Help center
General questions
What is a talking code?
A talking code is an extended QR code for augmented reality. The code can be read with any QR scanner. Then, a video message (AR hologram) is projected onto the code in the user's web browser.
What does a talking code look like?
A talking code consists of four tiles: a QR code and three AR markers.
The AR markers enable the web app to track the position of the code in real time, even if parts of the code are occluded in the camera image.
What can I do with a talking code?
You can print a talking code on an object of your choice (e.g., a postcard or product packaging) to create a link between the physical object and the virtual world. This works in a similar way to a conventional QR code. However, the link between the two worlds is closer and longer-lasting as your message "lives" on the object in the form of an AR hologram. Also, you can add a web link to your hologram to redirect the users of your talking code to your own website, for example.
How should I not(!) use talking codes?
Talking codes are great for delivering your message in a very personal way. But if you just want to provide a quick way to copy a link, you should use an ordinary QR code instead. Talking codes are not suitable for environments where potential users are in a hurry or might even put themselves in danger while viewing the hologram. (e.g., if the code has been placed on a subway car).
How can I install the app?
The talkingco.de app will run directly in your web browser. That means you do not need to download a native app for your operating system. However, you can install the web app to access the features of talkingco.de directly from your home screen. To do so in Chrome for Android, tap the three-dot icon and then tap Install, or in Safari on iPhone, tap the share icon and then tap Add to Home Screen.
Why is talkingco.de not working on my device?
The web app generally runs in any modern web browser (e.g., Chrome for Android or Safari on iPhone). However, the browser must support WebAssembly and have access to the device's camera. Also, the device must have enough processing power to display the hologram smoothly. If the web app does not work, you should first try using a different web browser or device. Customers can also write an email to mail@talkingco.de.
Your code
How can I scan a talking code?
You can scan a talking code either with an arbitrary QR scanner or with the integrated scanner of talkingco.de (scan code). After that, in your web browser, an AR hologram will be projected onto the code which you can start by clicking the play button.
How can I create a talking code?
That's really easy. Log in, tap Create code, record a short video message, and upload it. Your talking code will be created for you immediately. If you do not have an account yet, you can sign up now for free.
What should I be aware of when recording the video message?
You should hold your device vertically (portrait mode) and make sure you have a neutral background. For example, stand in front of a blank wall. Your head and possibly your upper body should be visible throughout the video. Also, make sure that your head is close to the top of the frame, but not cropped.
How can I download my talking code?
To download your talking code, you must first log in. Then, tap Manage codes, select a code, and tap Download code. You can download your talking code either as a pixel-based PNG file or as a vector-based SVG file. It is recommended that you use vector graphics for printing.
How can I create business cards with my talking code?
You can use the integrated PDF generator of talkingco.de to create business cards with your personal AR hologram. Log in first. Then, tap Manage codes, select a code, and tap Download code. Fill out the form below Business cards generator and tap Create business cards to start the PDF download.
How can I create a greeting card with my talking code?
You can use the integrated PDF generator of talkingco.de to create a greeting card with your personal AR hologram. Log in first. Then, tap Manage codes, select a code, and tap Download code. Under Greeting card generator, select a cover image, enter a title and your text, and tap Create greeting card to start the PDF download.
How can I add a link to my hologram?
To add a web link to a hologram, you must be a PLUS, PRO, or ENTERPRISE member. You can add your link either when creating the talking code or afterwards as follows: Log in first. Then, tap Manage codes, select a code, and tap Edit. Select the checkbox next to Add link and enter a call-to-action (e.g., "Visit our website") and the link address. After that, tap Save. The link will become visible to the users of your talking code a few seconds after starting the hologram.
How can I change the hologram video?
To change the hologram video of a talking code afterwards, you must be a PRO or ENTERPRISE member. Log in first. Then, tap Manage codes, select a code, and tap Edit. Under Update hologram, tap Update now and record a new video message.
How can I rename my talking code?
The name will not be visible to the users of your talking code. To rename your code, you must first log in. Then, tap Manage codes, select a code, and tap Edit. Enter a new internal name and tap Rename.
How can I delete my talking code?
To delete your talking code, you must first log in. Then, tap Manage codes, select a code, and tap Delete. This cannot be undone. But you can always create a new talking code.
Can I change the design of my talking code?
You can, of course, design your printing product to suit your own requirements. But you normally should not change the talking code itself (everything within the black-blue frame). In principle, it is possible to replace the top left AR marker with your own logo. However, this is not recommended because it affects the real-time detection of the code. You should print your code on white or light colored paper.
What size should I print my talking code?
The optimal size of your talking code depends on the printed material and the assumed scan distance. But for a perfect result, the size of the printed code should be no less than 40 mm x 40mm. In any case, you should test your talking code thoroughly after printing.
What are code statistics?
As a PRO or ENTERPRISE member, you always know how many times your talking codes have been viewed. You will get statistics about the daily views of your talking codes within the last 30 days and about the monthly views within the last 24 months.
Your account
How can I change my password?
To change your password, you must first log in. Then, tap Manage account and under Change password, enter your old password and your new password (two times). After that, tap Change password.
I forgot my password. What should I do?
If you forgot your password, you can reset it. Tap Forgot password?, enter your email address, and tap Send. You will receive a link to create a new password.
How can I update my email address?
To update your email address, you must first log in. Then, tap Manage account, under Update email address, enter your new email address and your password, and tap Update email. You will receive a link to confirm your new email address.
How can I add my employees as additional users?
To add users to your account, you must be an ENTERPRISE member with administrator privileges, i.e., you must have taken out an ENTERPRISE subscription with a user quantity of 2 or more. You pay per user you want to add. Log in first. Then, tap Manage account, under User management, enter the email address of the user you want to add, and tap Add user. Now, or after signing up with talkingco.de, the user is also an ENTERPRISE member.
How can I embed my holograms in a custom microsite?
To embed your holograms in a custom-branded microsite without platform links, you must be an ENTERPRISE member. Log in first. Then, tap Manage account, under Branding, choose the SVG file with your logo, and enter your legal notice / contact information. You can also customize the URLs to your future holograms with a prefix (optional). Then, click the checkbox Activate custom microsites and tap Save.
How can I delete my account?
If you do not have an active subscription (anymore), you can delete your account. Log in first. Then, tap Manage account, under Delete account, enter your password, and tap Delete account. If you delete your account, all your codes will be deleted as well. This cannot be undone.
Your subscription
What can I do as a FREE member?
After signing up with talkingco.de for free, you can create one talking code. You can always delete the code and create a new one. Your code will be valid for one week and your hologram will have a maximum length of 30 seconds. If you need more, you can take out a subscription.
What subscription plans are available and how much will they cost?
There are three different subscription plans: PLUS, PRO, and ENTERPRISE. The included features, exact conditions, and prices can be found here.
How can I pay my subscription?
Your subscription is payable monthly in advance. Payment processing and invoicing is handled by the payment service provider Stripe. You can pay by credit card or (in many countries) by SEPA direct debit.
How can I upgrade or downgrade my plan?
To update your plan, you must first log in. Tap Upgrade now in the pricing table. Alternatively, you can tap Manage account and then, under Update customer data, tap Open customer portal. In the customer portal, tap Update plan and select the plan you want to switch to. If you have selected the ENTERPRISE plan, you can also select the desired quantity of users.
What happens to my codes if I update my plan?
If you upgrade your plan, all your talking codes remain active. If you downgrade your plan and have more active talking codes than are included in your new plan, some of your codes will be deactivated. You can reactivate them after deleting other codes you no longer need.
I need more talking codes than are included in my plan. What should I do?
When you have reached the limit of codes in your current plan, you can either delete codes you no longer need or upgrade your plan / add more users to your ENTERPRISE plan. Customers with special requirements can also write an email to mail@talkingco.de.
How can I download my invoices?
To download your invoices, you must first log in. Tap Manage account and then, under Update customer data, tap Open customer portal. After that, select the invoice you want to download in the customer portal under Invoice history.
How can I update my customer information?
To update your customer information, you must first log in. Tap Manage account and then, under Update customer data, tap Open customer portal. After that, you can change your billing address, tax ID, or payment method in the customer portal.
How can I cancel my subscription?
All plans can be cancelled on a monthly basis. To cancel your subscription, you can use the customer portal. Tap Manage account and then, under Update customer data, tap Open customer portal. After that, tap Cancel plan in the customer portal. Alternatively, you can tap Cancel plans and enter your email address and customer ID to go to the cancellation page directly without logging in. Please keep in mind that active codes can be deactivated when you cancel your plan.
My question has not been answered yet. What should I do?
If your question has not been answered yet, please write an email to mail@talkingco.de