QR Code Generator

Free QR Code Generator - Create Custom QR Codes Online

Generate professional QR codes for free! Create custom QR codes for URLs, text, WiFi, contact information, email, SMS, and more. Download in high-resolution PNG or SVG format. No sign-up required, completely free, and works on all devices.

Create Your QR Code

🔗 URL/Website

📝 Text

📶 WiFi

📧 Email

💬 SMS

👤 vCard

🌐 Enter Website URL:

📄 Enter Your Text:

📶 Network Name (SSID):

🔐 Password:

🔒 Security Type:

📧 Email Address:

📋 Subject:

💬 Message:

📱 Phone Number:

💬 Message:

👤 Full Name:

📧 Email:

📱 Phone:

🏢 Company:

💼 Job Title:

🎨 Customize Your QR Code

🎨 Foreground Color:

Color of QR code pattern

🎨 Background Color:

Background color

📏 QR Code Size: 256px

Your QR Code is Ready! 🎉

Scan this QR code with your smartphone camera

Why Use Our QR Code Generator?

⚡

Instant Generation

Create QR codes in seconds with real-time preview

🎨

Full Customization

Custom colors, sizes, and styles for your brand

📱

Multiple Types

URL, WiFi, vCard, Email, SMS, and more

🆓

100% Free

No hidden costs, unlimited QR codes forever

📥

High Resolution

Download in PNG or scalable SVG format

🔒

Privacy First

All processing done locally, no data stored

What is a QR Code?

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional barcode that can store various types of information including URLs, text, contact details, and more. Invented in 1994 by Denso Wave for the automotive industry in Japan, QR codes have become ubiquitous in modern life, appearing on products, advertisements, business cards, and even restaurant menus.

Unlike traditional barcodes that can only hold a limited amount of data in one direction, QR codes store information both horizontally and vertically, allowing them to contain significantly more data - up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters or 7,089 numeric characters. This makes them incredibly versatile for various applications.

QR codes work through a simple scanning process: when you point your smartphone camera at a QR code, the device's processor decodes the black and white pattern and executes the embedded action - whether that's opening a website, adding a contact, connecting to WiFi, or displaying text.

💡 Fun QR Code Facts

QR codes can be scanned even if 30% of the code is damaged or dirty
The three corner squares help cameras detect the code's orientation
QR codes can store up to 7,089 digits or 4,296 characters
There are 40 different versions of QR codes with varying data capacities
China processes over 10 billion QR code transactions daily

How to Create a QR Code - Step by Step

Creating a URL QR Code

Select QR Type: Click on the "URL/Website" tab above
Enter URL: Type or paste the complete website URL (must include https://)
Customize: Choose your preferred colors and size
Generate: Click the "Generate QR Code" button
Download: Save as PNG for printing or SVG for editing
Test: Scan with your phone to ensure it works correctly

Creating a WiFi QR Code

Select WiFi Tab: Click on the "WiFi" option
Enter Network Name: Type your WiFi network SSID
Enter Password: Input your WiFi password
Select Security: Choose WPA, WEP, or None
Generate & Download: Create and save your QR code
Share: Print and display for guests to scan and connect instantly

Creating a vCard (Contact) QR Code

Select vCard Tab: Choose the contact option
Fill Details: Enter name, email, phone, company, and job title
Customize Appearance: Set colors to match your brand
Generate: Create your digital business card QR code
Download & Print: Add to business cards, email signatures, or LinkedIn
Share: People can scan to instantly save your contact info

✅ Best Practices for QR Codes

Size Matters: Ensure QR codes are at least 2x2 cm (0.8x0.8 inches) for reliable scanning
High Contrast: Use dark patterns on light backgrounds for best readability
Test Before Printing: Always scan your QR code on multiple devices before mass production
Add a Call-to-Action: Include text like "Scan for menu" or "Scan to connect"
Strategic Placement: Position QR codes at eye level and in well-lit areas
Keep URLs Short: Shorter URLs create simpler, more scannable QR codes

Popular QR Code Use Cases

🏢 Business

Digital business cards, product information, customer feedback forms, loyalty programs, and payment processing

🍽️ Restaurants

Digital menus, table ordering, payment systems, nutritional information, and customer reviews

🎓 Education

Course materials, attendance tracking, library books, campus navigation, and event registration

🏪 Retail

Product details, inventory management, special offers, price comparison, and authenticity verification

🎫 Events

Digital tickets, event schedules, venue maps, networking contacts, and promotional materials

📦 Logistics

Package tracking, inventory control, warehouse management, and supply chain optimization

🏠 Real Estate

Property tours, listing details, agent contact info, virtual open houses, and application forms

💼 Marketing

Campaign tracking, social media links, promotional videos, app downloads, and contest entries

Technical Guide to QR Codes

QR Code Structure

A QR code consists of several key components:

Position Markers: Three large squares in corners for orientation detection
Alignment Patterns: Smaller squares that help with perspective correction
Timing Patterns: Alternating black and white modules for coordinate determination
Format Information: Data about error correction level and mask pattern
Data and Error Correction: The actual encoded information with redundancy
Quiet Zone: Empty border around the code for clear separation

Error Correction Levels

QR codes use Reed-Solomon error correction, allowing them to be readable even when partially damaged:

Level L (Low): 7% damage recovery - suitable for clean environments
Level M (Medium): 15% damage recovery - recommended for most uses
Level Q (Quartile): 25% damage recovery - good for outdoor use
Level H (High): 30% damage recovery - best for harsh conditions

QR Code Versions

QR codes come in 40 different versions, ranging from Version 1 (21×21 modules) to Version 40 (177×177 modules). Higher versions can store more data but require larger physical dimensions and better printing quality. Our generator automatically selects the optimal version based on your content.

How to Scan QR Codes

📱 On iPhone (iOS 11+)

Open the Camera app
Point your camera at the QR code
Wait for the notification banner to appear
Tap the notification to open the link or action
No third-party app needed!

🤖 On Android Devices

Open your Camera app or Google Lens
Point at the QR code
Tap the pop-up notification or link
Alternatively, use Google Assistant with "Scan QR code"
Some older Android versions may need a QR scanner app

💻 On Desktop/Laptop

Use webcam-based online QR scanners
Upload QR code image to online decoder tools
Use browser extensions for quick scanning
Some messaging apps (WhatsApp Web, WeChat) have built-in scanners

🔍 Troubleshooting Scanning Issues

Blurry QR Code: Ensure the QR code is printed clearly and in focus
Poor Lighting: Scan in well-lit areas or use your phone's flashlight
Low Contrast: Regenerate with darker foreground colors
Too Small: Make sure QR code is at least 2cm x 2cm
Damaged Code: If more than 30% is damaged, it won't scan
Wrong Distance: Hold phone 6-12 inches from the QR code

QR Code Security & Safety

⚠️ Potential Security Risks

While QR codes are convenient, they can pose security risks:

Phishing Attacks: Malicious QR codes can lead to fake websites that steal credentials
Malware Distribution: Some QR codes may direct to downloads containing viruses
QRishing: Scammers replace legitimate QR codes with fraudulent ones
Privacy Concerns: QR codes can track your location and device information

🛡️ How to Stay Safe

Preview URLs: Always check the URL before opening (most phones show a preview)
Trust the Source: Only scan QR codes from legitimate, trusted sources
Use Security Apps: Install QR scanner apps with security features
Check for Tampering: Look for stickers covering original QR codes
Avoid Public QR Codes: Be cautious with codes in public spaces
Keep Software Updated: Update your phone's OS for latest security patches

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Are QR codes free to create and use?

Yes! QR codes are completely free to generate and use. There are no licensing fees, royalties, or restrictions. You can create unlimited QR codes for personal or commercial use without any cost. QR code technology is open-source and patent-free since 2000.

Do QR codes expire?

Static QR codes (like those generated by our tool) never expire. They contain permanent data encoded directly in the pattern. However, if the QR code links to a URL, the destination website could be removed or changed. Dynamic QR codes from paid services may expire based on subscription status.

What's the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?

Static QR codes have data permanently encoded in them - you cannot change the content after creation. Our free generator creates static codes. Dynamic QR codes use a short URL that redirects to changeable content, allowing you to update the destination without reprinting. Dynamic codes require paid services and expire when subscriptions end.

What size should I print my QR code?

Minimum recommended size is 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches). For business cards, 1.5-2 cm works well. For posters and signs, scale up proportionally - a QR code on a billboard should be at least 30 x 30 cm. Rule of thumb: divide scanning distance by 10 (scanned from 3 meters = 30 cm QR code).

Can I customize QR code colors?

Yes! You can customize both foreground and background colors. However, maintain high contrast for reliable scanning - dark patterns on light backgrounds work best. Avoid light-colored patterns or low-contrast combinations. Our generator lets you choose any colors while maintaining scannability.

Can QR codes contain logos or images?

Yes, QR codes can contain logos in the center thanks to error correction capabilities. Up to 30% of the QR code can be covered with a logo while remaining scannable. However, this feature requires advanced generators and may reduce scanning reliability. It's recommended to test thoroughly before mass production.

How much data can a QR code hold?

Maximum capacity depends on the QR code version and error correction level. The largest QR code (Version 40) can hold up to 7,089 numeric digits, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. Practical limits are lower - URLs should be under 300 characters for optimal scannability.

Which file format is better - PNG or SVG?

PNG is best for immediate use and digital displays - it's a fixed-size raster image that works everywhere. SVG is ideal for professional printing and design work - it's vector-based, infinitely scalable without quality loss, and can be edited in design software. Download both if unsure!

Do all smartphones scan QR codes?

Yes, modern smartphones (iPhone iOS 11+, Android 9+) have built-in QR scanning in their camera apps. Older phones may need a dedicated QR scanner app from the app store. Nearly all phones manufactured after 2018 support native QR scanning without additional apps.

Is this QR generator safe and private?

Yes! All QR code generation happens entirely in your web browser - no data is sent to our servers or stored anywhere. Your information remains completely private on your device. We don't track, collect, or save any content you enter. The tool works offline after initial page load.

Conclusion

QR codes have revolutionized how we share and access information in the digital age. With our free QR code generator, you can create professional, customized QR codes for any purpose - from business cards and marketing materials to WiFi sharing and contactless payments.

Whether you're a business owner looking to enhance customer engagement, an event organizer simplifying check-ins, or simply someone wanting to share information efficiently, QR codes offer a versatile, contactless solution. Our tool makes it easy to generate high-quality QR codes instantly, with full customization options and no technical knowledge required.

Start creating your QR codes today - it's fast, free, and works on all devices. Generate unlimited QR codes with complete privacy, download in multiple formats, and revolutionize how you share information!