Overview

The QR Code Generator Plugin used in Pageflex projects stores its configuration inside variables within the project file (.pf), .

Many QR-related settings—such as encoding mode (Byte) and internal flags—cannot be reliably changed through Pageflex Studio. The only way to view or modify these settings is by editing the .pf file directly.

This article explains:

• Where QRCodeGenerator settings are stored
• How to safely edit them
• Important risks and best practices

Where QRCodeGenerator Settings Live

QRCodeGenerator settings are saved as a single serialized parameter string inside the .pf file, for example:

<var kind="Image" ok_no_val="Yes" as_file="Yes" name="QR_Code_LinkURL">
	<var_plugin title="QRCodeGenerator">URL:-:JPEG:-:300:-:.725:-::-:Black:-:White:-:&lt;projectfolder>\images\QRCodes\:-::-::-:Byte:-:yes</var_plugin>
</var>

Key characteristics:

• Parameters are positional
• Values are separated by :-:
• There are no labels—order matters
• Some values are not documented or visible in Studio

Editing the .pf File Directly

⚠️ This method is advanced and unsupported. Always work on a backup.

Steps

1. Create a backup of the .pf file
2. Close Pageflex Studio completely
3. Open the .pf file in a text or XML editor

Search for:

1. <var_plugin title="QRCodeGenerator">

2. Add :-:Byte:-:yes to the end of the string before the closing </var_plugin> tag.
3. Save the file
4. Reopen the project in Pageflex Studio

Verify that:

• The project opens successfully
• QR codes generate correctly

Example: Understanding Common Parameters

Example tail of a QRCodeGenerator string:

:-:Byte:-:yes

Meaning:

Byte — QR code Byte encoding mode

• Required for URLs and general text
• yes — Enables automatic handling by the plugin

These values are typically correct and should only be changed if you fully understand the impact.

Best Practice: Use a “Golden” QR Variable

To minimize risk:

1. Configure and validate one QR Image variable
2. Treat it as read-only
3. Duplicate it whenever a new QR code is needed
4. Change only the data source variable, not the plugin string

This ensures consistency and avoids accidental resets.

Summary

• QRCodeGenerator settings are stored directly in the .pf file
• Many settings cannot be updated through Pageflex Studio
• Manual .pf editing is the only way to modify hidden parameters
• Always back up files and test changes carefully
• Duplicating a known-good QR variable is the safest long-term approach