What is a QR Code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information in a pattern of black and white squares. Unlike traditional barcodes that can only hold about 20 characters, QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, making them versatile for various applications.
QR codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company, originally for tracking vehicles during manufacturing. Today, they’re used worldwide for everything from restaurant menus to event tickets, contactless payments, and WiFi sharing.
When scanned with a smartphone camera or QR reader app, the encoded information is instantly decoded and the appropriate action is triggered—opening a website, connecting to WiFi, adding a contact, or composing an email.
Types of QR Codes
URL QR Codes
The most common type of QR code. When scanned, it opens a website in the user’s browser. Perfect for:
- Business cards linking to portfolios
- Product packaging linking to manuals
- Marketing materials with campaign landing pages
- Social media profile links
WiFi QR Codes
These QR codes contain WiFi network credentials. When scanned, the phone automatically prompts to connect to the network—no manual password entry needed. The code encodes:
- Network name (SSID)
- Password
- Security type (WPA, WEP, or none)
- Hidden network flag
This is a game-changer for businesses, Airbnb hosts, and anyone who frequently shares WiFi with guests.
vCard (Contact) QR Codes
A vCard QR code contains contact information in a standardized format. When scanned, it offers to save the contact directly to the phone. Can include:
- Full name
- Phone number
- Email address
- Organization
- Website
- Address
Essential for networking events and business cards.
Email QR Codes
Opens the user’s email app with pre-filled recipient, subject, and body. Useful for:
- Customer support links
- Feedback requests
- Subscription prompts
- Event RSVPs
Phone and SMS QR Codes
Phone QR codes open the dialer with a pre-filled number. SMS codes go further, opening the messaging app with both the number and a pre-composed message.
How to Use This Tool
Step 1: Select your content type from the toolbar (URL, Text, WiFi, Contact, Email, Phone, or SMS).
Step 2: Fill in the required information. For URLs, enter the full web address. For WiFi, enter your network name and password.
Step 3: Customize appearance if desired—adjust size, colors, error correction level, and margin.
Step 4: Preview your QR code in real-time as you type.
Step 5: Download as PNG, SVG, or JPEG, or copy directly to clipboard.
Customization Options
Size and Resolution
Choose from sizes ranging from 128×128 to 512×512 pixels. Larger sizes provide better quality for printing:
- 128-192px: Digital displays, websites
- 256px: Standard business cards, small prints
- 384-512px: Large prints, posters, banners
Error Correction Levels
QR codes include redundant data to allow scanning even when partially damaged:
- L (Low - 7%): Smallest code, minimal damage tolerance
- M (Medium - 15%): Recommended balance of size and durability
- Q (Quartile - 25%): Good recovery, larger code
- H (High - 30%): Maximum recovery, largest code—ideal if adding a logo overlay
Higher error correction makes the QR code larger but more resilient.
Colors
While traditional QR codes are black on white, you can customize:
- Foreground color: The dark modules (typically black)
- Background color: The light areas (typically white)
Important: Maintain high contrast for reliable scanning. Dark foreground on light background works best. Avoid low-contrast combinations like yellow on white or dark blue on black.
Margin (Quiet Zone)
The margin is the white space around the QR code. A minimum of 4 modules is recommended for reliable scanning. Reduce only if space is constrained and testing confirms scanability.
Best Practices
Ensure Sufficient Contrast
The scanner needs to distinguish between dark and light modules. Test your custom colors with multiple devices before printing.
Test Before Printing
Always scan your QR code with multiple devices (iPhone, Android) before mass production. What works on one device may fail on another.
Choose Appropriate Size
A QR code should measure at least 2×2 cm (0.8×0.8 inches) when printed for reliable scanning at arm’s length. For posters or billboards, scale proportionally based on viewing distance.
Consider the Scanning Environment
- Indoor/well-lit: Standard colors work well
- Outdoor/variable lighting: Higher contrast helps
- Glossy surfaces: May cause glare—consider matte finish
Use Higher Error Correction for Logos
If you plan to overlay a logo on your QR code, use level H (30%) error correction. This compensates for the obscured area and maintains scanability.
Common Use Cases
Business Cards
Print a vCard QR code on your business card. Recipients scan it to instantly save your contact information—no typing required.
Restaurant Menus
Share your digital menu with a URL QR code. Update prices and items online without reprinting physical menus.
WiFi Sharing
Create a WiFi QR code for your café, office, or home. Guests scan to connect instantly—no more spelling out passwords.
Event Tickets
Encode unique URLs or text identifiers in QR codes for ticket validation at entry points.
Marketing Campaigns
Link print materials to digital experiences. Track scans using URL shorteners with analytics.
Product Packaging
Link to instruction manuals, warranty registration, or support resources.
Social Media
Create QR codes linking to your social profiles for easy follows.
Export Formats
PNG (Recommended)
Raster format with lossless compression. Best for most uses—web, print, and digital displays. Supports transparency.
SVG
Vector format that scales infinitely without quality loss. Ideal for large prints, professional design work, and when exact scaling is needed.
JPEG
Compressed raster format. Smaller file size but no transparency. Use when file size is critical and background is solid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many characters can a QR code hold?
A QR code can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric characters. However, more data means a more complex (and larger) code that may be harder to scan.
Will my QR code expire?
No. QR codes generated with this tool are static—they never expire. The code is just a visual representation of your data. If the data (like a URL) changes, you’ll need to generate a new code.
Can I change the content after printing?
Not with static QR codes. Once printed, the code’s content is fixed. For updatable content, consider dynamic QR codes from specialized services.
Why won’t my QR code scan?
Common issues include: insufficient contrast, code too small, damaged or distorted print, or phone camera issues. Ensure adequate contrast, appropriate size, and try from different angles.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no limits. All processing happens in your browser—your data never leaves your device.
Privacy and Security
This QR code generator runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your content is processed locally and never transmitted to any server. This is particularly important for WiFi passwords and contact information.
Start Generating
Use the tool above to create your QR code. Select a content type, enter your information, customize appearance, and download your code in seconds.