QR Code Generator
Generate QR codes for URLs, text or WiFi
How to use QR Code Generator
Create QR codes for URLs, text, WiFi and contacts instantly. Download as PNG or SVG. Free online QR code generator, no signup needed.
What are QR codes used for?
QR (Quick Response) codes store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters and can be scanned by any smartphone camera. They bridge physical and digital worlds by encoding URLs, contact information, or text into a scannable image.
Common uses:
- Business cards: Encode your LinkedIn profile, website, or vCard contact details. Recipients scan instead of typing.
- Restaurant menus: Link to a PDF or website menu. Became ubiquitous during COVID-19 to replace physical menus.
- Wi-Fi sharing: Generate a QR code with your Wi-Fi credentials (SSID, password, encryption type). Guests scan to connect without typing the password.
- Marketing materials: Flyers, posters and product packaging link to websites, app downloads or promotional pages.
- Payment: Encode a payment link or cryptocurrency wallet address for quick transactions.
- Event tickets: Event check-in systems scan QR codes to validate attendance.
Error correction: QR codes include built-in error correction. Even if up to 30% of the code is damaged or covered (by a logo), it can still be scanned correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do QR codes expire?
QR codes themselves never expire — they are just images encoding a URL or text. However, if the URL they point to goes offline or changes, the QR code effectively stops working. Always ensure the destination URL is stable and long-term.
What is the maximum amount of data a QR code can store?
A QR code can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 7,089 numeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. In practice, shorter URLs scan faster and more reliably. Keep URLs under 200 characters when possible.
What size should I print a QR code?
The minimum readable size is about 2×2 cm (0.8 inches) for typical smartphones scanning at close range. For outdoor signage or posters, scale up proportionally — a billboard QR code needs to be large enough to scan from a distance.
Can I add a logo to a QR code?
Yes. QR codes have error correction built in — up to 30% of the code can be obscured. A logo covering 15-20% of the center is safe. Logos covering too much or placed off-center can make the code unscannable.
What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
A static QR code encodes the URL directly — it cannot be changed without generating a new code. A dynamic QR code links to a redirect service, allowing you to update the destination URL without reprinting. Dynamic codes require a third-party service and may have fees.
QR code vs barcode vs NFC
QR codes store text, URLs or structured data and are scanned by any smartphone camera — no special hardware needed. Barcodes (EAN-13, Code128) store numeric data and require a barcode scanner — used in retail and logistics. NFC tags communicate via radio when a phone is tapped against them — no camera needed but require NFC-capable phones and physical tags. QR codes are the most versatile and cost-effective for marketing and information sharing, as they require no infrastructure beyond printing.