before entry
- Prevent duplicate entries
- Audit trail for disputes
Verification#
- Customer claims they purchased
- Validate ticket number
- View associated order
- Resolve disputes
Best practices#
For events#
-
Test Before Event
- Scan test tickets
- Verify camera works
- Train staff
-
Backup Plan
- Manual entry as fallback
- List of valid ticket numbers
- Phone with scanner page
-
Clear Process
- Scan → Verify → Check-In
- Handle invalid tickets gracefully
- Keep manual list of issues
For security#
- Don’t share QR code publicly
- Check holder name matches ID (for valuable prizes)
- Review validation log regularly
- Report suspicious patterns
Technical details#
QR code specifications#
- Format: QR Code Version 4
- Error Correction: Level H (30%)
- Size: 150x150 pixels in PDF
- Contains: URL with validation parameters
PDF generation#
- Library: TCPDF
- Format: Single page A4
- Resolution: 300 DPI
- File size: ~50KB typically
Browser support#
Scanner works with:
- Chrome (recommended)
- Safari
- Firefox
- Edge
Note: Mobile browsers may require HTTPS for camera access.