QR Code Generator
Create QR codes from any text or URL instantly. Download as PNG for printing or sharing.
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QR code updates as you type.
💡 QR codes often encode URLs. Use the URL Encoder to properly encode special characters in the URL before generating the QR code. For saving the QR code image in a specific format, the Image Compressor reduces PNG file size without quality loss.
How to Generate a QR Code
Type or paste your text, URL, or data into the input field and the QR code generates instantly. Adjust size as needed, then download the PNG image for use in print or digital materials.
- Enter your URL, text, WiFi credentials, or contact information
- The QR code generates in real time as you type
- Adjust size using the controls
- Click "Download" to save the QR code as a PNG image
- Test the QR code with your phone camera before printing
QR Code Data Types and What to Use Them For
| Data Type | Format | Example Use |
|---|---|---|
| URL | https://example.com | Website links, landing pages, menus |
| Plain text | Any text string | Information displays, instructions |
| mailto:[email protected] | Contact information, email sign-ups | |
| Phone | tel:+15551234567 | Click-to-call, business cards |
| SMS | smsto:+15551234567:Message | Opt-in campaigns, support |
| WiFi | WIFI:S:NetworkName;T:WPA;P:password;; | Guest network access cards |
| vCard | BEGIN:VCARD... END:VCARD | Business card scanning, contact sharing |
| Calendar event | BEGIN:VEVENT... END:VEVENT | Event posters, invitations |
QR Code Best Practices for Print and Digital Use
- Test before printing — scan the QR code with multiple devices and apps before printing on physical materials. A mistyped URL is expensive to fix after printing.
- Minimum print size — QR codes should be at least 2 cm × 2 cm (about 0.8 inches) for reliable scanning at arm's length.
- Quiet zone matters — leave white space around the QR code equal to 4 modules (the small squares). Printing flush against text or images reduces scan reliability.
- High contrast is essential — dark code on a light background is the most reliable. Avoid placing QR codes on busy backgrounds or photos.
- Short URLs scan faster — the more data encoded, the denser the QR code pattern and the harder it is to scan. Use a URL shortener for long links.
- Dynamic QR codes — for print runs where you may need to change the destination URL later, use a QR code service that supports dynamic redirects (not this free static generator).
QR Code Size Guide for Common Uses
| Use Case | Recommended Size | Scanning Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 2 × 2 cm | 10–20 cm |
| Flyer / brochure | 3 × 3 cm | 20–30 cm |
| Poster / menu | 5 × 5 cm | 40–60 cm |
| A-frame display | 10 × 10 cm | 1–1.5 m |
| Billboard / storefront | 20+ cm | 3–5 m |
QR Code Use Case Workflow
After generating your QR code, these tools help with common next steps:
- URL-encode your link before generating the QR code if it contains special characters
- Generate the WiFi password you'll embed in the QR code
- Compress the QR code image after downloading for use in print layouts
- Resize the QR code to the exact dimensions required for your print template
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of content can I encode in a QR code?▼
URLs, plain text, phone numbers (tel: format), email addresses (mailto: format), SMS messages (smsto: format), WiFi network credentials, and vCard contact information. The scanner app determines how to handle each format.
What does 'error correction level' mean?▼
Error correction allows a QR code to be scanned even if part of it is damaged or covered. Level L: 7% damage recovery. Level M: 15%. Level Q: 25%. Level H: 30%. Higher error correction makes the QR code denser and harder to scan at small sizes, but more robust when printed on physical materials.
How small can I print a QR code and still have it scan?▼
A minimum of 2×2 cm (about 0.8 inches) is the practical minimum for most smartphone cameras at arms length. For farther scanning distances (posters, billboards), scale up proportionally.
Does the QR code work without an internet connection?▼
If the QR code encodes a URL, the device scanning it needs internet to visit the URL. If it encodes plain text, contact info, or WiFi credentials, it works offline — the scanner reads the data directly from the QR code without any network request.
Do QR codes expire?▼
The QR code itself does not expire. If it encodes a URL, the code is valid as long as the URL remains accessible. If you use a URL shortener to track scans, the shortener service controls expiry.
Can I customize the appearance of the QR code?▼
The generator produces standard black-and-white QR codes for maximum scanner compatibility. Color QR codes are technically possible but can fail to scan if the color contrast between modules and background is insufficient.
What can I encode in a QR code?▼
URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, Wi-Fi credentials, and more.
How It Works
1
Enter your contentType or paste a URL, text, phone number, email address, or any string to encode in the QR code.
2
Customize size and error correctionChoose QR code size and error correction level. Higher error correction makes the code scannable even if partially damaged.
3
Download the QR codeDownload as a PNG image — no watermark, no registration required.
When to Use This Tool
- →Creating a QR code for a URL to print on a flyer, business card, or poster
- →Generating a QR code for a WiFi network, contact card, or event link
- →Making a QR code for a product page to add to packaging or marketing materials
- →Creating a QR code for a payment link or form URL
🔒 Privacy & Security
QR codes are generated using a JavaScript QR code library running in your browser. No URL or content is uploaded. The QR image is rendered on a Canvas element and offered as a local PNG download.
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- Creating marketing materials with QR codes? Build a cohesive palette with the Palette Generator. → build a color palette for QR marketing materials
- QR codes on printed materials benefit from attractive backgrounds. Generate a gradient for your poster. → create gradient backgrounds for QR posters
- Generating payment QR codes for international customers? Convert amounts with the Currency Converter. → convert QR payment amounts
- Running a time-limited QR promotion internationally? Use the Timezone Converter for launch timing. → schedule QR code campaigns across time zones
- Printing QR codes? Use the Length Converter to ensure the minimum readable size in your print units. → calculate print sizes for QR codes
- Ordering print materials with QR codes? Convert between paper weight units for the print spec. → calculate paper weight for QR print runs
- Installing QR displays outdoors? Check the operating temperature range with the Temperature Converter. → check outdoor display temperature limits
- Large QR print run? Convert print volumes for production planning. → measure print production volumes
- Testing QR code scanning with varied data? Generate realistic fake data values to encode. → generate test QR data
- Testing a QR-to-address-form flow? Generate fake addresses to encode and scan. → encode fake addresses in QR codes for testing