What Is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick Response code) is a two-dimensional barcode that stores data in a square grid of black and white squares. Invented in 1994 by Denso Wave (a Japanese automotive company), QR codes were originally designed to track parts in manufacturing. Today they're used everywhere: menus, business cards, Wi-Fi logins, payment links, and more.
How to Use This Tool
- Pick a type — URL, text, Wi-Fi, email, phone, SMS, vCard, or location.
- Fill in the fields — the QR code updates in real time.
- Customize appearance — colors, size, margin, and error correction level.
- Download as PNG — high resolution up to 1024×1024 pixels.
- Copy or share — copy the image to your clipboard or share the data via your device's share sheet.
The 8 QR Code Types
- URL — opens a website when scanned. Most common use case.
- Text — plain text with no action. Good for notes, codes, or short messages.
- Wi-Fi — joins a Wi-Fi network automatically. No password typing needed.
- Email — opens a new email with recipient, subject, and body pre-filled.
- Phone — starts a phone call to the number.
- SMS — opens a new text message with recipient and body pre-filled.
- vCard — adds a contact to the phone's address book. Perfect for business cards.
- Location — opens a map at specific coordinates or a place name.
Customization Options
- Foreground color — the color of the QR modules (default black).
- Background color — the color of the empty space (default white).
- Size — from 128 to 1024 pixels. Larger = better for printing.
- Margin — the quiet zone around the QR code (0–10 modules).
- Error correction — Low (7%), Medium (15%), Quartile (25%), High (30%).
Error Correction Levels Explained
QR codes have a built-in error correction feature that lets them work even if part of the code is damaged, dirty, or covered. Higher levels of correction mean:
- Low (L) — 7% — smallest QR code, but most fragile
- Medium (M) — 15% — the standard choice for most uses
- Quartile (Q) — 25% — good for outdoor or dirty environments
- High (H) — 30% — works even when partially covered; needed if adding a logo
If you plan to put a logo or image in the center of the QR code, use High correction so the code still scans.
Contrast Matters
For a QR code to scan reliably:
- Dark modules on light background works best. Black on white is ideal.
- Avoid inverting — many scanners can't read light-on-dark QR codes.
- Ensure sufficient contrast — use colors that are clearly distinguishable from each other.
- Avoid mid-tone backgrounds — pale yellows and light grays reduce readability.
- Test before printing — scan with a phone before committing to print.
Quiet Zone (Margin)
The white space around a QR code — called the quiet zone — is essential for scanning. The QR spec requires a minimum of 4 modules of quiet zone on all sides. Without it, scanners may have trouble finding the code's edges. This tool's default margin is 4 modules.
Common Use Cases
- Business cards — encode a vCard so recipients can add you instantly.
- Restaurant menus — link to an online menu or PDF.
- Wi-Fi sharing — let guests connect without typing a password.
- Product packaging — link to instructions, warranty, or a support page.
- Event tickets — encode a unique identifier for check-in.
- Marketing — link to promotional videos or landing pages.
- App downloads — link directly to iOS App Store or Google Play.
- Payment links — encode a UPI, PayPal, or Venmo link.
- Real estate signs — link to a property listing.
Best Practices for Printed QR Codes
- Minimum size — at least 2 × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 in) for close scanning. Larger for distance.
- Add a call-to-action — "Scan for menu" tells people what to expect.
- Test at the target distance — a code that scans from 20 cm should scan from 1 m when 5× larger.
- Use vector formats for print — PNG at high resolution works, but SVG scales infinitely.
- Place at eye level — don't put QR codes too low or too high.
- Provide good lighting — dark areas make scanning difficult.
Common Use Cases for Each Type
- URL — marketing, menus, product pages
- Text — coupon codes, serial numbers, short instructions
- Wi-Fi — guest networks, café Wi-Fi, home visitors
- Email — contact forms, RSVP links
- Phone — click-to-call from print ads
- SMS — text-to-vote, opt-in campaigns
- vCard — business cards, conference badges
- Location — meeting points, event directions
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do QR codes expire? — Static QR codes (like the ones generated here) never expire. They contain the data directly.
- Can I track scans? — Not with static QR codes. For tracking, you'd need a dynamic QR service that redirects through a tracking URL.
- Is there a size limit? — Yes. QR codes can hold up to ~3 KB of data, but larger data = denser code = harder to scan. Keep URLs short.
- Can I add my logo? — Yes, in the center of the QR code. Use High error correction (30%) to ensure it still scans.
- Do the colors affect scanning? — Yes. High contrast is essential. Avoid similar tones.
- Can I use a QR code commercially? — Yes. QR codes are freely usable — no license fees.
Related Tools
Privacy Note
Everything runs in your browser. The QR codes you generate are never uploaded, tracked, or logged. Close the tab and everything is gone.