QR Code Generator Free Online — Custom Colors & PNG Download
The free QR Code Generator turns any URL or text into a scannable QR code with custom foreground and background colors. Download the result as a PNG for print or digital use — no account, no watermark, generated entirely in your browser.
What Can You Encode in a QR Code?
QR codes can encode any short text string. In practice, the most common uses are URLs — but the format supports plain text, phone numbers, email addresses, Wi-Fi credentials, and contact card data (vCard format). The tool accepts any text input and encodes it exactly as entered.
| Content Type | Example Input | What Happens When Scanned |
|---|---|---|
| URL | https://example.com | Browser opens the URL |
| Plain text | Table 7 — Reserved | Text is displayed |
| Phone number | tel:+442071234567 | Phone app opens with number pre-filled |
| mailto:hello@example.com | Email client opens with address pre-filled | |
| SMS | sms:+442071234567 | Messaging app opens with number pre-filled |
| Wi-Fi credentials | WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyNetwork;P:password;; | Device offers to join the network |
How to Generate a QR Code
- Open the QR Code Generator.
- Type or paste your URL or text into the input field.
- The QR code updates live as you type.
- Optionally change the foreground and background colors using the color pickers.
- Click Download PNG to save the image.
Sizing Guidelines
For print
The minimum readable size for a printed QR code is approximately 2 cm × 2 cm (about 0.8 inches square) at a standard scanning distance of 20–30 cm. For business cards, posters, or packaging, 3–4 cm is more reliable. The PNG downloaded from the tool is high-resolution and can be scaled up for large-format printing without pixelation.
For screens
On-screen QR codes shown on a phone, tablet, or monitor should be at least 200×200 pixels at the display size where users will scan them. A QR code on a presentation slide should fill at least one-quarter of the screen to be scannable from the back of a room.
Quiet zone
Every QR code requires a quiet zone — a margin of white space around all four sides equal to at least 4 modules (the small squares that make up the code). The tool generates codes with a built-in quiet zone. If you place the QR code over a colored or patterned background, ensure this margin is still visible.
Color Customization
QR codes are not limited to black on white. The generator lets you set any foreground and background color. Some rules to follow:
- Maintain sufficient contrast. The scanner needs to distinguish dark modules from light ones. Aim for a contrast ratio of at least 4:1.
- Keep foreground darker than background. Most scanners expect the modules to be darker than the background. Inverting this (light on dark) reduces reliability with some readers.
- Avoid very similar colors. A dark blue on dark navy will fail. Use the Color Picker to check contrast ratios before printing.
Testing Before Printing
Always scan a test print before producing bulk materials. Scan the code with at least two different apps — the built-in camera app on iOS or Android, and a third-party scanner like Google Lens. If either fails, increase the size, improve the color contrast, or shorten the encoded URL using the URL Shortener (shorter URLs produce less complex QR codes that scan more reliably).
Privacy
QR codes are generated client-side in your browser using the qrcode.js library. No input text is sent to a server. The downloaded PNG is generated locally and saved directly to your device.
Generate QR Codes Free Online
Custom colors, PNG download, no account. Any URL or text, instant results.
Open QR Code Generator