How to Use This QR Code Generator
Creating a QR code takes seconds with this tool. The QR code updates live as you type, so you can see exactly what you're creating.
- Select your content type. Choose URL for website links, Plain Text for messages, Email to pre-fill an email compose window, Phone to create a callable link, or WiFi to share network credentials.
- Enter your content. For URLs, paste the full link including https://. For WiFi, enter the network name exactly as it appears on your router.
- Adjust the size. Use the slider to set your QR code size from 128px (small, for digital use) to 1024px (large, for print).
- Choose error correction. Medium works for most cases. Use High if the code might get damaged or you want extra reliability.
- Customize colors if desired. Maintain good contrast between foreground and background for reliable scanning.
- Download or copy. Click Download PNG to save the file, or Copy to paste directly into documents or chat apps.
Always test your QR code with your phone before printing or sharing. Different phones and apps may handle certain content types differently.
How QR Codes Work
QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts. Unlike traditional barcodes that store data in one direction, QR codes encode information both horizontally and vertically, dramatically increasing capacity.
Data Encoding
QR codes use a grid of black and white "modules" (squares) to represent binary data. The three large squares in the corners help scanners detect and orient the code. Data is encoded in patterns throughout the rest of the grid, with different encoding modes for numbers, alphanumeric text, and binary data.
Error Correction Levels
QR codes include redundant data using Reed-Solomon error correction, allowing them to be read even when partially damaged. The four levels offer different trade-offs:
- Low (L): 7% of data can be restored. Smallest, most data capacity.
- Medium (M): 15% recovery. Good balance for most uses.
- Quartile (Q): 25% recovery. For environments with moderate wear.
- High (H): 30% recovery. Best for harsh conditions or logo overlay.
Why Higher Correction Means Bigger Codes
Error correction data takes space. At High level, nearly a third of the code is redundancy. For the same content, a High-correction QR code will have more modules (be "denser") than a Low-correction one. This is why you should match correction level to your actual needs—High isn't always better if it makes the code harder to scan at small sizes.
Examples
Example 1: Simple URL QR Code
You want customers to quickly access your website from a business card.
- Type: URL
- Content: https://yourcompany.com
- Size: 256px (good for business card printing at ~1")
- Error correction: Medium
- Colors: Black on white for maximum compatibility
Download the PNG and add it to your card design. Test before printing!
Example 2: Coffee Shop WiFi QR Code
Let customers connect to your WiFi without asking for the password.
- Type: WiFi
- Network Name: CoffeeShop_Guest
- Password: Welcome2Coffee
- Encryption: WPA/WPA2
- Size: 512px (for printing on a table tent or poster)
- Colors: Brown foreground (#4A3728) on cream background (#FFF8E7) to match brand
When scanned, most phones will offer to connect automatically with the credentials embedded in the code.
Example 3: Contact/Email QR Code
Create a QR code that opens an email with pre-filled subject line.
- Type: Email
- Email: [email protected]
- Subject: Website Feedback
- Body: I visited your site and wanted to share...
- Size: 256px
- Error correction: Medium
Perfect for feedback forms, support cards, or conference materials where you want to make contacting you frictionless.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are QR codes free to use?
Yes, QR codes are completely free to create and use. The QR code specification is open and royalty-free. Our generator creates standard QR codes that work with any scanner app. There are no hidden fees, subscriptions, or limitations on commercial use of the QR codes you generate.
Do QR codes expire?
Static QR codes (like the ones this tool generates) never expire. They encode the data directly, so they work forever. However, if you create a QR code linking to a URL and that URL becomes unavailable, the QR code will still work but lead to a dead page. Dynamic QR codes (which redirect through a service) can expire if the service is discontinued.
What size should my QR code be for printing?
For reliable scanning, follow these minimums: business cards need at least 0.8" (2cm) QR codes; flyers and posters should use 1-2" (2.5-5cm); billboards and signage need 10% of the viewing distance (e.g., 1 foot QR code for 10-foot viewing). Always test your printed QR code before mass production.
What error correction level should I use?
Medium (15%) works for most uses. Use Low for simple URLs when size matters. Use High (30%) if the QR code might get damaged, partially obscured, or if you plan to add a logo in the center (Pro feature). Higher correction means a denser, larger code for the same data.
Can I customize QR code colors?
Yes! You can change the foreground (dark modules) and background colors. For best scanning reliability, maintain high contrast—dark foreground on light background works best. Avoid low-contrast combinations like yellow on white or light gray on dark gray. Some older scanners struggle with inverted (light on dark) codes.
How do I scan a QR code?
Most modern smartphones can scan QR codes directly with the camera app—just point and tap the notification. On older phones, download a QR scanner app. For iPhone, the Camera app works natively since iOS 11. For Android, Google Lens or the camera app handles QR codes on most devices.
What's the maximum data a QR code can hold?
The maximum capacity depends on the data type: 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. However, more data means a denser, harder-to-scan code. For practical use, keep URLs under 100 characters and text under 300 characters for reliable scanning.