QR Code Generator

What is a QR Code?

A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores information like URLs, text, contact details, WiFi credentials, and more. Unlike traditional barcodes, QR codes can be scanned by smartphone cameras, making them ideal for bridging the physical and digital worlds.

Common uses:

• Marketing: Product packaging, posters, business cards
• Payments: Mobile payment systems (PayTM, Google Pay, etc.)
• Authentication: Two-factor authentication, event tickets
• Information sharing: Restaurant menus, WiFi passwords, contact cards

What is a QR Code Generator?

A QR Code Generator is a tool that converts text, URLs, phone numbers, emails, or other data into a scannable QR code image. This tool lets you:

• Generate QR codes for 6 different data types (URL, Text, Email, Phone, SMS, WiFi)
• Customize size, colors, and error correction levels
• Download as PNG or copy to clipboard
• Create codes that work with any QR scanner app

How to Use This QR Code Generator

Step 1: Select QR Code Type

Choose the type of data you want to encode:

URL (Default)

Create a QR code that opens a website when scanned.

Use cases:

• Link to your website or landing page
• Share product pages or documentation
• Marketing campaigns and posters
• Social media profiles

Example: https://example.com or just example.com (automatically adds https://)

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Text

Encode plain text that displays when scanned.

Use cases:

• Share messages or instructions
• Product descriptions
• Event information
• Serial numbers or codes

Example: "Welcome to our store! Show this code for 10% off."

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Email

Create a QR code that opens an email compose window.

Use cases:

• Business cards with email addresses
• Customer support contact
• Feedback forms
• Newsletter signups

Example: support@example.com

When scanned: Opens mail app with pre-filled recipient address.

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Phone

Generate a QR code that initiates a phone call when scanned.

Use cases:

• Business cards
• Customer service hotlines
• Emergency contact numbers
• Appointment booking

Example: +1234567890

When scanned: Opens phone dialer with number pre-filled.

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SMS

Create a QR code that opens SMS/text messaging app.

Use cases:

• Text-to-vote campaigns
• SMS marketing opt-ins
• Quick customer support
• Event RSVPs

Example: +1234567890

When scanned: Opens messaging app with recipient number ready.

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WiFi

Encode WiFi network credentials for easy connection.

Use cases:

• Guest WiFi access at cafes, hotels, offices
• Home WiFi sharing with visitors
• Event venues with WiFi
• Airbnb properties

Format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;

Parameters:

• T: Security type (WPA, WEP, or leave blank for open networks)
• S: Network name (SSID)
• P: Password

Example: WIFI:T:WPA;S:MyHomeNetwork;P:MySecurePassword123;;

When scanned: Automatically connects to WiFi network (on supported devices).

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Step 2: Enter Your Data

Type or paste the content you want to encode:

• URL: Enter full URL (https://example.com) or domain (example.com)
• Text: Any text up to ~2,000 characters (less for high error correction)
• Email: Just the email address (name@domain.com)
• Phone/SMS: Include country code (+1234567890)
• WiFi: Follow the format exactly: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;

Tips:

• Keep URLs short for simpler QR codes (use URL shorteners if needed)
• Test WiFi codes before printing—one typo breaks the connection
• For text, shorter content = more scannable QR code

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Step 3: Customize QR Code Appearance

Size (128px – 512px)

Adjust the size of your QR code:

• 128px: Small codes for digital use (websites, emails)
• 256px: Default size, works for most cases
• 384px: Larger codes for print (flyers, posters)
• 512px: Maximum size for billboards, banners, large signage

Rule of thumb: For print, use at least 256px. For screens, 128-256px is fine.

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Error Correction Level

QR codes have built-in error correction—even if part of the code is damaged or obscured, it can still be scanned.

Choose from 4 levels:

Level	Recovery	Use Case
L (Low)	7%	Clean environments, short-term use
M (Medium)	15%	Default choice for most applications
Q (Quartile)	25%	Printed materials, outdoor use
H (High)	30%	Harsh conditions, logos embedded in QR code

When to use each:

• L (7%): Digital screens, temporary codes, clean surfaces
• M (15%): Business cards, product packaging, websites (recommended default)
• Q (25%): Outdoor posters, stickers, billboards
• H (30%): Dirty/damaged surfaces, codes with logos in center, industrial use

Important: Higher error correction = larger, more complex QR codes. Use the lowest level that meets your needs.

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QR Code Color (Foreground)

Change the color of the QR code itself (the black squares in standard codes).

Default: #000000 (black)

Tips:

• High contrast is critical: QR code must be darker than background
• Avoid light colors: Yellow, pink, light gray may not scan reliably
• Dark colors work best: Black, dark blue, dark green, brown
• Test before printing: Not all scanners handle colored codes equally

Safe color choices:

• Black (#000000) – Most reliable
• Dark blue (#1E3A8A)
• Dark green (#065F46)
• Dark red (#7F1D1D)
• Dark purple (#581C87)

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Background Color

Change the background color (the white area in standard codes).

Default: #FFFFFF (white)

Tips:

• Must be lighter than QR code color: Low contrast = scanning failures
• White or very light colors work best: Off-white, cream, light gray
• Avoid dark backgrounds: Dark backgrounds require light QR codes (unreliable)

Safe background choices:

• White (#FFFFFF) – Most reliable
• Off-white (#F9FAFB)
• Light gray (#F3F4F6)
• Light yellow (#FFFBEB)
• Light blue (#EFF6FF)

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Include Margin

Toggle whether to add quiet zone (margin) around the QR code.

Checked (default): Adds 4-module margin around code (recommended) Unchecked: No margin, code extends to edges

When to use margin:

• ✅ Always for print: Margins prevent scanning issues when codes are placed near other graphics
• ✅ Business cards, posters, packaging: Essential for reliability
• ❌ Digital overlays: May omit margin if embedding in a larger design with built-in spacing

Best practice: Always include margin unless you have a specific design reason not to.

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Step 4: Generate and Preview

As soon as you enter data, the QR code appears in the preview area.

The preview shows:

• Real-time rendering of your QR code
• Applied colors and size
• Margin (if enabled)

Test your code:

1. Open your phone's camera app
2. Point at the preview on your screen
3. Tap the notification to verify it opens correctly

If scanning fails:

• Increase error correction level (try Q or H)
• Increase size (try 384px or 512px)
• Use higher contrast colors (black on white)
• Enable margin

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Step 5: Download or Copy

Download PNG

Click "Download PNG" to save the QR code as an image file.

File format: PNG (transparent background if your background color is white) File name: qrcode-{timestamp}.png (e.g., qrcode-1703012345678.png) Resolution: Matches your selected size (e.g., 256×256px)

Use downloaded PNG for:

• Print materials (business cards, flyers, posters)
• Email signatures
• PowerPoint/Keynote presentations
• Social media posts
• Product packaging

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Copy to Clipboard

Click "Copy to Clipboard" to copy the QR code image directly.

Where to paste:

• Graphic design tools (Figma, Canva, Photoshop)
• Documents (Google Docs, Microsoft Word)
• Chat apps (Slack, Discord, WhatsApp)
• Image editing apps

Note: Not all apps support pasting images. If it doesn't work, use "Download PNG" instead.

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Step 6: Reset (Optional)

Click "Reset" to clear all inputs and return to default settings:

• Value: Cleared
• Size: 256px
• QR Code Color: Black (#000000)
• Background Color: White (#FFFFFF)
• Error Correction: Medium (15%)
• Margin: Enabled

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Common Use Cases

Case 1: Website Link for Business Card

Goal: Add a QR code to your business card that opens your website.

Steps:

1. Select "URL" type
2. Enter your website: https://yourwebsite.com
3. Set size to 256px (good for business card print)
4. Error correction: Q (25%) (handles wear and tear)
5. Keep black/white colors for maximum compatibility
6. Download PNG and add to your business card design

Result: Anyone scanning the QR code opens your website instantly.

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Case 2: WiFi Access for Cafe/Office

Goal: Create a QR code for guests to connect to WiFi without typing passwords.

Steps:

1. Select "WiFi" type
2. Enter: WIFI:T:WPA;S:YourNetworkName;P:YourPassword;;
3. Replace YourNetworkName with actual SSID
4. Replace YourPassword with actual password
5. Set size to 384px (visible from a distance)
6. Error correction: H (30%) (in case code gets dirty/damaged)
7. Download PNG and print on table tent or wall poster

Result: Guests scan the code and connect to WiFi automatically (works on most modern smartphones).

Example:

WIFI:T:WPA;S:CafeGuest;P:Coffee2024;;

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Case 3: Product Packaging with Contact Info

Goal: Add a QR code to product packaging that opens customer support email.

Steps:

1. Select "Email" type
2. Enter: support@yourcompany.com
3. Set size to 256px or 384px
4. Error correction: M (15%) or Q (25%)
5. Customize colors to match brand (e.g., dark blue on light background)
6. Download PNG and add to packaging design

Result: Customers scan the code and their email app opens with your support address pre-filled.

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Case 4: Event Poster with Phone Number

Goal: Create a poster for an event with a QR code that lets people call for more info.

Steps:

1. Select "Phone" type
2. Enter phone number with country code: +1234567890
3. Set size to 512px (large for poster visibility)
4. Error correction: Q (25%) or H (30%)
5. Use high-contrast colors (black on white is safest)
6. Download PNG and add to poster design

Result: People scan the code and their phone dialer opens with the number ready to call.

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Case 5: SMS Campaign for Voting/Feedback

Goal: Run a text-to-vote campaign where users send an SMS to participate.

Steps:

1. Select "SMS" type
2. Enter campaign phone number: +1234567890
3. Set size to 384px or 512px
4. Error correction: Q (25%)
5. Download PNG and add to marketing materials

Result: Users scan the code and their SMS app opens, ready to send a message.

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Case 6: Plain Text Instructions

Goal: Add a QR code to a product that displays setup instructions when scanned.

Steps:

1. Select "Text" type
2. Enter instructions: "To activate, visit activation.com and enter code: 12345XYZ"
3. Set size to 256px
4. Error correction: M (15%)
5. Download PNG and print on product label

Result: Users scan the code and see the text on their screen.

Note: Keep text short (under 500 characters) for best scanning reliability.

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Best Practices for QR Codes

Scanning Reliability

Do:

• ✅ Use high contrast (black on white is most reliable)
• ✅ Include margin (quiet zone) around QR code
• ✅ Use error correction level Q or H for outdoor/print use
• ✅ Test with multiple devices and scanner apps before printing
• ✅ Use at least 256px for print, 128px for digital
• ✅ Keep data short (shorter data = simpler, more scannable code)

Don't:

• ❌ Use low contrast (yellow on white, gray on gray)
• ❌ Print QR codes smaller than 2×2 cm (0.8×0.8 inches)
• ❌ Place QR codes on wrinkled, curved, or reflective surfaces
• ❌ Use error correction level L for outdoor/print (too fragile)
• ❌ Encode very long text (over 1,000 characters)

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Print Guidelines

Minimum print size: 2×2 cm (0.8×0.8 inches) for close-range scanning Recommended size: 3×3 cm to 5×5 cm (1.2–2 inches) Large format: 10×10 cm or larger for posters and billboards

Print resolution:

• Use 300 DPI or higher for professional printing
• Generate QR code at 2× intended print size (e.g., 512px for 2-inch print)

Surface:

• Matte finish works best (avoids glare)
• Avoid glossy or reflective materials if possible
• Flat surfaces are ideal; curved surfaces may reduce scannability

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Color Guidelines

Safe combinations (high contrast):

• Black (#000000) on white (#FFFFFF) – Most reliable
• Dark blue (#1E3A8A) on light blue (#EFF6FF)
• Dark green (#065F46) on light green (#F0FDF4)
• Dark red (#7F1D1D) on light pink (#FEF2F2)

Avoid:

• ❌ Inverted colors (white QR code on black background) – Many scanners fail
• ❌ Light-on-light or dark-on-dark (low contrast)
• ❌ Multiple colors within the QR code itself (confuses scanners)

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Data Size Limits

QR codes have capacity limits based on data type and error correction level:

Data Type	Max Characters (approx.)
Numeric	7,089 (error level L)
Alphanumeric	4,296 (error level L)
Binary/Text	2,953 (error level L)

Higher error correction reduces capacity:

• L (7%): Maximum capacity
• M (15%): ~85% of max capacity
• Q (25%): ~70% of max capacity
• H (30%): ~60% of max capacity

Best practice: Keep data short. For long URLs, use a URL shortener (bit.ly, tinyurl.com, etc.).

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Error Correction Explained

QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction, which allows the code to be scanned even if damaged.

How it works:

• QR code encodes your data plus redundant error-correction data
• If part of the code is obscured (dirt, scratches, tears), the redundant data reconstructs the original
• Higher error correction = more redundancy = larger QR code

Visual guide:

• L (7%): Can recover if 7% of code is damaged
• M (15%): Can recover if 15% of code is damaged
• Q (25%): Can recover if 25% of code is damaged
• H (30%): Can recover if 30% of code is damaged

When to use H (30%):

• QR codes printed on materials prone to wear (stickers, outdoor posters)
• QR codes with logos embedded in the center (the logo obscures part of the code)
• Industrial or construction environments

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Troubleshooting

QR Code Won't Scan

Possible causes and fixes:

1. Low contrast between code and background

   • Solution: Use black on white or very high-contrast colors

2. QR code too small

   • Solution: Increase size to at least 256px or 3×3 cm for print

3. Error correction too low

   • Solution: Increase to Q (25%) or H (30%)

4. No margin around code

   • Solution: Enable "Include margin" checkbox

5. Curved, wrinkled, or reflective surface

   • Solution: Print on flat, matte surface

6. Too much data

   • Solution: Shorten URL (use URL shortener), reduce text length

7. Wrong WiFi format

   • Solution: Double-check format: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;

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Colors Don't Look Right When Printed

Cause: Screen colors (RGB) look different from print colors (CMYK).

Solution:

• Use a color profile converter before printing
• Test print on your actual printer first
• Stick with black/white for guaranteed results

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Downloaded PNG is Blurry

Cause: QR code size is too small for your intended use.

Solution:

• Increase size slider to 384px or 512px
• For very large prints (billboards), use SVG format or generate at maximum size

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Clipboard Copy Doesn't Work

Cause: Some browsers or apps don't support clipboard image paste.

Solution:

• Use "Download PNG" instead
• Try a different browser (Chrome and Edge have best clipboard support)

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Privacy and Security

Browser-Based Generation

This QR code generator runs 100% in your browser:

• ✅ No data sent to servers
• ✅ No tracking or analytics on your QR code content
• ✅ No cookies or storage
• ✅ Works offline (once page loads)

Your data is private. WiFi passwords, phone numbers, emails, and URLs never leave your device.

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QR Code Security Considerations

Important: QR codes themselves are not secure. Anyone who scans them can see the encoded data.

Do not encode:

• ❌ Passwords (except WiFi passwords for guest access)
• ❌ Credit card numbers or financial information
• ❌ Private API keys or tokens
• ❌ Personal identification numbers (SSN, passport numbers)

Safe to encode:

• ✅ Public URLs, websites, social media profiles
• ✅ Business contact information (email, phone)
• ✅ Guest WiFi credentials (not your main network)
• ✅ Event tickets or reservation codes (if meant to be shared)

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Advanced Tips

URL Shorteners for Cleaner QR Codes

Problem: Long URLs create complex, dense QR codes that are harder to scan.

Solution: Use a URL shortener before generating QR code.

Popular shorteners:

• bit.ly
• tinyurl.com
• t.ly
• Custom domain shorteners (branded links)

Example:

• Before: https://www.example.com/products/category/item?id=12345&ref=campaign
• After: https://bit.ly/exampleitem

Result: Shorter URL = simpler QR code = faster, more reliable scanning.

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Embedding Logos in QR Codes

How it works: Use error correction level H (30%) and place a logo in the center of the QR code.

Steps:

1. Generate QR code with error correction set to H (30%)
2. Download PNG
3. Open in graphic design tool (Figma, Photoshop, Canva)
4. Place your logo in the center (keep logo under 20% of total code area)
5. Test with multiple scanners before finalizing

Important: Logo must not obscure too much of the code. Always test thoroughly.

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Dynamic QR Codes (Beyond This Tool)

This tool creates static QR codes: The data is permanently encoded. To change the destination, you need a new code.

Dynamic QR codes: Use a redirect URL that you can change later without reprinting the code.

How to create:

1. Use a URL shortener with redirect management (bit.ly, rebrandly)
2. Generate QR code pointing to the short URL
3. Later, update the redirect destination in your URL shortener dashboard

Use case: Print QR codes on permanent materials (product packaging) but change the destination URL later (update landing page, run new promotions).

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External Resources

• QR Code Specification (ISO/IEC 18004) – Official QR code standard
• QR Code Tutorial (qrcode.com) – History and technical details
• Best Practices Guide – Marketing and design tips
• URL Shortener: Bitly – Create short URLs for cleaner QR codes
• QR Scanner Apps – Test your codes with these popular apps