QR Code Generator

Generate QR codes from text, URLs, or data. Customize size, colors, and error correction for scannable QR codes.

Input

What It Does

QR Code Generator creates scannable QR (Quick Response) codes from text, URLs, contact information, WiFi credentials, or any data. QR codes are two-dimensional barcodes that smartphones and QR readers can scan to instantly access information. This tool generates customizable QR codes with adjustable size, error correction level, and download options (PNG, SVG, PDF), making it perfect for marketing materials, product packaging, event tickets, and contactless information sharing. The generator encodes your data into a QR code matrix using industry-standard algorithms—it supports multiple data types: plain text, URLs (automatically opens in browser), email addresses (opens email client), phone numbers (initiates call), SMS (pre-fills message), WiFi credentials (auto-connects), and vCard contact information. The tool allows customization of size (from 128x128 to 2048x2048 pixels), error correction level (low 7%, medium 15%, quartile 25%, high 30%), and output format (PNG for print, SVG for scalable graphics, PDF for documents).

Key Features:

  • Multiple data type support: URL, text, email, phone, SMS, WiFi, vCard
  • Customizable size: 128px to 2048px for various use cases
  • Error correction levels: L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%)
  • Multiple export formats: PNG, SVG (vector), PDF
  • Custom colors: foreground and background color selection
  • Logo embedding: add brand logo to center of QR code
  • Bulk generation: create multiple QR codes from CSV
  • Preview and test: scan preview before downloading

How To Use

Generate a QR code in three steps. Enter the data you want to encode (URL, text, contact info, etc.), customize the appearance and size, and download the QR code image for use in your materials.

1

Enter Data to Encode

Select the data type (URL, plain text, email, phone, WiFi, vCard) and enter your content. For URLs, paste the complete link starting with https://. For WiFi, enter network name, password, and security type (WPA/WEP). For vCard, fill in contact details like name, email, and phone. The tool automatically formats the data according to QR code standards.

2

Customize Appearance

Choose QR code size based on usage: 256-512px for digital use (websites, apps), 1024-2048px for print materials (posters, business cards, product packaging). Select error correction level: use Low (7%) for clean environments, Medium (15%) for general use, Quartile (25%) if adding a logo, or High (30%) for damaged or dirty surfaces. Optionally customize colors and add a brand logo in the center.

3

Download and Test

Preview the QR code and scan it with your smartphone to verify it works correctly. Download in your preferred format: PNG for raster images (most versatile), SVG for scalable vector graphics (logos, large prints), or PDF for document inclusion. Test the QR code at the actual size it will be printed or displayed to ensure scannability.

Benefits

Instant Access: Users scan with smartphones to access information immediately without typing URLs or contact details
Contactless Sharing: Perfect for COVID-era touchless information distribution at restaurants, events, and retail
Versatile Applications: Use for websites, payments, WiFi sharing, app downloads, event check-ins, and product authentication
Analytics Friendly: Use trackable shortened URLs inside QR codes to measure scan rates and user engagement
Print-Ready: High-resolution exports suitable for any print size from business cards to billboards
Error Tolerant: Built-in error correction allows QR codes to work even with minor damage or obstruction (up to 30%)
Universal Compatibility: Works with all modern smartphones—no special app required as cameras natively scan QR codes

Use Cases

Restaurant Contactless Menus

Create QR codes linking to digital menus for contactless dining. Generate a QR code with your menu URL (like "menu.yourrestaurant.com"), download at high resolution (1024px+), and print on table cards, window decals, or display stands. Use Medium or Quartile error correction since table cards may get wet or dirty. Create separate QR codes for dine-in menus, takeout menus, and allergen information. Update the linked menu page without reprinting QR codes.

Event Tickets and Check-in

Generate unique QR codes for event tickets containing attendee information. Encode ticket ID, attendee name, and event details. Embed QR codes in email tickets or mobile wallet passes (Apple Wallet, Google Pay). At event entrance, scan QR codes with a mobile app or tablet to verify tickets and check in attendees. Use High error correction to ensure scannability even if tickets are printed on home printers or displayed on screens with glare. For large events, use QR codes for session tracking and access control to VIP areas.

Product Packaging and Authentication

Add QR codes to product packaging for instructions, warranty registration, authenticity verification, or additional product information. Encode URLs to user manuals, how-to videos, or registration forms. For luxury goods or pharmaceuticals, use QR codes with unique serial numbers for anti-counterfeiting. Place QR codes on product labels, boxes, or hang tags. Size the QR code appropriately for package dimensions—minimum 2x2cm for reliable scanning at arm's length.

Marketing Campaigns and Print Ads

Include QR codes in print advertisements, billboards, posters, flyers, and direct mail to drive traffic to landing pages. Create campaign-specific URLs (yoursite.com/summer-sale-2024) and encode in QR codes. Use URL shorteners with tracking (bit.ly, QR code platforms with analytics) to measure scan rates and campaign effectiveness. Place QR codes prominently with clear calls-to-action like "Scan for 20% Off" or "Scan to Watch Video". Size QR codes based on viewing distance: larger for billboards, smaller for magazine ads.

WiFi Network Sharing

Create QR codes for WiFi credentials so guests can connect instantly without typing passwords. Encode network name (SSID), password, and security type (WPA2). Print QR codes on cards, acrylic displays, or wall art for homes, offices, hotels, or coffee shops. When guests scan the QR code, their phone automatically prompts to join the network. This is especially useful for complex passwords with symbols and mixed case. Update QR codes when changing WiFi passwords for security rotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1 What size should my QR code be for printing?
Follow the 10:1 rule: the scanning distance should be no more than 10 times the QR code's size. For business cards scanned at 25cm (10 inches), use minimum 2.5x2.5cm (1x1 inch). For posters scanned at 1 meter, use minimum 10x10cm. For billboards scanned at 10 meters, use minimum 1x1 meter. Additionally, generate high-resolution images for print: 300 DPI minimum. For a 5x5cm QR code at 300 DPI, use 590x590 pixels minimum, or better yet, use SVG format which scales infinitely. Always test printed QR codes at the intended scanning distance before mass production. Add a quiet zone (white border) of at least 4 modules (individual squares) around the QR code for reliable scanning.
2 What error correction level should I use?
Choose based on usage environment: Low (7%) for pristine digital displays where damage is unlikely, Medium (15%) for most general use including printed materials in clean environments, Quartile (25%) when adding a logo or brand element in the center of the QR code, or High (30%) for outdoor use, product packaging that may get dirty, or any situation where damage or obstruction is likely. Higher error correction allows more data recovery but creates denser QR codes with more modules, requiring larger print sizes for reliable scanning. For critical applications like payment QR codes or event tickets, use Quartile or High. For simple website links in controlled environments, Medium is sufficient.
3 Can I customize QR code colors and add logos?
Yes, but with caution. For colors, maintain high contrast between foreground (typically black) and background (typically white). Dark colors on light backgrounds work best. Avoid low-contrast combinations like yellow on white or dark blue on black. Never use gradients or patterns that reduce scannability. For logos, use Quartile (25%) or High (30%) error correction and limit logo size to 20-30% of the QR code's center area. Test extensively after adding logos—not all QR readers handle logo overlays well. For maximum compatibility, use standard black-on-white QR codes without logos. Custom designs may work on modern smartphones but fail on older QR scanners.
4 How long do QR codes remain valid?
The QR code itself never expires—it's just a visual encoding of data. However, what the QR code points to may expire. If your QR code contains a URL and that website goes offline or the page is deleted, the QR code becomes useless even though it still scans. To maintain QR code longevity: 1) Use URL shorteners or redirect services so you can update destinations without reprinting QR codes, 2) Host landing pages on stable, maintained domains, 3) Implement server-side redirects to update content over time, 4) Monitor QR code analytics to detect when codes stop being scanned (may indicate broken links), 5) For permanent installations (gravestones, plaques, monuments), use QR code services that guarantee long-term URL stability. For business use, plan for QR code lifecycle management.
5 What's the maximum amount of data a QR code can hold?
Capacity depends on data type and error correction level. Maximum capacities (with Low error correction): 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 2,953 binary bytes, or 1,817 Kanji characters. However, practical limits are much lower for scannability. QR codes with maximum data become very dense with tiny modules, requiring large print sizes and ideal scanning conditions. Keep data minimal: URLs under 100 characters work best (use URL shorteners for long links), vCards should include only essential contact info, WiFi credentials are typically well within limits. If you need to encode large amounts of data, consider linking to a web page instead of encoding everything directly. Smaller data = simpler QR code = better scannability.

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