QR Code Generator

About This Tool

QR codes have become essential for bridging physical and digital experiences. When sharing a website URL on a business card, providing WiFi access to guests, or creating contactless menu systems for restaurants, QR codes offer instant access without manual typing. The technology has exploded since the pandemic. Restaurants replaced physical menus, event venues ditched paper tickets, and retail stores moved product information to scannable codes. Yet most QR code generators lock basic features behind paywalls, limit downloads, or add unwanted watermarks that look unprofessional. This free QR code generator creates unlimited, high-quality QR codes with full customization and no restrictions. Generate codes for URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, and WiFi networks, all processed on your device with complete privacy. Download in PNG format for digital use or SVG for crisp printing at any size. Customize colors to match your brand identity, choose from four size options up to 1600×1600 pixels for large-format printing, and scan instantly with any smartphone camera without needing a special app. Unlike paid services that charge $10-30 monthly for "premium" features like color customization or high-resolution downloads, this tool gives you everything free with zero limitations. No signup, no watermarks, no tracking pixels, no hidden costs. Just professional QR codes ready for commercial use in seconds.

How QR Codes Work

QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode invented by Denso Wave in 1994 for tracking automotive parts. Unlike traditional barcodes that store data linearly, QR codes encode information in a grid pattern that can be read in any orientation.

The anatomy of a QR code includes:

Position markers: Three large squares in corners that help scanners detect and orient the code
Alignment markers: Smaller squares that correct for distortion when scanning at angles
Timing pattern: Alternating black and white modules that determine the grid size
Data area: The encoded information in the remaining space
Error correction: Reed-Solomon error correction allows damaged codes to still scan (up to 30% damage tolerance)

When you scan a QR code with your smartphone camera, the device recognizes the position markers, reads the data pattern, applies error correction if needed, and decodes the content, all in milliseconds. This reliability and speed make QR codes perfect for contactless interactions.

QR Code Types and Use Cases by Industry

URL QR Codes (Most Common):

Marketing: Print on flyers, posters, billboards to drive traffic to landing pages or promotions
Product packaging: Link to instruction manuals, warranty registration, or recipe ideas
Business cards: Replace typed URLs with scannable links to your portfolio or LinkedIn
Real estate: On "For Sale" signs to show property photos and virtual tours

WiFi QR Codes:

Hospitality: Hotels, cafes, and Airbnbs can print codes for guest WiFi access
Offices: Simplify guest network access without revealing passwords verbally
Events: Conference centers and venues for quick attendee connectivity

Email QR Codes:

Customer support: "Scan to report an issue" on product labels
Feedback collection: Restaurant tables or retail checkout counters
Event invitations: RSVP via pre-filled email with subject line

Phone Number QR Codes:

Service businesses: Click-to-call for emergency services or roadside assistance
Healthcare: Quick contact for appointment scheduling or prescription refills
Delivery services: Direct line to driver or support team

Plain Text QR Codes:

Serial numbers: Equipment identification for inventory management
Gift messages: Personal notes that don't fit on cards
Coordinates: GPS locations for geocaching or scavenger hunts

vCard, SMS, Calendar, and Location QR Codes

vCard (Contact Card): When scanned, the phone prompts the user to save a new contact with name, phone, email, organization, and job title pre-filled. Perfect for networking events, business cards, and conference badges. The vCard 3.0 format is recognized by all modern smartphones and eliminates typing errors when exchanging contact details.

SMS Message: Opens the messaging app with a pre-filled recipient number and optional message body. Useful for customer support shortcodes, feedback collection, contest entries, and opt-in marketing lists. The recipient sees the message ready to send and just needs to tap the send button.

Calendar Event: Adds an event directly to the phone's calendar with title, location, start time, and end time pre-filled. Ideal for event flyers, conference schedules, meeting invitations, and appointment reminders. Uses the iCalendar (VEVENT) format that both iOS and Android recognize natively.

Geo Location: Opens the default maps app (Google Maps, Apple Maps) at specific latitude/longitude coordinates. Great for directing customers to store locations, event venues, parking areas, or trailheads. Coordinates use the standard geo: URI scheme with decimal degrees.

Static vs Dynamic QR Codes: Which to Use

This tool generates static QR codes where the data is permanently encoded in the QR pattern itself. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right approach:

Static QR Codes (What This Tool Creates):

Pros: Work forever even if the generator service shuts down, no subscription fees, faster scanning (no redirect), complete privacy (no tracking)
Cons: Can't change the destination URL after printing, can't track scan analytics
Best for: Business cards, product packaging, permanent signage, anything you won't need to update

Dynamic QR Codes (Require Paid Services):

How they work: QR encodes a short redirect URL (e.g., short.link/abc123) that points to your real destination. Changing the redirect updates all printed codes
Pros: Update destination without reprinting, track scan counts and locations, A/B test different landing pages
Cons: Require ongoing subscription (typically $5-20/month), codes break if service shuts down, slower scanning due to redirect, privacy concerns from tracking
Best for: Marketing campaigns where you need analytics, temporary promotions, situations where destination might change

When to pay for dynamic codes: Only if you genuinely need tracking analytics or expect to update destinations frequently. For most use cases (especially permanent materials like business cards, product labels, or office WiFi signs), static codes from this free tool work perfectly.

Color and Design Best Practices

While QR codes are flexible, some design choices can make them unscannable:

Color Contrast (Critical):

High contrast is essential: Dark modules on light background (traditional black on white) scan most reliably
Minimum contrast ratio: Aim for 3:1 contrast ratio. Test with a contrast checker tool
Avoid: Light colors on light backgrounds (e.g., yellow on white), low-contrast combos (e.g., dark blue on black)
Brand colors: Navy blue on white, dark green on cream, burgundy on light gray all work well

Safe Color Combinations:

Black (#000000) on white (#FFFFFF) - universal standard
Dark blue (#003366) on white - professional
Forest green (#1B4D3E) on cream (#FFF8DC) - eco-friendly brands
Burgundy (#800020) on light pink (#FFE4E1) - feminine products

Risky Combinations to Test Thoroughly:

Red on white - can be difficult for some camera sensors
White on black (inverted) - works but less reliable in bright sunlight
Any pastel colors - test extensively before printing

Size Guidelines:

Business cards: Minimum 0.8 × 0.8 inches (use 400px download)
Flyers/posters: 2 × 2 inches or larger (use 800px download)
Billboards/signage: Calculate 10:1 ratio. Viewed from 10 feet needs 1-inch code (use 1600px download)
Digital displays: 200-400px works well for websites and email signatures

Always test before printing: Scan your QR code with multiple devices (iPhone, Android, different apps) and in various lighting conditions to ensure reliability.

Print Quality and File Format Selection

Choosing the right file format prevents blurry or pixelated QR codes:

PNG (Raster Format):

Best for: Digital use (websites, emails, social media), screen displays, when exact size is known
Pros: Universal compatibility, smaller file size, works in all programs
Cons: Becomes pixelated if enlarged beyond original size
Size guide: 400px for web/email, 800px for small prints, 1600px for posters

SVG (Vector Format):

Best for: Print materials, professional design work, situations where size might change
Pros: Infinite scalability without quality loss, smallest file size, editable in design software
Cons: Some older programs can't open SVG files, may need conversion for certain printers
Perfect for: Business cards, billboards, vehicle wraps, laser engraving

Print Resolution Guidelines:

PNG printing: Use 1600px download and ensure 300 DPI final resolution (1600px = 5.3 inches at 300 DPI)
Professional printing: Provide SVG to your printer so they can scale to exact size needed
Home printing: PNG at 800-1600px works well for standard 8.5×11 paper
Outdoor signage: Always use SVG to maintain quality at large sizes

When in doubt: Download both formats. Use PNG for quick digital sharing and SVG for any print job or situation where you might need flexibility.

Security and Privacy Considerations

QR codes are powerful but can pose security risks if not used carefully:

User-Side Risks:

QRishing (QR phishing): Malicious QR codes that redirect to phishing sites or download malware
Sticker swapping: Attackers replace legitimate QR codes with malicious ones (common on parking meters and restaurant menus)
Best practice: Always preview the URL before opening because modern phones show a preview of the destination

Creator-Side Best Practices:

Use HTTPS URLs only: Encrypted connections protect users from man-in-the-middle attacks
Shorten carefully: If using a URL shortener, choose reputable services and enable click expiration for temporary campaigns
Test destinations: Verify your QR code doesn't accidentally expose sensitive data or broken links
Tamper-proof placement: For physical QR codes, laminate or place them where they can't be easily covered with stickers

Privacy Considerations:

This tool's privacy: All QR generation happens on your device with no data sent to servers, no tracking, and no storage
Your QR code's privacy: Static codes (like these) don't track who scans them or when. Dynamic codes from paid services often include tracking
WiFi QR codes: Convenient but expose your network password. Only share with trusted individuals or use a guest network

Commercial Use Compliance:

Accessibility: Always provide alternative access methods (typed URL, phone number) for users who can't scan QR codes
Terms of service: QR technology is patent-free and open for commercial use
URL transparency: Don't hide misleading destinations. Be clear about where the QR code leads

Frequently Asked Questions

Do QR codes expire or stop working?

Static QR codes (like those generated by this tool) never expire and work forever because the data is encoded directly in the pattern. The only way they stop working is if the destination URL goes offline (for URL-type codes) or if the physical code is damaged beyond the 30% error correction threshold. Dynamic QR codes from paid services can expire if the subscription ends or the redirect service shuts down.

Can I track how many people scan my QR code?

Static QR codes created with this tool cannot track scans because they work completely offline once generated. To track analytics, you would need to use one of these approaches:

A dynamic QR code service (typically $5-20/month) that redirects through a tracking URL
Add UTM parameters to your static URL (e.g., ?utm_source=qr_code) and track visits in Google Analytics

The UTM approach is free but only works for URL-type codes.

What is the maximum amount of data a QR code can store?

QR codes can theoretically store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric digits, but practical limits are much lower. Larger data creates denser QR patterns that are harder to scan reliably, so best practice is to keep content under 300 characters. For URLs, use a URL shortener if your link exceeds 100 characters. WiFi codes and email addresses typically fall well within safe limits.

Why won't my QR code scan?

Common scanning failures include:

Low color contrast between foreground and background. Use darker colors on light backgrounds
QR code is too small. Minimum 0.8×0.8 inches for close scanning
Poor print quality or pixelation. Use higher resolution PNG or SVG format
Physical damage or dirt covering critical areas
Poor lighting. Avoid glare and shadows
Camera focus issues. Hold steady and ensure code is flat

Test with multiple scanner apps to isolate the issue.

Can I add a logo to my QR code?

Yes, but it requires careful implementation. QR codes have built-in error correction (up to 30% of the code can be obscured), which allows for center logos. However, this tool generates clean codes without logos. To add a logo, you would need design software like Photoshop or Canva to overlay a small logo (covering no more than 20% of the center area) on the downloaded PNG. Alternatively, specialized QR code generators offer logo integration, but they often charge for this feature or add watermarks.

Are QR codes free to use commercially?

Yes, QR code technology is patent-free and open for unlimited commercial use. Denso Wave (the inventor) chose not to exercise patent rights. You can generate, print, and distribute as many QR codes as you want for business purposes without licensing fees. However, if you use a third-party QR code service (especially dynamic codes with tracking), check their terms of service for usage limits or attribution requirements.

What is the difference between QR codes and barcodes?

Traditional barcodes (like UPC) are one-dimensional. They store data in horizontal line widths and can only hold 20-25 characters (just enough for a product ID). QR codes are two-dimensional, storing data in both horizontal and vertical patterns, allowing for thousands of characters including URLs, WiFi credentials, and contact information. QR codes also feature error correction (can still scan if partially damaged), omnidirectional scanning (works at any angle), and faster reading speeds.

Can QR codes work without internet?

Yes and no, depending on content type. The QR code itself doesn't require internet to scan and decode because your phone can read the pattern offline. However, what happens next depends on the content:

URL codes need internet to load the website
WiFi codes work offline to connect to local networks
Plain text codes work completely offline
Phone number codes work offline (initiates phone call)
Email codes work offline (opens email app, but sending requires internet)

The scanning process is always offline; accessing web-based content requires connectivity.

How do I create a WiFi QR code for my guests?

Select "WiFi Network" as the QR type, enter your network name (SSID exactly as it appears in WiFi settings), enter the password, and choose the security type (usually WPA/WPA2 for home networks). When guests scan this code on Android (8+) or iOS (11+), their device will automatically offer to join the network without manual password entry. Print and laminate the QR code to post in guest areas. For security, consider creating a guest network with a different password than your main network.

What size QR code should I use for printing?

Follow the 10:1 scanning distance rule: if scanned from 10 feet away, the QR code should be at least 1 inch wide. For business cards (scanned at 1 foot), use 0.8-1 inch minimum (400-800px download). For posters (scanned at 3-5 feet), use 2-3 inches (800px download). For billboards (scanned at 20+ feet), use 6+ inches (1600px or SVG). Always download SVG for professional printing because it scales to any size without quality loss. Test your printed code before mass production.

Is it safe to share my WiFi password via QR code?

WiFi QR codes are convenient but do expose your network password to anyone who can view or photograph the code. Best practices:

Create a separate guest network with a different password and limited access
Only display WiFi QR codes in semi-private areas (inside your home, not visible from windows)
Use WPA2/WPA3 encryption (never WEP or open networks)
Rotate the guest network password periodically if you have many visitors
Consider whether guests truly need WiFi access or if you can share via mobile hotspot for more control

Can I generate QR codes in bulk?

This tool generates one QR code at a time, which is ideal for most users. For bulk generation (e.g., unique codes for hundreds of products or event tickets), you would need automation tools like QR code APIs, spreadsheet plugins that generate codes from data rows, or specialized bulk QR services. For simple batch needs, you can use this tool repeatedly: just change the content, download, and rename each file.

How do vCard QR codes work?

A vCard QR code encodes contact information using the vCard 3.0 standard format. When scanned, the phone recognizes the BEGIN:VCARD header and automatically prompts the user to add a new contact. The encoded data can include full name, phone number, email address, organization, and job title. This is far more reliable than exchanging paper business cards because the contact details are saved digitally with zero typos. Print a vCard QR code on your business card, conference badge, or office door sign so anyone can save your details in one scan.

Can I send a pre-written text message with a QR code?

Yes. SMS QR codes use the "smsto:" URI scheme to open the phone's default messaging app with a pre-filled recipient number and optional message body. When scanned, the user sees the message ready to send and just needs to tap the send button. Common uses include voting systems, customer feedback collection, opt-in marketing lists, and contest entries. The recipient phone number must be at least 10 digits, and the message body is optional.

How do I create a QR code for a calendar event?

Select "Calendar Event" as the QR type and fill in the event title, optional location, start date/time, and end date/time. The tool generates a QR code using the iCalendar (VEVENT) format that most smartphones and calendar apps recognize. When scanned, the phone offers to add the event directly to the user's calendar with all details pre-filled. This works on both iOS and Android devices natively.

What format do GPS coordinates need for geo QR codes?

Geo QR codes use the "geo:" URI scheme with decimal degree coordinates. Latitude ranges from -90 (South Pole) to 90 (North Pole), and longitude ranges from -180 to 180 (negative values for western longitudes). For example, New York City is approximately 40.7128, -74.0060. Find coordinates by right-clicking any location in Google Maps and selecting the coordinates shown. When scanned, the QR code opens the default maps app at that exact position.

Customization