QR Code Generator

Free Online QR Code Generator

Our QR Code Generator lets you create custom QR codes for any purpose - URLs, plain text, WiFi networks, email addresses, phone numbers and SMS messages - directly in your browser. There's no need to sign up, no watermarks, no expiration date on your codes, and no limit on how many you can generate. Every QR code is generated locally using the qrcode.js library, which means your data is never sent to a server. This is especially important for sensitive QR codes like WiFi passwords or private contact information.

What Is a QR Code?

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional barcodes invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Toyota subsidiary, for tracking automotive parts. Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes that can hold about 20 characters, QR codes can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. They're called "Quick Response" because the pattern was designed to be decoded rapidly by scanning equipment, even at awkward angles or when partially damaged.

How to Use This QR Code Generator

1. Pick a type: Choose what kind of data your QR code will hold (URL, text, WiFi, email, phone, or SMS).
2. Fill in the data: The input fields change based on the type you select. For WiFi, you'll enter SSID, password and encryption type. For SMS, you'll enter phone number and message.
3. Customize appearance: Pick foreground and background colors, adjust size, choose error correction level, and set margin.
4. Preview: The QR code updates live in the preview area as you change settings.
5. Download: Save as PNG (for digital use) or SVG (for print and scaling). You can also copy the image to clipboard.

QR Code Types Explained

• Text / URL: Plain text or a website address. When scanned, the URL opens in the phone's browser.
• WiFi: Encodes SSID, password and encryption. Scanning it on iOS or Android offers to join the network - no manual password entry. Great for cafes, hotels and offices.
• Email: Creates a "mailto:" link that opens the email app with the address pre-filled.
• Phone: Creates a "tel:" link that dials the number when scanned.
• SMS: Opens the messaging app with the recipient and message pre-filled.

Error Correction Levels Explained

QR codes have built-in error correction based on Reed-Solomon coding. Higher levels mean more of the QR code can be damaged or obscured while still being scannable:

• Low (L): 7% of data can be restored. Smallest QR code, best for clean digital displays.
• Medium (M): 15% recovery. Good balance for most uses.
• Quartile (Q): 25% recovery. Recommended if you plan to overlay a logo in the center.
• High (H): 30% recovery. Best for printed codes on rough surfaces, packaging, or outdoor signage.

Higher error correction makes the QR code denser (more modules). For digital use where the code stays clean, Low or Medium is fine. For print, especially with a logo, use High.

Best Practices for QR Codes

• Always test before printing: Scan with multiple phones (iOS and Android) before committing to a print run.
• Use sufficient size: Minimum 2×2 cm (0.8×0.8 in) for close scanning. For billboards or posters, scale up so the code is at least 1/10 the scanning distance.
• Maintain contrast: Dark foreground on light background works best. Avoid inverting colors - many scanners fail on white-on-black.
• Don't stretch or distort: Always keep the QR code square. Distorted codes won't scan.
• Leave white space: Keep a "quiet zone" of at least 4 modules (the small squares) around the code. Our margin setting controls this.
• Use SVG for print: SVG files scale infinitely without pixelation. PNG is fine for screens and small prints.

Common Use Cases

• Restaurant menus: Scan to view a digital menu - eliminated physical menus during COVID and stuck around.
• Business cards: Link to a vCard or LinkedIn profile.
• Event posters: Scan to RSVP or buy tickets.
• Product packaging: Link to manuals, warranty registration, or authenticity verification.
• WiFi sharing: Guests scan to join your network without typing a password.
• Payments: UPI, PayPal and other payment apps use QR codes for instant transfers.

Privacy & Security

This generator runs entirely in your browser. The data you enter (including WiFi passwords and contact info) is processed by your device and never transmitted to our servers. You can verify this by opening Developer Tools (F12) → Network tab. However, be cautious about where you display generated QR codes - anyone who scans them gets the data. Don't put WiFi QR codes on public-facing signs; use them in private spaces like lobbies or conference rooms where only intended guests can scan them.