QR Code Generator — Create Free QR Codes Online
Generate QR codes for URLs, plain text, WiFi networks, email addresses, phone numbers, and SMS messages. Customize size, colors, error correction level, and margin. Download your QR code as a high-quality PNG or SVG file — all processing happens in your browser with no signup required.
QR Code Options
Enter content to generate a QR code
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that stores data in a pattern of black and white squares. Invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for tracking automotive parts, QR codes can encode URLs, text, WiFi credentials, contact information, and more. They are read by smartphone cameras and dedicated scanners, making them a fast, contactless way to share information.
What are QR code error correction levels?
QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction to remain scannable even when partially damaged. There are four levels: L (Low, ~7% recovery), M (Medium, ~15%), Q (Quartile, ~25%), and H (High, ~30%). Higher error correction means more resilience but lower data capacity. Level M is recommended for general use, while level H is best when adding logo overlays or printing on surfaces that may get damaged.
How far away can a QR code be scanned?
The scanning distance is approximately 10 times the width of the QR code. A 3 cm (about 1.2 inch) QR code can be scanned from roughly 30 cm (12 inches) away. For billboards or signage, larger QR codes are needed. The minimum module size for reliable scanning is about 0.33 mm, and the code must have a white quiet zone (margin) of at least 4 modules around it.
How do I create a WiFi QR code?
Select the WiFi tab in the generator, enter your network name (SSID), choose the encryption type (WPA/WPA2 is most common), enter the password, and optionally mark the network as hidden. The generator creates a QR code in the standard WIFI: format. When someone scans this code with their smartphone, they will be prompted to join the network automatically without typing the password.
What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
A static QR code encodes data directly — the content is fixed and cannot be changed after printing. A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL that points to your actual content; you can change the destination URL at any time without reprinting the code. This generator creates static QR codes. For dynamic QR codes, encode a URL to a redirect service that you control.
What is the maximum amount of data a QR code can store?
The maximum data capacity depends on the error correction level and encoding mode. At error correction level L, a version 40 QR code (177×177 modules) can store up to 7,089 numeric digits, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. Higher error correction levels reduce the capacity. For most practical use cases, keeping data under 300 bytes produces easily scannable codes.
Can I customize the colors of my QR code?
Yes, this generator lets you choose custom dark and light colors. However, for best readability, maintain strong contrast between the two colors. Dark modules should be significantly darker than light modules. Avoid using light colors for the dark modules or dark colors for the background, as some scanners may fail to read low-contrast QR codes. Black on white provides the highest reliability.
Is this QR code generator free to use?
Yes, this QR code generator is completely free with no signup required. You can generate unlimited QR codes for URLs, text, WiFi, email, phone numbers, and SMS messages. Download your QR codes as high-quality PNG or SVG files. All processing happens in your browser — no data is sent to any server.
Should I download QR codes as PNG or SVG?
Choose SVG for print materials (business cards, flyers, posters) because SVG is a vector format that scales to any size without losing quality. Choose PNG for digital use (websites, social media, emails) as it is universally supported. PNG files have a fixed resolution, so generate them at a larger size if you plan to display them at large dimensions.
Can QR codes be scanned from a screen?
Yes, QR codes can be scanned directly from a computer monitor, tablet, or phone screen. Most modern smartphone cameras and QR scanning apps can read codes from any display. Ensure the screen brightness is adequate and avoid glare. The QR code should be displayed at a size large enough for the scanning device to read — at least 2-3 cm on screen for close-range scanning.
About QR Codes
QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional matrix barcodes invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a subsidiary of Toyota. Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes that store data in horizontal lines, QR codes encode data in both horizontal and vertical directions, allowing them to store significantly more information in a compact square format. QR codes can be scanned by smartphone cameras and dedicated readers, making them a ubiquitous tool for sharing URLs, contact information, WiFi credentials, and more.
How QR Codes Work
A QR code is composed of black and white squares called modules arranged in a square grid on a white background. The code contains several key components:
- Finder patterns — Three large squares in the corners that help scanners detect and orient the QR code regardless of rotation
- Alignment patterns — Smaller squares that help correct for perspective distortion when scanning at an angle
- Timing patterns — Alternating black and white modules between finder patterns that define the grid coordinates
- Format information — Encodes the error correction level and mask pattern used
- Data and error correction — The actual encoded data along with Reed-Solomon error correction codewords
QR codes support four encoding modes: numeric (digits 0-9), alphanumeric (digits, uppercase letters, and symbols), byte (arbitrary binary data including UTF-8), and kanji (Japanese characters). The encoder automatically selects the most efficient mode for the input data.
Error Correction Levels
QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction to remain readable even when partially damaged or obscured. There are four levels of error correction, each offering a trade-off between data capacity and resilience:
| Level | Recovery Capacity | Max Data (Version 40) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| L (Low) | ~7% recovery | 2,953 bytes | Maximum data capacity, clean environments |
| M (Medium) | ~15% recovery | 2,331 bytes | General use, good balance of size and resilience |
| Q (Quartile) | ~25% recovery | 1,663 bytes | Printed materials that may get dirty or damaged |
| H (High) | ~30% recovery | 1,273 bytes | Logo overlays, harsh environments, maximum durability |
QR Code Data Types
- URL — The most common use. Encoding a full URL (e.g.,
https://example.com) allows scanners to open the link directly in a web browser - WiFi — Uses the
WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;format. When scanned, most smartphones will prompt to join the WiFi network automatically - Email (mailto:) — Encodes an email address with optional subject and body using the
mailto:URI scheme. Opens the default email client on the scanning device - Phone (tel:) — Encodes a phone number using the
tel:URI scheme. Scanning initiates a phone call - SMS — Encodes a phone number and optional message using the
sms:URI scheme. Opens the messaging app with a pre-filled recipient and message - Plain Text — Any arbitrary text content. Useful for encoding messages, serial numbers, product information, or any other textual data
QR Code Size and Scanning Distance
QR codes come in 40 versions (sizes), ranging from 21×21 modules (version 1) to 177×177 modules (version 40). The library automatically selects the smallest version that fits your data. When printing or displaying QR codes, consider these guidelines:
- Minimum size — Each module should be at least 0.33mm (about 1/76 inch) for reliable scanning
- Scanning distance — As a rule of thumb, the scanning distance is approximately 10 times the QR code width. A 3cm QR code can be scanned from about 30cm away
- Quiet zone — Maintain a white border (margin) of at least 4 modules around the QR code for reliable detection
- Contrast — Ensure strong contrast between the dark and light modules. Black on white provides the best readability
- Print resolution — For print, export at 300 DPI or higher. SVG format is ideal for print as it scales without quality loss
Best Practices for QR Codes
- Keep the encoded data as short as possible — use URL shorteners for long URLs to produce smaller, easier-to-scan QR codes
- Test your QR code with multiple scanning apps and devices before distributing it
- Use error correction level M or higher for printed materials that may get creased, stained, or worn
- Avoid inverting colors (white on black) as some older scanners may not read inverted QR codes
- Do not distort the aspect ratio — QR codes must remain perfectly square
- If adding a logo overlay, use error correction level H and keep the logo small (no more than 10-15% of the QR code area)
- For dynamic content, consider using a URL that redirects to the target — this lets you update the destination without reprinting the QR code
- Always provide a text alternative (URL, phone number) alongside the QR code for accessibility