QR Code Generator
Our QR code generator helps you create QR codes for URLs, text, contact information, and more. Generate QR codes instantly, customize colors and size, and download as PNG or SVG. Works 100% in your browser with complete privacy.
- Output
- PNG / SVG
- Mode
- In-browser
- Time
- Instant
- Price
- Free
Instant Generation
Create QR codes instantly in your browser. No waiting, no delays, no server processing.
100% Private
Everything runs locally. Your data never leaves your device, ensuring complete privacy.
Fully Customizable
Customize size, colors, and error correction to match your brand and use case.
Generate QR Code online
Enter your content, customize settings, and generate instantly.
What is a QR Code?
QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company. Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes that can only store about 20 characters, QR codes can store significantly more data—up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data depending on the version and error correction level used.
QR codes consist of black squares arranged in a square grid on a white background. They can be read by imaging devices such as cameras, smartphones, or dedicated QR code readers. The key advantage of QR codes is their ability to be scanned from any angle (360 degrees) and their capacity to store various types of data including URLs, text, contact information (vCard), WiFi credentials, email addresses, phone numbers, SMS messages, and geographic coordinates.
According to ISO/IEC 18004, the international standard for QR codes, these codes use error correction algorithms that allow them to be read even if partially damaged or obscured. This makes them highly reliable for real-world applications where codes may be printed on various materials, exposed to wear, or partially covered. The MDN Web Docs explain that modern web APIs like Canvas enable client-side QR code generation without server processing.
✗Traditional Barcode
- •One-dimensional (vertical lines)
- •Stores ~20 characters
- •Must be scanned from specific angle
- •Limited error correction
✓QR Code
- •Two-dimensional (square grid)
- •Stores thousands of characters
- •Can be scanned from any angle
- •Up to 30% error correction
QR Code Usage Impact
Real data showing the growth and adoption of QR codes worldwide
Market Growth
According to Grand View Research, the global QR code market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% from 2024 to 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated QR code adoption, with contactless interactions becoming essential. QR codes are now used in payment systems, restaurant menus, event tickets, marketing campaigns, and more. Google's Core Web Vitals emphasize the importance of fast-loading pages, which QR codes help achieve by providing instant access to content without typing URLs.
Why Use QR Codes?
QR codes offer numerous advantages for businesses, marketers, and individuals looking to bridge the gap between physical and digital worlds:
Instant Access to Digital Content
QR codes eliminate the need to type long URLs or search for information. Users simply scan and instantly access websites, contact information, WiFi networks, or any digital content. This reduces friction and increases conversion rates. Studies show that QR codes can increase engagement by up to 40% compared to traditional text-based links.
Mobile-First Experience
With 89% of smartphone users able to scan QR codes using their device's built-in camera, QR codes provide a seamless mobile experience. No apps required—modern smartphones have native QR code scanning capabilities. This makes QR codes accessible to virtually everyone with a smartphone, regardless of technical expertise.
Cost-Effective Marketing
QR codes are free to generate and can be printed on any material—business cards, flyers, posters, product packaging, or even t-shirts. They provide a low-cost way to track marketing campaigns, measure engagement, and connect offline marketing to online analytics. You can update the destination URL without reprinting materials, making them incredibly flexible.
Contactless & Hygienic
In a post-pandemic world, QR codes enable contactless interactions. Restaurants use them for menus, businesses for check-ins, and events for ticketing. This reduces physical contact while maintaining functionality. QR codes have become essential for businesses prioritizing health and safety while delivering excellent customer experiences.
Trackable & Measurable
When QR codes link to URLs, you can track scans, measure engagement, and analyze user behavior using web analytics tools. This provides valuable insights into campaign performance, user demographics, and conversion rates. You can create unique QR codes for different campaigns and compare their effectiveness.
Universal Standard
QR codes follow ISO/IEC 18004 international standards, ensuring compatibility across devices, platforms, and countries. They work the same way everywhere, making them ideal for global businesses and international marketing campaigns.
Real-World Impact
Major companies like Starbucks, McDonald's, and Walmart use QR codes extensively for payments, loyalty programs, and customer engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, QR codes became essential for contactless menus, check-ins, and health declarations. The adoption rate increased by over 200% in 2020-2021, demonstrating their value in modern business operations.
Whether you're a small business owner, marketer, event organizer, or developer, using a QR code generator can help you create seamless connections between physical and digital experiences, improve customer engagement, and track your marketing efforts effectively.
How it works
Our QR code generator makes it easy to create professional QR codes in seconds. Follow these simple steps:
- 1
Enter your content
Type or paste the text, URL, contact information, WiFi credentials, or any data you want to encode. Our generator supports URLs, plain text, vCard format, email addresses, phone numbers, and more.
- 2
Customize your QR code
Adjust the size (100-1000px), choose custom colors for foreground and background, and select the error correction level (L, M, Q, or H) based on your use case. Higher error correction is better for codes that may be damaged or printed on rough surfaces.
- 3
Generate and download
Click "Generate QR Code" to create your QR code instantly. Preview it, then download as PNG (for web/print) or SVG (for scalable use). The QR code is ready to use in your marketing materials, websites, or printed documents.
Why use our QR Code Generator?
- 100% client-side processing
- No registration required
- PNG and SVG download options
- Full customization options
- Works offline after page load
Best Practices for QR Code Generation
Following these best practices ensures your QR codes are scannable, professional, and effective for your intended use case:
Choose the Right Error Correction Level
Select error correction based on your use case. Use Low (L) for clean, digital environments where the QR code won't be damaged. Use Medium (M) for most printed materials like business cards and flyers. Use Quartile (Q) or High (H) for outdoor signage, product packaging, or materials that may get scratched, dirty, or partially covered. Higher error correction creates denser QR codes but ensures readability even with up to 30% damage.
Quick guide: Digital displays → L | Business cards → M | Outdoor signs → Q or H
Ensure Proper Color Contrast
While you can customize QR code colors, maintain high contrast between foreground and background colors. According to WCAG 2.1 contrast guidelines, use at least 4.5:1 contrast ratio for normal text. Black on white provides the highest reliability. Avoid similar colors (dark gray on light gray) as scanners may struggle. Test colored QR codes with multiple scanning apps before mass production.
Pro tip: Test your colored QR code with at least 3 different scanning apps before printing.
Size QR Codes Appropriately
QR code size depends on viewing distance and scanning device. For close-up scanning (business cards, flyers), 1-2 inches (25-50mm) is sufficient. For medium distance (posters, menus), use 3-4 inches (75-100mm). For large displays or billboards, 6+ inches (150mm+) ensures scanning from a distance. The general rule: QR code should be at least 10x10 modules visible to the scanner. Too small and scanners fail; too large wastes space without benefit.
Size guide: Business cards: 1-2" | Posters: 3-4" | Billboards: 6"+ | Digital: 200-400px
Test Before Mass Production
Always test your QR codes with multiple devices and scanning apps before printing or deploying. Test on iOS (native camera, QR code apps) and Android devices. Verify the QR code works in different lighting conditions, at various angles, and with different scanning distances. Check that the destination URL is mobile-friendly and loads quickly. According to Google's Web.dev, mobile page speed directly impacts user experience and conversion rates.
Testing checklist: iOS camera • Android camera • Multiple QR apps • Different lighting • Various angles • Mobile-friendly destination
Keep URLs Short and Mobile-Friendly
When encoding URLs in QR codes, use short, clean URLs when possible. Shorter URLs create simpler QR codes that are easier to scan. Ensure the destination page is mobile-optimized, loads quickly, and provides a good user experience. Consider using URL shorteners for long links, but ensure they're reliable and won't break. The destination should be relevant to the context where the QR code is displayed.
Best practice: Use short URLs • Mobile-optimized pages • Fast load times (<2s) • Relevant content
Provide Context Around QR Codes
Don't just place a QR code without context. Add text explaining what users will find when they scan it. For example: "Scan to view menu", "Scan for WiFi password", or "Scan to download app". This increases scan rates and user trust. Include instructions for users who may not know how to scan QR codes. According to research, QR codes with clear instructions have 40% higher scan rates than those without.
Examples: "Scan with your phone camera" • "Point camera at code" • "Download QR scanner app if needed"
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Using low error correction for outdoor/durable materials
- •Insufficient color contrast making codes unscannable
- •Making QR codes too small for the viewing distance
- •Not testing QR codes before printing or deploying
- •Linking to non-mobile-friendly or slow-loading pages
- •Placing QR codes without context or instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a QR code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode invented in 1994 by Denso Wave, a Japanese automotive company. Unlike traditional one-dimensional barcodes that can only store about 20 characters, QR codes can store significantly more data—up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data depending on the version and error correction level used.
What can I encode in a QR code?
You can encode URLs, plain text, contact information (vCard format), email addresses, phone numbers, SMS messages, WiFi network credentials (SSID, password, encryption type), geographic coordinates, calendar events, and any other text data. QR codes are versatile and can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data depending on the error correction level and version used.
What is error correction level and which should I use?
Error correction level determines how much of the QR code can be damaged or obscured while still being readable. There are four levels: L (Low, ~7% recovery), M (Medium, ~15% recovery), Q (Quartile, ~25% recovery), and H (High, ~30% recovery). Use L for simple, clean environments. Use M (default) for most use cases. Use Q or H for QR codes that may be printed on materials that could get damaged, placed in outdoor environments, or need to be readable even if partially covered.
Can I customize QR code colors?
Yes, you can customize both the dark (foreground) and light (background) colors of your QR code. However, ensure there's sufficient contrast between colors for the QR code to be scannable. Black on white is the most reliable combination. Avoid using similar colors (like dark gray on light gray) as scanners may struggle to read them. Some scanners work better with certain color combinations, so test your colored QR codes before mass printing.
What file formats can I download QR codes in?
You can download QR codes as PNG (raster image) or SVG (vector image) files. PNG is best for web use and printing at fixed sizes. It's widely supported and works well for digital displays. SVG is scalable and perfect for use in web design, logos, or when you need to resize without quality loss. SVG files maintain crisp edges at any size, making them ideal for high-resolution printing or responsive web design.
Is my data secure when generating QR codes?
Absolutely. All QR code generation happens entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your data never leaves your device, isn't sent to any server, and isn't stored anywhere. This ensures complete privacy and security. The QR code library runs locally, and the generated QR code image is created in your browser's memory without any network transmission.
How do I use QR codes in my business or marketing?
QR codes are excellent for marketing campaigns, business cards, product packaging, restaurant menus, event tickets, and more. Common uses include: linking to websites or landing pages, sharing contact information, providing WiFi access, displaying menus or product information, enabling mobile payments, tracking marketing campaigns, and connecting physical materials to digital content. Always test your QR codes before printing and ensure they link to mobile-friendly content.
What size should I make my QR code?
The size depends on where you'll use it. For digital displays (websites, apps), 200-400px works well. For printed materials like business cards, 1-2 inches (25-50mm) is typical. For posters or large displays, 3-6 inches (75-150mm) ensures easy scanning from a distance. The key is ensuring the QR code is large enough to be scanned easily - too small and scanners may struggle. Our tool allows sizes from 100px to 1000px, giving you flexibility for any use case.
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