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Highlands Forward

Communications & Creative Services

Helping staff communicate with clarity and impact.

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HCCTS staff communications portal

Communications & Creative Services

Forward Thinking. Human Focused.

Highlands Forward helps HCCTS teams turn ideas, updates, events, and stories into clear, polished communications. Choose a request path below and give us the strongest starting point you have — a draft, details, or an approved template.

Most intakes take about 2 minutes Brand-ready resources built in
Official Highlands Forward identity
Staff resource center

Need a logo, template, or tool?

Open approved Highlands Forward resources right away. Most of these do not require a Communications request.

Choose your request path
What can we help you with today?

Pick the closest match. Each intake is tailored so the Communications team gets the right information up front.

Communications
Announcement Request
Website and Staff Portal announcements, newsletters, district communications, and event announcements. Bring your draft — Communications will refine, format, and distribute.
Website PostStaff PortalNewsletterBrain BlastEvent Promo
Typically 3–5 business days Get started →
Media production
Studio 23X Request
Video production, photography, livestreams, interviews, podcasts, drone footage, and other media production.
VideoPhotographyLivestreamPodcastDrone
Typically 7–14 business days Get started →
Design & marketing
Marketing Request
Flyers, posters, digital graphics, social media assets, signage, website updates, presentations, and campaigns. You bring the content — we handle design and brand polish.
FlyerSocial MediaPosterSignageCampaign
Typically 5–10 business days Get started →
These are typical planning ranges, not guaranteed deadlines. Actual timing depends on request complexity, completeness of the information provided, required approvals, current team workload, event dates, and any printing or vendor requirements.
Contact Communications
Reach out directly for urgent questions, media inquiries, or help figuring out which service to request. For normal day-to-day work, submit through the request form so it can be tracked and prioritized correctly.

Email: brain@hccts.org
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Announcement Request
Website, Staff Portal, newsletters & district communications
✓
Request Submitted!

Your announcement request has been received. The Communications team will follow up within 1–2 business days.

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Your request has been saved — click My Requests in the top bar anytime to track its status.

Your Information
Request Details
Optional Details
Supervisor approval (optional)
Some requests — major campaigns, executive/public statements, large print runs, student-facing content, paid advertising, or compliance-sensitive material — are typically reviewed with a supervisor first. If that applies here, you can name your approving supervisor below; Communications will confirm approval before production begins.
Do not submit confidential student records, Social Security numbers, passwords, medical information, or other highly sensitive information through this form unless specifically authorized through an approved HCCTS process.
By submitting this request, you acknowledge the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Fields marked * are required
🎥
Studio 23X Request
Video, photography, livestreams, podcasts, and media production
✓
Request Submitted!

Your Studio 23X request has been received. The multimedia team will reach out within 1–2 business days.

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Your request has been saved — click My Requests in the top bar anytime to track its status.

Your Information
Project Details
Optional Details
Supervisor approval (optional)
Some requests — major campaigns, executive/public statements, large print runs, student-facing content, paid advertising, or compliance-sensitive material — are typically reviewed with a supervisor first. If that applies here, you can name your approving supervisor below; Communications will confirm approval before production begins.
Do not submit confidential student records, Social Security numbers, passwords, medical information, or other highly sensitive information through this form unless specifically authorized through an approved HCCTS process.
By submitting this request, you acknowledge the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Fields marked * are required
🎨
Marketing Request
Flyers, graphics, social media, signage, and campaigns
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Content Ownership Notice
Program owners and departments are responsible for providing draft content, messaging, copy, and project details before submitting a marketing request. The Communications team will review, edit, design, and support implementation — but is not responsible for creating initial content on behalf of departments.
✓
Request Submitted!

Your marketing request has been received. Communications will review the materials submitted and contact you if additional content or information is required.

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Your request has been saved — click My Requests in the top bar anytime to track its status.

Your Information
Request Details
Optional Details
Supervisor approval (optional)
Some requests — major campaigns, executive/public statements, large print runs, student-facing content, paid advertising, or compliance-sensitive material — are typically reviewed with a supervisor first. If that applies here, you can name your approving supervisor below; Communications will confirm approval before production begins.
Creative Brief
Do not submit confidential student records, Social Security numbers, passwords, medical information, or other highly sensitive information through this form unless specifically authorized through an approved HCCTS process.
By submitting this request, you acknowledge the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
Fields marked * are required
✦ Reference Guide

Highlands Forward — How It Works

A quick-reference guide for staff on how to submit requests, what to expect, and who does what on the Communications & Creative Services team.

🌟
The Communications Department advances the Highlands Forward mission by helping every program reach students, families, and community partners with clear, consistent, compelling messaging. Departments own their content and are encouraged to develop first drafts whenever possible using approved resources — including the Universal Message Set, Canva templates, and AI tools. Communications serves as a strategic partner providing editing, branding, formatting, messaging alignment, and distribution support.
Content Ownership Strategic Editing Brand Consistency Distribution Community Partnerships
3 Ways to Submit a Request
📢 Announcement Request
Handled by Communications Admin
Turnaround 3–5 business days
Website & Staff Portal posts
Newsletters & Brain Blasts
District-wide communications
Event announcements
Dear Colleague / Staff emails
🎥 Studio 23X Request
Handled by Nate / Slava
Turnaround 7–14 business days
Video production
Photography
Livestreams & interviews
Podcast recording
Drone footage
🎨 Marketing Request
Handled by Communications Admin / Shaina
Turnaround 5–10 business days
Flyers & posters
Digital graphics & social media
Signage & displays
Website updates
PowerPoints & campaigns
Standard Communication Process
Program owner
Communications team
Shared / approval
1
Need Identified
Program owner
Your department recognizes a communication need
2
Request Submitted
Program owner
Choose your service track — Announcement, Studio 23X, or Marketing — and submit via the portal
3
Intake & Routing
Communications Admin
The Communications Admin reviews scope and routes to the right team member — Nate/Slava for Studio 23X, Shaina for distribution
4
Content Development & Draft
Program owner
Program owner develops a first draft whenever possible using approved resources — Universal Message Set, Canva templates, AI tools, or existing examples — then submits with any supporting materials
5
Communications Review & Support
Comms team
Communications provides strategic editing, branding, formatting, messaging alignment, and production support on the submitted draft or materials
6
Review
Program owner
Program owner checks content accuracy and completeness
7
Approval
Program owner
Program owner signs off before distribution or delivery
8
Distribution / Delivery
Comms team
Published via appropriate channels, or final assets delivered to the program owner
9
Follow-up
Communications Admin
Confirmation, metrics, and any corrections
Content Development Model
Request Type Content Owner Comms Lead
📢 Announcement Requests
Graduation / promotion updates Student Services Communications Admin
Summer program updates Summer Program Communications Admin
Academic / curriculum updates Academic Leadership Communications Admin
Enrollment & registration Enrollment Team Communications Admin
Events & activities Organizing team Communications Admin
Org-wide announcements Leadership Communications Admin
🎥 Studio 23X Requests
Video production Program owner Nate / Slava
Photography Program owner Nate / Slava
Livestreams & podcast Program owner Nate / Slava
🎨 Marketing Requests
Flyers & posters Program owner Communications Admin / Shaina
Social media & digital graphics Program owner Communications Admin / Shaina
Signage & website updates Program owner Communications Admin / Shaina
External media / press Communications Admin Communications Admin
Presentations / PowerPoints Program Owner Communications Admin / Shaina
Marketing Campaigns Program Owner Communications Admin / Shaina
Program owners are the content experts and are encouraged to develop first drafts. Communications edits, brands, formats, and distributes — serving as strategic partner, not content originator.
Content Ownership & Your Role
What your department is responsible for
  • Develop first drafts whenever possible using approved resources — Universal Message Set, Canva templates, AI tools, or existing examples
  • Choose the right service track before submitting
  • Provide accurate and complete content information
  • Supply required dates, deadlines, and logistics
  • Review communications for content accuracy
  • Approve final content prior to distribution
  • Notify Communications of any changes after submission
Communications — Strategic Support
Communications Admin — Person of Record
Editing & branding
Formatting & packaging
Distribution
Strategic communications
Executive messaging
Media relations
Nate / Slava — Studio 23X
Video production
Photography
Livestreams
Podcast & audio
Shaina — Distribution
Channel distribution
Mailing & newsletters
⚠️
Safety & emergency communications: Immediate safety and emergency communications may be distributed directly by the Director of Safety & Security in accordance with established protocols, without prior routing through the Communications Portal.
Highlands Forward
Ready to tell your story?
The team reviews all submissions within one business day.
Questions? Contact the Communications Admin — Person of Record Highlands Forward Communications Portal · Updated June 2026
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HIGHLANDS FORWARD · Communications Dashboard

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Highlands Forward — Mission Impact
Raising Standards. Expanding Opportunity.
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Total Requests This Year
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Completed Stories Told
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SLA Compliance Rate
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Creative Productions
Admin Resource
Staff Photo Library

Download approved staff photos from the controlled HCCTS Google Drive library.

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Open Requests
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Overdue Requests
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Due This Week
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Completed (30d)
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Avg. Completion Time

👥 Team Workload

Open requests by assignee

Pipeline by Status

Click to filter

🆕 New Submissions

Pending intake review

🔴 Overdue / Urgent

Needs immediate attention

All Requests

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IDSubmittedTitleCategoryRequestorPriorityAssignedSLAStatus

Analytics & Reporting

Highlands Forward — Communications performance & impact metrics

Privacy Policy

Last updated: July 25, 2026
← Back to the portal

This Privacy Policy explains what information the Highlands Forward Communications & Creative Services Portal ("the Portal") collects, how it is used, and how it is protected. The Portal is an internal HCCTS tool used to submit and manage communications, creative services, and marketing requests.

1. Purpose of This Portal

The Portal allows HCCTS staff to submit requests to the Communications & Creative Services team (announcements, Studio 23X production requests, and marketing requests), track those requests, and allows the Communications team to review, prioritize, assign, and complete them.

2. Information We Collect

When you submit a request, we collect the information you provide, which may include:

  • Your name and work email address (requestor information)
  • Your department, school, or program
  • The request title, category, and description
  • The communications services requested (e.g. announcement, video, design, marketing)
  • Target audience, desired dates, and event information (location, expected attendance)
  • Purpose, key messages, and requested channels/deliverables
  • Any files, images, or other attachments you choose to upload with your request
  • Comments and activity history associated with your request

We also generate and store administrative workflow information tied to your request, such as its status, assigned team member, internal notes, priority scoring, and service-level tracking (e.g. due dates).

3. How We Use This Information

We use the information collected to:

  • Review, prioritize, assign, and fulfill your request
  • Communicate with you about your request, including asking for additional information
  • Track the status of requests so you and the Communications team can follow progress
  • Produce operational reporting and analytics about request volume, turnaround time, and team workload
  • Improve the Portal and the Communications team's services over time

4. Communications Between You and the Communications Team

Comments and status updates exchanged through the Portal (such as requests for clarification or approval notes) are stored as part of the request record and are visible to authorized Communications staff and, through the staff-only tracking view, to the original requestor using their request ID and email.

5. Operational Reporting, Analytics & Service Improvement

Communications leadership may review aggregate and individual request data — such as request volume by category, priority distribution, SLA compliance, and workload by team member — to manage the Communications function and improve response times. This reporting uses the same data described above.

6. Authorized Access

Access to the Portal requires a verified HCCTS staff Google Workspace account. Student accounts, personal Google accounts, and other domains are blocked. The administrative dashboard requires an additional authorized Communications Manager or Administrator session. Tracking a request also requires the request ID and requestor email on file.

7. Data Storage & Service Providers

The Portal relies on the following third-party service providers to operate:

  • Coda — used as the backend database that stores request records, comments, and activity history.
  • Netlify — hosts the Portal's web pages and the serverless functions that process requests.
  • Cloudinary — if file attachments are enabled for a given request type, uploaded files are stored and served through Cloudinary.
  • Google Drive — the Admin Staff Photo Library resource links to an HCCTS-managed Google Drive folder. Google Drive only receives information about you if you choose to open that link and interact with the folder directly; this Portal does not send your request data to Google Drive.

8. Data Retention

Information submitted through this Portal will be retained in accordance with HCCTS operational, records-management, legal, and compliance requirements. The specific retention schedule for Communications requests and attachments is pending confirmation and formal approval by HCCTS leadership. This section will be updated with the approved retention schedule once it is finalized.

9. Data Security

The Portal uses per-session signed credentials for administrative access, restricts administrative writes to authorized roles, and applies standard web security headers to protect against common web threats. We do not publish specific encryption standards or certifications for this Portal, and no online system can guarantee absolute security.

10. Limits of Confidentiality — Student & Confidential Information

⚠️
Do not submit confidential student records, medical information, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other highly sensitive information through this Portal unless specifically authorized through an approved HCCTS process. This Portal is designed for communications and creative-services requests, not for the secure handling of confidential student or personnel records.

If you are unsure whether information is appropriate to include in a request, please omit it and contact Communications directly, or use an HCCTS-approved system designed for that type of information.

11. Your Choices & Correction Requests

If information you submitted is inaccurate or you would like it corrected or removed from an active request, contact Communications using the information below or through the "Contact Communications" option in the Portal.

12. Third-Party Links

The Portal may link to third-party destinations, such as the Google Drive staff photo library. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of third-party websites or services you access through these links.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.

14. Contact Information

Questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled can be directed to: Marketing@hccts.org

Terms of Service

Last updated: July 25, 2026
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These Terms of Service govern use of the Highlands Forward Communications & Creative Services Portal ("the Portal") by HCCTS staff and authorized users.

1. Acceptance of These Terms

By submitting a request or otherwise using the Portal, you agree to these Terms and to the accompanying Privacy Policy.

2. Authorized HCCTS Business Use

The Portal is provided for authorized HCCTS business use — submitting and managing communications, Studio 23X, and marketing requests on behalf of HCCTS departments, schools, and programs.

3. User Responsibilities

Accurate and Complete Submissions

You are responsible for providing accurate, complete, and truthful information in your requests, including contact information, dates, and supporting details.

Appropriate Use

Use the Portal only for legitimate HCCTS communications and creative-services needs.

Prohibited Use

  • No malicious file uploads, attempts to interfere with the Portal, or attempts to access data or accounts you are not authorized to access.
  • No submission of confidential student records, medical information, Social Security numbers, passwords, or other highly sensitive information unless specifically authorized through an approved HCCTS process (see the Privacy Policy).
  • No content that is unlawful, defamatory, or that infringes the rights of others.

4. Ownership & Permission for Uploaded Content

You must own or have permission to submit any photos, logos, documents, copyrighted materials, or student-related content included with your request. You are responsible for ensuring any such content complies with applicable HCCTS policy, including student privacy requirements, before submitting it.

5. Communications Team Review Authority

The Communications team may request clarification on any submission, and may reprioritize, approve, decline, edit, or cancel requests at its discretion in order to manage workload, brand standards, and organizational priorities.

6. Dates and Completion Are Not Guaranteed

Requested dates are targets, not guarantees. Submitting a request does not guarantee approval, publication, or completion by any particular date, or at all.

7. Communications Standards & Brand Requirements

All work produced through the Portal is subject to HCCTS communications standards and Highlands Forward brand requirements, as determined by the Communications team.

8. Third-Party Services & External Links

The Portal relies on third-party services (see the Privacy Policy) and may link to external destinations, such as the Google Drive staff photo library. HCCTS is not responsible for the availability or content of third-party services or external sites.

9. System Availability

We aim to keep the Portal available and reliable, but we do not guarantee uninterrupted or error-free operation. The Portal may be temporarily unavailable for maintenance or due to circumstances outside our control.

10. Internal Records & Activity Logging

Actions taken in the Portal — including submissions, status changes, assignments, and comments — are logged as part of the internal activity record for a request, for operational and recordkeeping purposes.

11. Changes to These Terms

We may update these Terms from time to time. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page reflects the most recent revision.

12. Contact Information

Questions about these Terms can be directed to: Marketing@hccts.org

Accessibility

Last updated: July 25, 2026
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HCCTS is committed to making the Highlands Forward Communications & Creative Services Portal usable by all staff, including staff who use assistive technology.

Our Commitment

We work to design and maintain the Portal so that it is straightforward to use with a keyboard, screen reader, or other assistive technology, and so that it remains usable across common screen sizes.

Keyboard Navigation

Interactive elements — buttons, links, form fields, and navigation controls — are designed to be reachable and operable using a keyboard, without requiring a mouse.

Visible Focus Indicators

Interactive elements display a visible focus outline when navigated to with a keyboard, so you can see where you are on the page.

Form Labels & Instructions

Form fields include visible labels and instructions to help you understand what information is being requested and why.

Responsive Layouts

The Portal is designed to adapt to different screen sizes, including phones and tablets.

Color Contrast

We aim for reasonable color contrast between text and its background throughout the Portal. We have not formally tested every page against a specific accessibility standard, and we do not claim full conformance with WCAG or any other accessibility standard at this time.

Reporting an Accessibility Problem

If you encounter an accessibility barrier while using the Portal, please let us know so we can look into it: Marketing@hccts.org

Highlands Forward brand system

Brand Guidelines

Visual identity standards for clear, consistent, and recognizable HCCTS communications.
← Back to the portal

Forward Thinking. Human Focused.
Highlands Forward supports adults in building skills, achieving goals, and advancing their future. These guidelines keep every HCCTS communication — from a flyer to a slide deck — consistent with that mission.

⬇ Download brand guidelines (PNG) Go to Approved Logos →

Our Values

People First

We lead with compassion and put people at the center.

Forward Thinking

We innovate, adapt, and continuously move forward.

Integrity

We act with honesty, accountability, and respect.

Together

We collaborate and support each other to achieve more.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in everything we do.

Official Logo

Highlands Forward logo

Always use the official logo file — never recreate, redraw, recolor, or approximate it. See Approved Logos for downloadable files and usage rules.

Core Colors

Highlands Blue#007DCE
Forward Gold#F4B517
Highlands Navy#163F6D

Supporting Colors

Sky Blue#6ABBEA
Blue Mist#EAF5FC
Gold Light#FFF4D6
Gold Dark#B87800
Deep Navy#0F2B4A
Slate#64748B
Soft Gray#E5EBF1
Cloud#F7F9FC

Color Balance

60% White / Cloud (background & space) 25% Highlands Blue / Navy (structure & trust) 10% Forward Gold (accents & highlights) 5% Support colors (details & balance)

Typography

Montserrat Bold / SemiBold
Used for headings, titles, buttons, labels, and important navigation.
Inter Regular / Medium — used for body text, descriptions, forms, and interface text.

Button Styles

Icon Direction

Icons should be simple, line-based or lightly filled, and read clearly at small sizes — favoring the same optimistic, clean-line feel as the sunburst mark (education, career, growth, partnership, and support concepts are common in Highlands Forward materials).

Usage Examples

Common applications include the primary logo lockup on white or Blue Mist backgrounds, campaign/social graphics using Highlands Navy with the approved logo held on a white surface, info cards on Blue Mist backgrounds, and highlight callouts on Forward Gold.

Visual Direction

Optimistic. Professional. Supportive. Progressive. Clean, modern layouts with generous white space, curved shapes and subtle upward movement, professional photography, blue for trust, gold for momentum, and clear, confident communication.

Downloadable Assets

⬇ Brand guidelines one-sheet (PNG) ⬇ Approved logo (PDF) ⬇ Logo (transparent PNG) ⬇ Approved banner (PNG)
Official Highlands Forward assets

Approved Logos

Production-ready logo and banner files for staff use across print and digital materials.
← Back to the portal

These are the official Highlands Forward logo files. Use these approved files as-is — do not redraw, reinterpret, recolor, or approximate the logo. For full brand standards, see Brand Guidelines.

Primary Logo

Highlands Forward logo — full horizontal lockup
⬇ Approved logo (PDF) ⬇ Transparent PNG

Both downloads are generated from the same current approved horizontal logo supplied by HCCTS.

Approved Banner

Use the supplied wide-format banner for presentation covers, digital headers, display screens, and other horizontal applications.

Approved Highlands Forward banner
⬇ Approved banner (PNG)

Usage Guidance

  • Always preserve the logo's proportions — never stretch or squeeze it.
  • Maintain clear space around the logo equal to roughly the height of the sunburst mark.
  • Do not recolor, add effects to, rotate, or place the logo on a busy background that reduces legibility.
  • Use the supplied transparent horizontal logo on very light, uncluttered brand backgrounds so every part of the wordmark remains readable.
  • The horizontal logo and banner shown here are the approved supplied variants. Monochrome, reversed, or vertical variants should not be invented — request one from Communications if a specific use case needs it.
HCCTS STAFF RESOURCE

Brand Hub

Start with an approved Highlands Forward template, personalize it for your department, and download a ready-to-use copy. Every file follows the official color, logo, and typography standards.

View brand guidelines Download approved logos
4
editable templates
1
presentation choice
1
flyer choice

Template library

Choose a blank file or use the online editor when available.

Preview of the Highlands Forward official letterhead DOCX + ONLINE
Documents

Official Letterhead

Download the editable Word template for letters and mail merge, or use the online editor for a one-off letter. Both use the same clean white letterhead.

↓ Download Word DOCX
Preview of the Highlands Forward meeting agenda template DOCX
Documents

Meeting Agenda

An editable agenda for structured meetings, including the objective, timing, owners, decisions, and next steps.

↓ Download DOCX
Preview of the Highlands Signature flyer template PPTX
Flyers

Highlands Signature Flyer

A polished celebration and announcement design built around the approved Highlands Forward banner and signature wave treatment.

↓ Download PPTX
Preview of the Highlands Signature presentation template PPTX
Slides

Highlands Signature Deck

Six polished, public-facing layouts using the approved banner for launches, events, community updates, and major announcements.

↓ Download PPTX
Approved Highlands Forward horizontal logo PNG + PDF
Brand Assets

Approved Horizontal Logo

The current approved Highlands Forward logo. Use the transparent PNG for digital work and the PDF for print.

↓ PNG ↓ PDF
Brand Assets

Highlands Forward Banner

The approved wide banner for presentations, virtual meeting backgrounds, headers, and digital display use.

↓ Download PNG
No templates match that search.
Use templates as the starting point. Keep the logo proportions, brand colors, and primary layout intact. For major campaigns, public statements, or materials that need custom design, submit a Communications request for review.
← Back to Communications Portal
Highlands Forward Creator Tool

QR Code Generator

Create polished Highlands Forward QR codes for enrollment, events, surveys, forms, program resources, and school communications. Everything is generated in your browser.

Build your QR code

Enter the destination, choose the message, then download a ready-to-use graphic.

1 Destination
Use the final public link. For web destinations, include https://.
2 Message
This is visual only. The encoded destination always comes from Step 1.
3 Appearance
Local by design. The destination is encoded in your browser and is not submitted to the Communications Portal.
Live preview Ready to scan

Always scan-test the final downloaded code before publishing or printing. Keep the white quiet zone around the QR code intact.

Scan before use

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