QR Code Generator Online

Generate custom QR codes for URLs, text, Wi-Fi, contact info and more. Free QR code maker with customizable colors, sizes, and error correction levels.

Maximum 500 characters recommended for optimal scanning

What is a QR Code Generator?

A QR code (Quick Response code) generator is a tool that converts text, URLs, contact information, or other data into a scannable QR code image. Our free online QR code generator creates high-quality QR codes instantly, all processed securely in your browser without uploading data to any server.

How to Use This QR Code Generator

  1. Enter Your Content: Type or paste the text, URL, email, phone number, or any data you want to encode.
  2. Customize Settings: Choose the QR code size, error correction level, and colors to match your branding.
  3. Generate: Click "Generate QR Code" to create your custom QR code instantly.
  4. Download: Save your QR code as a PNG image in high resolution for printing or digital use.

QR Code Size Guide

Choose the appropriate QR code size based on your use case:

  • 256×256 pixels: Perfect for websites, email signatures, and digital displays
  • 512×512 pixels: Ideal for social media posts, presentations, and standard printing
  • 768×768 pixels: Great for larger prints, banners, and high-quality materials
  • 1024×1024 pixels: Best for billboards, large posters, and professional printing

Higher resolutions ensure your QR code remains scannable even when printed at larger sizes.

Understanding Error Correction Levels

QR codes include built-in error correction, allowing them to be scanned even if partially damaged or obscured:

  • Low (L) - 7% recovery: Smallest QR code, best for clean environments and digital displays
  • Medium (M) - 15% recovery: Recommended for most use cases, balances size and reliability
  • Quartile (Q) - 25% recovery: Good for outdoor use or when QR code might get dirty
  • High (H) - 30% recovery: Best for harsh conditions, allows for logo placement in center

Higher error correction creates larger QR codes but provides better reliability. Medium (M) is recommended for general use.

Common QR Code Use Cases

Website URLs

Create QR codes for your website, landing pages, or online content. Users can scan and visit instantly without typing URLs.

Business Cards

Add a QR code to business cards linking to your LinkedIn profile, portfolio, or digital business card (vCard).

Marketing Materials

Include QR codes on flyers, posters, brochures, and product packaging to drive engagement and track campaign performance.

Wi-Fi Access

Generate QR codes that allow guests to connect to your Wi-Fi network without manually entering passwords.

Product Information

Link to product manuals, warranty information, assembly instructions, or support resources.

Event Registration

Simplify event check-ins, ticket validation, and attendee tracking with scannable QR codes.

Payment Links

Accept payments by creating QR codes that link to payment pages, PayPal, Venmo, or cryptocurrency addresses.

App Downloads

Direct users to app store listings for iOS and Android applications.

QR Code Design Best Practices

Contrast and Colors

  • Ensure high contrast between foreground and background colors
  • Dark foreground on light background works best
  • Avoid low-contrast combinations that may be hard to scan
  • Test your QR code with multiple scanners before mass production

Size and Placement

  • Minimum print size: 2×2 cm (0.8×0.8 inches)
  • Add quiet zone (white border) around QR code for better scanning
  • Place at eye level when possible
  • Ensure good lighting for physical QR codes

Testing

  • Test with multiple smartphone cameras and QR scanner apps
  • Verify the correct URL or data is encoded
  • Test at the actual size and distance it will be scanned
  • Check readability in different lighting conditions

QR Code Data Capacity

QR codes can store different amounts of data depending on the error correction level and content type:

  • Numeric only: Up to 7,089 characters
  • Alphanumeric: Up to 4,296 characters
  • Binary data: Up to 2,953 bytes
  • Kanji/Kana: Up to 1,817 characters

For optimal scanning performance, keep your data concise. Use URL shorteners for long links.

QR Code Standards and Compatibility

Our QR code generator creates standard QR codes (ISO/IEC 18004) compatible with all modern smartphone cameras and QR scanner applications. No special app is required on iOS (built into Camera app since iOS 11) or Android (built into Camera app on most modern devices).

Privacy and Security

Your privacy is guaranteed. This QR code generator runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript and HTML5 Canvas. Your data is never uploaded to our servers or transmitted over the internet. All QR code generation happens locally on your device, ensuring complete privacy and security.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these QR codes free to use commercially?

Yes! QR codes generated with this tool are completely free to use for any purpose, including commercial use, without attribution or licensing fees.

Do QR codes expire?

No, QR codes themselves never expire. They are simply encoded data. However, if you encode a URL that later becomes inactive, the QR code will no longer work.

Can I track QR code scans?

Static QR codes (like those generated here) cannot track scans. For analytics, use a URL shortener with tracking capabilities before encoding the shortened URL.

What's the maximum scanning distance?

A general rule is that the scanning distance is approximately 10 times the width of the QR code. A 2cm QR code can be scanned from about 20cm away.

Can I add a logo to my QR code?

Yes, but this requires image editing software. Use high error correction (H level) to ensure the QR code remains scannable after placing a logo in the center, covering no more than 30% of the code.

Why won't my QR code scan?

Common issues include: insufficient contrast, poor lighting, damaged or blurry image, QR code too small, or scanning from too close/far. Ensure good lighting and stable camera position.

Can QR codes work without internet?

Scanning QR codes doesn't require internet, but accessing web content encoded in them does. QR codes with plain text, contact information, or Wi-Fi credentials work offline.

What file format should I use for printing?

PNG format works well for most printing needs. For professional printing, export at 1024×1024 or higher and ensure the DPI is at least 300 for crisp results.

Technical Details

This tool generates QR codes using HTML5 Canvas API and follows the ISO/IEC 18004 standard. All generation is performed client-side in your browser using pure JavaScript without external dependencies or API calls. The generated QR codes are in PNG format with customizable dimensions and colors.