Security
Free QR Code Generator Online
Generate QR codes for any URL, text, WiFi, email or phone. Download as PNG or SVG. No watermark, no signup.
What is a QR code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data as a pattern of black and white squares arranged in a grid. Invented by Denso Wave in 1994 for tracking automotive parts, QR codes became ubiquitous after smartphone cameras gained the ability to read them natively — no app required. Today they are the standard way to bridge physical and digital content.
Unlike a traditional barcode which stores data only horizontally, a QR code stores data in both dimensions — which is why it can hold significantly more information. A standard QR code can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data (enough for a URL plus metadata).
This generator creates static QR codes — the data is encoded directly into the pattern. No server, no redirect, no account required. The code is generated locally in your browser using the qrcode library and the HTML Canvas API.
What can you encode in a QR code?
Any text can be encoded — but using the correct format ensures smartphones handle it correctly:
| Content type | Format example | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Website URL | https://example.com | Opens in browser |
| mailto:hello@example.com | Opens email app with address pre-filled | |
| Email + subject | mailto:hello@example.com?subject=Hello | Pre-fills address and subject line |
| Phone call | tel:+12345678900 | Prompts a phone call |
| SMS | sms:+12345678900?body=Hello | Opens SMS app with number and message |
| WiFi (WPA) | WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;; | Connects to WiFi automatically on iOS/Android |
| WiFi (open) | WIFI:T:nopass;S:NetworkName;; | Connects to open WiFi network |
| Plain text | Any plain text here | Displays text after scanning |
| vCard contact | BEGIN:VCARD\nVERSION:3.0\nFN:Name\nEND:VCARD | Adds contact to phone book |
| Location | geo:48.8566,2.3522 | Opens maps app at coordinates |
Error correction levels explained
QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction — the same algorithm used in CDs and DVDs. This allows the code to be read even when partially damaged, dirty, or covered. Higher correction means more redundant data, which makes the QR code larger but more resilient.
QR code size guide for print and digital
The right size depends on where and how the QR code will be scanned. The general rule: scanning distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR code size. At 50cm scanning distance, the minimum size is 5cm.
| Use case | Min print size | Recommended download | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website / email display | — | 256px PNG | Screen pixels — size in px is what matters |
| Business card | 2.5 × 2.5cm | 512px SVG | Use SVG for crisp print at any DPI |
| Flyer / brochure | 3 × 3cm | 512px SVG | Scanning from ~30cm distance |
| Product label | 2 × 2cm | 384px SVG | Minimum readable size for product packaging |
| Billboard / large print | 10 × 10cm+ | SVG | SVG scales infinitely — no pixel limit |
Static vs dynamic QR codes — which do you need?
There are two fundamentally different types of QR codes, and the distinction matters far more than most people realise when choosing a tool to generate them.
- No third-party dependency — works forever
- No ongoing cost — generate once, use indefinitely
- No tracking — suitable for privacy-sensitive contexts
- Works offline — no redirect server needed
- Cannot be updated after printing
- No scan analytics or tracking
- Longer URLs produce denser, harder-to-scan codes
- Update destination URL without reprinting
- Scan count analytics and geographic data
- Shorter codes (redirect URL is short)
- A/B testing and time-based redirects
- Monthly fee from QR service provider
- Code stops working if the service shuts down
- All scans route through a third-party server
- Creates tracking dependency
For most developer and personal use cases, static QR codes are the correct choice. The only time you need a dynamic QR code is when the destination may change after the code has already been printed at scale — for example, a poster run of 10,000 copies where the campaign landing page URL is not yet finalised.
QR code design best practices
A QR code that looks good but fails to scan is worse than an ugly code that works. These guidelines balance aesthetics with reliable scannability:
The quiet zone is the blank white border surrounding the QR code. The specification requires a minimum of 4 modules (cells) of clear space on all sides. Cropping into the quiet zone is the most common reason a QR code fails to scan. When placing a QR code in a design, ensure at least 4mm of clear space around it at print size.
The dark modules must contrast sharply against the light background. Black on white is optimal. Dark navy on pale cream works. Dark brown on medium orange does not — the contrast is too low for the camera sensor to reliably distinguish modules. Avoid reversing the colors (white modules on dark background) unless you verify scanning with multiple devices.
Adding a logo in the center of a QR code intentionally covers some modules. This works because of the error correction system — but only if error correction level H (30%) is selected. Level H allows up to 30% of the code to be obscured and still be recoverable. Keep your logo to a maximum of 20–25% of the total code area. The three corner squares (finder patterns) must never be covered.
Do not rely solely on your phone to verify scannability. Different camera hardware and QR scanning apps have different tolerances. Test on at least an iPhone and an Android device, scanning at the expected real-world distance. If the code is for print, test a physical printout — screen rendering and print rendering can differ significantly.
SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without pixelation — essential for print materials. A 300px SVG will look sharp on a billboard. A 300px PNG will look blurry. For web use (emails, websites, apps), PNG is fine and more universally supported. Set your PNG export size to at least 2× the display size to ensure crispness on high-DPI screens.
Related tools
Need to encode data for API requests? Try the Base64 Encoder or URL Encoder. For secure sharing of credentials via a link, consider a self-destructing note service. To generate a password to encode in your QR code, use the Password Generator.
FAQ
Common questions
What is a QR code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data as a pattern of black and white squares. It can encode URLs, text, contact information, WiFi credentials, and more. Any smartphone camera can read it in under a second.
Is this QR code generator free?
Yes, completely free with no limits. You can generate unlimited QR codes and download them as PNG or SVG. No account, no watermark, no expiry date on the codes.
What is the difference between PNG and SVG download?
PNG is a raster image — best for web use, social media, and digital display. SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without losing quality — ideal for print, logos, business cards, and large-format printing. For print use, always download SVG.
What does error correction level mean?
Error correction allows QR codes to be read even if partially damaged or covered. Level L (7%) is smallest and best for clean digital use. Level M (15%) is the standard balance. Level Q (25%) is recommended if you plan to overlay a logo on the QR code. Level H (30%) provides the maximum recovery — use for industrial or outdoor applications.
How big should my QR code be for print?
The minimum printable size is 2cm × 2cm (about 0.8 inches). For business cards, 2.5cm works well. For posters, use at least 4–5cm. The further the scanning distance, the larger the code needs to be. As a rule: scanning distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR size.
Can I customize the colors of a QR code?
Yes. You can set any foreground and background color using the color pickers. Important: maintain high contrast between QR color and background — dark QR on light background works best. Avoid low-contrast combinations (e.g., gray on white) as they may fail to scan.
Do QR codes expire?
QR codes generated here are static — they encode the data directly and never expire. The code will work as long as the URL or content it points to is active. Dynamic QR codes (with redirect tracking) are a different product that requires a paid service.
What is the quiet zone (margin) setting?
The quiet zone is the white border around the QR code. Most QR standards require a minimum of 4 modules of quiet zone. Reducing it below 2 may cause scanning failures, especially on printed materials. The default setting of 2 is safe for most uses.
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