QR Code Generator Free
Free QR code generator online — turn any text or URL into a QR code instantly. Customize colors and size, then download as PNG. No signup, nothing sent to any server.
How to Generate a QR Code
- 1Type or paste your text, URL, email address, or any content into the input field. The QR code updates live as you type.
- 2Customise the foreground and background colours to match your brand or design using the color pickers.
- 3Adjust the size (pixels) and error correction level (L, M, Q, or H). Use Level H if you plan to overlay a logo on the code.
- 4Click Download PNG to save the QR code to your device. Use it on print materials, websites, digital displays, or share it directly.
About QR Codes
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a 2D barcode that any modern smartphone camera can scan to instantly open a URL, display contact information, connect to Wi-Fi, or reveal any other encoded text. Developed in 1994 by Denso Wave for automotive parts tracking, QR codes are now used everywhere — business cards, product packaging, restaurant menus, event tickets, payment systems, and marketing materials.
This generator creates standard QR Version 1–40 codes using the qrcode library, rendered directly to an HTML canvas in your browser. Nothing is sent to any server — the QR code is generated and downloaded entirely client-side. Error correction level controls how much of the code can be damaged or obscured while still remaining scannable: Level L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%). Use Level H when you plan to overlay a logo or design on top of the QR code.
Common QR Code Use Cases
| Use Case | What to Encode | Recommended Error Level |
|---|---|---|
| Website link | Full URL (https://...) | M |
| Business card / vCard | vCard 3.0 formatted text | M |
| Wi-Fi login | WIFI:S:MyNetwork;T:WPA;P:MyPassword;; | M |
| Email address | mailto:name@example.com | L |
| Phone number | tel:+12025551234 | L |
| Logo overlay design | Any URL or text | H |
| Product packaging | Product URL or tracking ID | Q |
| Event ticket | Booking ID or verification URL | Q |
Tips for Better QR Codes
Keep URLs Short
Shorter URLs produce simpler QR codes with fewer modules — easier to scan, especially at small print sizes. Use a URL shortener for very long links, or ensure the destination URL is concise.
High Contrast Always Scans
Dark foreground on a light background is the most reliable combination. Coloured codes work, but ensure enough contrast. Avoid light grey on white or similar low-contrast pairs — older cameras struggle with them.
Use Level H for Logos
If you want to overlay your logo onto the QR code in a design tool, select error correction Level H first. This builds in 30% redundancy so the covered area doesn't break scannability.
Test Before Printing
Always scan the QR code with at least two different phones before committing to a print run. Test with both the native camera app and a third-party scanner. A failed print job is expensive.
Minimum Print Size
Print QR codes at a minimum of 2 cm × 2 cm. For posters or outdoor signage viewed from a distance, scale up proportionally — 5–10 cm is typical for wall posters. The PNG output from this tool is 1024 × 1024 px by default.
Add a Call to Action
QR codes alone don't tell people what they'll get. Add a label near the code — "Scan to see our menu", "Scan to connect to Wi-Fi" — to increase the scan rate significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I encode in a QR code?
A QR code can encode any plain text string — URLs, email addresses, phone numbers, Wi-Fi credentials (SSID and password), vCard contact details, plain text messages, or any custom data up to about 4,296 alphanumeric characters. The most common use is encoding a URL that opens in a browser when scanned.
What is error correction level and which should I use?
Error correction allows a QR code to be read even when part of it is damaged, obscured, or covered by a logo. Four levels are available: L (7% recovery), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%). Use Level L or M for standard uses like URLs. Use Level H if you plan to overlay a logo or design on the code — higher correction means larger code with more redundancy.
How large should my QR code be for print?
For reliable scanning, a QR code should be at least 2 cm × 2 cm at the printed size. The minimum recommended size is 1 × 1 inch (2.5 cm). For posters and signage, aim for 3–5 cm minimum. The generator outputs at up to 1024 px, which is suitable for most print needs at standard DPI. For large-format printing (banners, billboards), scale up proportionally.
Can I use a custom color for my QR code?
Yes. The generator lets you set both the foreground (module) color and background color. Any combination is valid as long as there is sufficient contrast — dark modules on a light background. Avoid low-contrast combinations like light grey on white, which may not scan reliably on older phones.
Is the QR code generated on a server?
No. The QR code is generated entirely in your browser using the qrcode JavaScript library. Your input text is never sent to any server. This makes it safe to generate QR codes containing private Wi-Fi passwords, internal URLs, or confidential data.
Can I scan a QR code I generated here with any phone?
Yes. This tool generates standard QR codes (ISO/IEC 18004). Any modern smartphone camera app — iOS 11+, Android 9+, and all major third-party scanner apps — can read them. There is no proprietary format or app required.
Does the QR code expire?
No. A static QR code contains fixed data that never expires or changes. If you encode a URL, the QR code will always point to that exact URL. If you need to change the destination later without reprinting the code, you would need a URL shortener service that supports redirection — that is not something this generator handles.
What image format is the download?
The download is a PNG file — a lossless raster format. PNG is suitable for most uses. For scalable print quality at arbitrary sizes, open the PNG in a vector editor (Inkscape, Illustrator) and trace it to SVG. PNG at 1024 × 1024 px is sufficient for most print needs under 10 × 10 cm.