QR Code Generator

Select QR Code Type

Enter Data

Dot Shape Style

QR Code Size

Error Correction

Color Customization

Eye Frame Style

Eye Ball Style

Advanced Options

Preview

Your QR code will appear here

Everything You Need to Know About QR Code Generation

QR codes have revolutionized how we share information in the digital age. Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or individual user, our free QR code generator provides professional-grade tools to create custom QR codes for any purpose. Learn more about QR codes and how to make the most of them below.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a QR Code and How Does It Work?

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information in a matrix of black and white squares. When scanned with a smartphone camera or QR code reader, it instantly provides access to the encoded data, which can be a website URL, contact information, WiFi credentials, or any text-based content. QR codes were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company, to track vehicle parts during manufacturing. Today, they're used worldwide for marketing, payments, authentication, and information sharing.

QR codes work by encoding data into geometric patterns that scanning devices can interpret. Each QR code contains positioning markers (the three squares in the corners), alignment patterns, timing patterns, and data modules that store the actual information. The error correction capability means QR codes can still be read even if up to 30% of the code is damaged or obscured, making them incredibly reliable for real-world use.

What Types of QR Codes Can I Create?

Our QR code generator supports 17 different types of QR codes to meet all your needs:

  • Text QR Codes: Perfect for sharing plain text messages, quotes, or instructions
  • URL QR Codes: Direct users to any website or landing page instantly
  • Email QR Codes: Create pre-filled email messages with subject and body text
  • Phone QR Codes: Enable one-tap calling with encoded phone numbers
  • SMS QR Codes: Send pre-written text messages to specific numbers
  • WiFi QR Codes: Share WiFi network credentials without revealing passwords
  • Contact QR Codes (vCard): Share complete contact information including name, phone, email, and organization
  • Location QR Codes: Share GPS coordinates for maps and navigation
  • Event QR Codes (vEvent): Create calendar events with dates, times, and locations
  • WhatsApp QR Codes: Start WhatsApp conversations with pre-filled messages
  • Social Media QR Codes: Link to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms
  • Payment QR Codes: Create PayPal, Bitcoin, and Ethereum payment links

Each type is optimized for its specific use case, ensuring maximum compatibility and functionality across all devices and platforms.

How Can I Customize My QR Code Design?

Our advanced QR code generator offers extensive customization options that go far beyond basic black-and-white codes:

Dot Shapes: Choose from 22 different shapes including square, circle, rounded, diamond, emerald, star, heart, hexagon, pentagon, triangle, leaf, gear, plus, cross, and many artistic variations. Each shape gives your QR code a unique personality while maintaining scannability.

Eye Styles: Customize both the outer frame (16 styles) and inner ball (16 styles) of the three position markers. Options include square, circle, rounded corners, diagonal cuts, and sophisticated patterns like "c-round" that adapt based on position.

Colors and Gradients: Apply solid colors or stunning gradients to your QR code. Choose between linear and radial gradients with up to three colors. You can even set different colors for each eye position (top-left, top-right, bottom-left) for truly unique designs.

Advanced Effects: Add rotation (0-360ยฐ), liquid radius for merged dots, dot gaps for spacing, and piece strokes for outlined effects. These professional features help your QR code stand out while remaining fully functional.

Logo Integration: Upload your company logo or brand image to place in the center of your QR code. The system automatically clears space around the logo and adjusts the error correction to ensure reliability. Logo size is adjustable from 10% to 50% of the QR code size.

What is Error Correction and Why Does It Matter?

Error correction is a crucial feature built into QR codes that allows them to be read even when partially damaged, dirty, or obscured. Our generator offers four error correction levels:

  • Low (L) - 7% Recovery: Can restore up to 7% of damaged data. Best for clean environments where damage is unlikely. Creates smaller, simpler QR codes that scan faster.
  • Medium (M) - 15% Recovery: Can restore up to 15% of damaged data. The default and recommended setting for most use cases. Provides a good balance between size and reliability.
  • Quality (Q) - 25% Recovery: Can restore up to 25% of damaged data. Ideal for outdoor use, printed materials, or when adding logos. Creates more complex codes but ensures better reliability.
  • High (H) - 30% Recovery: Can restore up to 30% of damaged data. Maximum protection for challenging environments, manufacturing applications, or when adding large logos. Best for long-term durability.

Higher error correction levels allow you to add larger logos and design elements while maintaining scannability. If you plan to add a logo, we recommend using at least Quality (Q) level. For industrial or outdoor applications where the code may face wear and tear, High (H) level provides maximum reliability.

What Size Should My QR Code Be?

Our generator offers four preset sizes: 250px, 300px, 400px, and 500px, but the optimal size depends on your use case:

Digital Use (Websites, Emails, Screens): 250-300px is typically sufficient for screen displays. QR codes will scale perfectly on different devices and maintain their quality because they're vector-based.

Business Cards: Minimum 0.8 inches (2cm) for reliable scanning. We recommend generating at 400-500px and printing at high resolution.

Flyers and Posters: Size should be proportional to viewing distance. A good rule is: QR code size (in cm) = viewing distance (in cm) รท 10. For a poster viewed from 3 meters away, use a 30cm QR code.

Billboards and Large Signage: Generate at maximum size (500px) and scale up during printing. Ensure a minimum size of 60cm for roadside billboards.

Product Packaging: Minimum 1.2 inches (3cm) for retail products. Consider the package size and typical scanning distance.

Remember: You can download QR codes as SVG (vector format) which scales infinitely without quality loss, making it perfect for both small business cards and large billboards. When printing, always use vector formats (SVG or PDF) and ensure sufficient contrast between the QR code and background.

Which Download Format Should I Use?

We offer three download formats, each optimized for different purposes:

SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics): The best choice for professional use. SVG files are vector-based, meaning they can be scaled to any size without losing quality. Perfect for printing on business cards, posters, billboards, or t-shirts. SVG files are also smaller in file size and can be edited in design software like Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape, or Figma. Use SVG when you need maximum flexibility and quality.

PNG (Portable Network Graphics): Ideal for web use and social media. PNG is a raster format that maintains quality and supports transparency. Best for websites, email signatures, digital presentations, and online marketing. PNG files are widely compatible with all platforms and applications. Our PNG exports use high resolution to ensure clarity when displayed digitally.

PDF (Portable Document Format): Perfect for printing and document embedding. PDF files maintain exact formatting across all devices and printers. Use PDF when sending QR codes to professional printers, including them in reports or brochures, or when you need consistent appearance across different platforms. PDFs can be opened and printed by virtually any device without special software.

Quick Guide: For web โ†’ PNG, For print โ†’ SVG or PDF, For sharing โ†’ PDF, For editing โ†’ SVG, For social media โ†’ PNG

Are the QR Codes Generated Free Forever?

Yes! All QR codes generated with our tool are completely free, with no hidden costs, subscriptions, or limitations. Once you create and download a QR code, it's yours forever. Our QR codes are static, meaning:

  • No Expiration: Your QR codes will work indefinitely. There's no time limit or expiration date.
  • No Scanning Limits: Your QR codes can be scanned unlimited times by unlimited users.
  • No Tracking: We don't track who scans your QR codes or collect any analytics data. Your privacy is protected.
  • No Watermarks: All QR codes are generated without any watermarks or branding (except if you choose to add your own logo).
  • No Account Required: You don't need to create an account or provide any personal information to generate QR codes.
  • Commercial Use Allowed: Use your QR codes for any purpose, including commercial projects, marketing campaigns, and product packaging.

However, please note that static QR codes cannot be edited after creation. If you need to change the destination URL or content, you'll need to generate a new QR code. For dynamic QR codes with editability and tracking features, consider using our premium service (coming soon).

What's the Difference Between Static and Dynamic QR Codes?

Static QR Codes (What We Generate):

Static QR codes contain the actual information encoded directly in the pattern. Once generated, the content cannot be changed. Advantages include:ๆฐธไน…ๆœ‰ๅŠน (permanent validity), no subscription needed, faster scanning (no redirect), and complete privacy (no tracking). Perfect for: printed materials, product packaging, permanent links, contact information, WiFi credentials, and any content that won't change.

Dynamic QR Codes:

Dynamic QR codes contain a short URL that redirects to the actual content. The destination can be changed anytime without reprinting the code. Advantages include: editable content, detailed scan analytics, A/B testing capability, and geo-targeting options. However, they require a subscription service, depend on the service provider staying active, and scan slightly slower due to redirection. Perfect for: marketing campaigns, temporary promotions, content that needs updating, and when you need detailed analytics.

For most users, especially for permanent applications like business cards, product labels, or documentation, static QR codes (what our free generator creates) are the better choice. They're more reliable, privacy-friendly, and cost-effective.

How Do I Ensure My QR Code Works Properly?

Follow these best practices to create QR codes that scan reliably every time:

Contrast is Critical: Always use high contrast between the QR code and background. Dark code on light background (or vice versa) is essential. Avoid low-contrast color combinations like yellow on white or dark blue on black.

Size Matters: Ensure your QR code is large enough for the scanning distance. Minimum recommended size is 2cm x 2cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches) for close-range scanning. For every meter of scanning distance, add 1cm to the size.

Test Before Printing: Always test your QR code on multiple devices (iOS and Android) and different QR code reader apps before mass printing. Scan it at the intended distance and lighting conditions.

Quiet Zone: Maintain a blank border around your QR code (called the "quiet zone"). This should be at least 4 modules (the size of four of the smallest squares) wide on all sides. Our generator includes this automatically, but ensure it's preserved when placing in designs.

Print Quality: Use high-resolution printing (minimum 300 DPI). Use vector formats (SVG or PDF) when possible. Avoid JPEG format for printing as it can introduce compression artifacts that interfere with scanning.

Material Considerations: Ensure the printing surface is flat or has minimal curvature. Glossy surfaces can cause glare issues โ€“ test under different lighting conditions. For outdoor use, use weather-resistant materials and higher error correction levels.

Logo Guidelines: If adding a logo, keep it under 30% of the QR code size and use High (H) error correction. Ensure the logo doesn't cover critical positioning markers or create ambiguity in the pattern.

What Are the Best Use Cases for QR Codes?

Marketing and Advertising: Add QR codes to print advertisements, billboards, product packaging, and promotional materials to drive traffic to landing pages, special offers, or product information. Track campaign effectiveness by using unique URLs for each campaign.

Business Cards and Networking: Include a vCard QR code on business cards for instant contact sharing. Recipients can save your complete contact information with one scan, including phone, email, website, and social media profiles.

Restaurant Menus: Replace physical menus with QR codes, especially valuable for hygiene-conscious customers. Easy to update with seasonal items, prices, or daily specials without reprinting. Can include allergen information and high-quality food photos.

Product Information and Instructions: Link to detailed product specifications, assembly instructions, video tutorials, warranty information, or customer support resources. Especially useful for products with complex setup or multiple languages.

Event Management: Use QR codes for event tickets, check-ins, session schedules, exhibitor information, and networking. Attendees can add event details to their calendars with one scan.

Education: Teachers can share homework assignments, study materials, video lessons, or interactive content. Students can access supplementary learning resources instantly from textbooks or handouts.

Real Estate: Place QR codes on property signs linking to virtual tours, detailed listings, floor plans, neighborhood information, or agent contact details. Potential buyers can access information 24/7.

Retail and E-commerce: Enable quick access to online stores, product reviews, size guides, or loyalty programs. In-store QR codes can bridge physical and digital shopping experiences.

Healthcare: Share patient information, medication instructions, appointment reminders, or health records securely. QR codes on prescription labels can link to detailed medication guides.

Museums and Tourism: Provide audio guides, historical information, interactive exhibits, or multilingual content. Visitors can explore at their own pace with rich multimedia content.

Can I Track How Many People Scan My QR Code?

With static QR codes (what our free generator creates), direct tracking is not possible because the QR code doesn't go through any intermediate server โ€“ it directly opens the content when scanned. However, you can still gather analytics indirectly:

URL Shorteners with Analytics: Instead of encoding your final URL directly, use a URL shortener service like Bitly, TinyURL, or Google's URL Shortener. Encode the shortened URL in your QR code. These services provide detailed analytics including scan counts, geographic location, devices used, and time of scans.

UTM Parameters: Add UTM parameters to your URLs to track traffic in Google Analytics. For example: yoursite.com?utm_source=qrcode&utm_medium=flyer&utm_campaign=summer2024. This helps identify which campaigns or materials are driving traffic.

Unique Landing Pages: Create specific landing pages for each QR code campaign. Monitor page visits through your website analytics to understand QR code performance.

Coupon Codes: Include unique coupon codes or promotional codes in QR codes. Track redemptions to measure engagement and ROI.

Custom Domains: Use custom short domains (like yourbrand.co/promo) with redirect tracking to maintain brand consistency while gathering analytics.

For advanced tracking needs including real-time analytics, A/B testing, and the ability to change the destination URL without reprinting, consider dynamic QR code services (premium service coming soon).

Are QR Codes Secure? What About Privacy?

Security Considerations:

QR codes themselves are just containers of information โ€“ they're neither inherently secure nor insecure. The security depends on what they contain and how they're used. Users should always preview the content before scanning unknown QR codes. Modern smartphones typically show a preview of URLs before opening them, adding a layer of protection.

Potential Risks: Malicious actors can create QR codes linking to phishing websites, malware downloads, or payment scams. QR codes can be overlaid on legitimate ones (called "QRishing"). Some QR codes may contain executable code or hidden commands. Public WiFi QR codes could potentially connect you to malicious networks.

Best Security Practices: Only scan QR codes from trusted sources. Always review the URL or content before proceeding. Use a QR scanner app that previews links before opening. Be cautious of QR codes in public spaces that could have been tampered with. For sensitive applications (payments, authentication), verify the source independently. Keep your device's operating system and security software updated.

Privacy with Our Generator: When you use our QR code generator, we don't collect, store, or track any information about your QR codes or their usage. All generation happens in your browser. We don't know what content you encode or who scans your codes. Your QR codes don't phone home or send any data back to our servers. This privacy-first approach means your sensitive business information, contact details, or campaign strategies remain completely confidential.

For Business Use: Implement HTTPS for all destination URLs. Consider using password protection for sensitive content. Regularly monitor for unauthorized QR code overlays on your physical materials. Educate employees and customers about QR code security. For payment QR codes, use verified payment platforms with fraud protection.

What Advanced Features Does Your Generator Offer?

Our QR code generator includes professional-grade features typically found only in premium tools:

22 Dot Shape Options: Transform your QR code's appearance with shapes ranging from basic (square, circle, rounded) to artistic (heart, star, diamond, emerald) to unique (leaf, gear, crescent, pin). Each shape maintains optimal scannability while providing distinctive visual appeal.

32 Eye Style Combinations: Customize the three positioning markers (eyes) with 16 frame styles and 16 ball styles. Options include square, circle, rounded corners, diagonal cuts, conditional rounding (adapts to position), and specialized patterns like "super" (rotated octagon) and "mega" (rounded octagon).

Gradient Support: Apply linear or radial gradients with up to three colors. Create eye-catching QR codes that match your brand's color scheme. Gradient QR codes scan just as reliably as solid-color ones when proper contrast is maintained.

Individual Eye Coloring: Set different colors for each of the three eyes (top-left, top-right, bottom-left) for unique branding or visual hierarchy. Perfect for creating QR codes that incorporate multiple brand colors.

Rotation and Effects: Rotate QR code elements from 0-360ยฐ for dynamic visual appeal. Add liquid radius to merge dots for organic, flowing patterns. Apply dot gaps for stylistic spacing effects. Add piece strokes (outlines) with customizable color and width.

Logo Integration: Upload and embed your brand logo directly in the QR code center. Automatically clears surrounding space and adjusts error correction. Logos scale from 10-50% of QR code size. Supports all common image formats (PNG, JPG, SVG).

Multiple Download Formats: Export as SVG (infinite scalability), PNG (web optimized), or PDF (print ready). All formats maintain perfect quality and include proper margins and quiet zones.

Real-time Preview: See changes instantly as you customize. No need to regenerate โ€“ adjustments appear immediately in the preview panel.

17 Content Types: Pre-configured templates for Text, URL, Email, Phone, SMS, WiFi, vCard Contact, Location, Event, WhatsApp, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, PayPal, Bitcoin, and Ethereum.