What is an NFC notebook?

An NFC notebook contains a discreet Near Field Communication (NFC) tag embedded inside the notebook. By simply tapping a compatible smartphone against the marked location on the notebook, users can instantly access digital content—no app, camera or QR code required.

NFC provides a fast and seamless way to connect your printed notebook with the digital world.

How does it work?

1. Hold your smartphone close to the NFC symbol on the notebook.
2. Wait 1 to 4 seconds for the phone to detect the tag.
3. Tap the notification that appears to open your linked content.

Tip: Apple phones have the NFC reader near the top edge, while Android phones usually have it near the centre of the back.

What can the NFC tag do?

The tag can be programmed to perform almost any of the following:

• Open a website
• Display a digital business card
• Launch a product catalogue
• Link to a company profile
• Open social media pages
• Play a promotional video
• Download a brochure or PDF
• Open an online store
• Direct users to an event registration page
• Connect to a customer feedback form
• Launch a survey
• Open a calendar booking page
• Display contact information
• Link to training materials or user guides
• Connect to a custom web application

Because the tag simply opens digital content, it can be used in countless ways depending on your campaign or business.

Why choose NFC over a QR code?

Many customers choose to combine both NFC and QR codes to provide the broadest compatibility.

Where is the NFC tag located?

The NFC tag can be positioned almost anywhere within the notebook cover, depending on your artwork and branding.

Once the print method has been confirmed, an NFC icon will be incorporated into the artwork to clearly indicate where users should tap their phone.

Will it work on my phone?

Most modern Android phones and iPhones support NFC. For the best experience:

• Android devices generally support NFC from the past several years.
• iPhone models from iPhone XS/XR onwards support background NFC reading without requiring an app.

Can the destination URL be changed later?

Yes. There are two ways to change the destination of the NFC tag:

1. Update the destination: If a dynamic URL is used, the destination can be updated without re-programming the NFC tag. This allows you to redirect users to new campaigns, websites or promotions even after the notebooks have been distributed.
2. Re-program the NFC tag: Because our NFC tags are not locked, the URL stored on the tag can be changed to a completely different URL using any compatible NFC programming app. This can be done by you at any time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the notebook need batteries?

No. NFC tags are completely passive and require no battery or charging.

Do I need to install an app?

No. Simply tap a compatible smartphone on the NFC icon and follow the prompt.

How close does the phone need to be?

Within a few centimetres. Simply tap or hold the phone over the NFC icon.

What type of NFC tag do you use?

We use NTAG213 or NTAG215 NFC tags in the form of 25mm circular white labels, which are applied to the inside of the notebook cover.

Is the NFC tag visible?

The tag is applied on the inside of the notebook cover. On the outside, only the NFC icon is visible to indicate where users should tap.

Is the NFC tag reusable?

Yes. The NFC tags are not locked, so they can be re-programmed with a different URL at any time. You can re-program the tag yourself using any compatible NFC programming app, many of which are readily available from the App Store or Google Play Store.

This is especially useful if you have leftover notebooks from a previous bulk order. For example, if you ordered 500 notebooks and still have 100 notebooks left over, you can re-program the NFC tags with a new URL and use the notebooks for a different event or campaign.

Will the NFC icon interfere visually with the main logo that is to be printed on the notebook?

Absolutely not! Since the NFC tag location is not fixed, we will position it in a way that complements your artwork and main logo.

The decoration method used for the NFC icon will also match the decoration method used for the primary logo. For example, if the primary logo is debossed, the NFC icon will be debossed. If the primary logo is digitally printed, the NFC icon will be digitally printed, and the same applies to pad printing.

The artwork approval form will clearly show the NFC tag position and print colour for you to review and approve before production.

Typical Applications

• Sales presentations
• Product launches
• Conference giveaways
• Employee onboarding
• Training manuals
• Real estate marketing
• Corporate gifts
• University welcome packs
• Event registration
• Digital catalogues
• Brand storytelling
• Sustainability information
• Conference schedules
• and much more…

What do I need to supply?

You simply need to provide the URL or link you want the NFC tag to open.

This can be almost any online destination, including:

• A specific webpage
• Your website or landing page
• A digital catalogue or brochure
• A downloadable PDF
• A Linktree or similar link
• A digital contact card
• A social media profile
• A product page
• A registration or booking page
• A video
• A feedback or survey form

Simply provide us with the URL and we will program the NFC tag accordingly.