Before you begin scanning QR codes, you need to set up a NookLink connection between your game and the Nintendo Switch Online app on your smartphone. Here’s what to do.

On your Nintendo Switch, open Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Press - on the title screen to open Settings. Wait for Tom Nook to finish speaking then tap NookLink. Tap Yes Please. Wait for the connection to be established.   You can now scan Animal Crossing: New Horizons QR codes via your smartphone.  

How to Scan QR Codes on Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Now that you can successfully use an Animal Crossing: New Horizons QR code, you need to know how to scan them. Here’s what to do.

Open the Nintendo Switch Online app on your smartphone. Tap Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Tap Next. Tap Start. Tap Designs. Tap Scan a QR code using your camera. Hover your phone’s camera over the QR code you wish to scan until the phone registers it. Tap Save to save the design. The design is now available to use on your Nintendo Switch.

How to Download Designs to Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Now that you’ve scanned some designs, you’ll want to use them in-game. Here’s how to download them to your village in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. 

Open Animal Crossing: New Horizons on your Nintendo Switch. Open your Nook Phone by tapping ZL or tapping the Nook Phone icon. Tap Custom Designs. Tap + to download a new design. Tap OK. Choose an empty Design slot then tap A. Tap Overwrite it. Make sure it’s an empty slot so you don’t lose any content. The design is now downloaded to your game.

How to Use Custom Clothing Designs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Downloaded your designs? Here’s how to apply the custom clothing designs you’ve just downloaded.

Open Animal Crossing: New Horizons on your Nintendo Switch. Open your Nook Phone by tapping ZL or tapping the Nook Phone icon. Tap Custom Designs. Tap A on your chosen design. Tap Wear. You can also use the designs in other ways, such as displaying them as a painting or mannequin. Choose to wear as a top or as face paint. You’re now wearing the design.

How to Share Your Custom Designs Using the Custom Design Portal in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

If you want to share your creations with other users, you’ll need to complete a few tasks to make it possible. Here’s how to share your designs using the Custom Design Portal and alphanumeric codes.

Go to the Able Sisters shop. Use the pink terminal in the top-right corner of the shop. Tap Access the kiosk. Tap Post. Find other users’ designs by tapping Search by Design ID or Search by Creator ID. Choose the design you wish to share. Share the code that’s generated with other users.