QR Code Generator
Enter any URL, text, email address, or phone number and get a scannable QR code instantly. Download as a PNG image to print or share. Free, no signup, runs entirely in your browser.
Enter a value above to generate the QR code.
How to use this tool
- 1Choose the content type at the top: URL, plain text, email, phone, or SMS.
- 2Enter your content in the input field. The QR code generates automatically as you type.
- 3Adjust the size using the slider and choose an error correction level - higher levels keep the code scannable even if it gets partially damaged or covered by a logo.
- 4Click 'Download PNG' to save the QR code image to your device.
- 5Test the QR code by scanning it with your phone before printing or sharing.
Example
Choose 'URL / Link', enter https://yourwebsite.com, set size to 300px and error correction to Medium. Download the PNG and add it to your business card design. A 300x300 pixel image works for most print applications.
Choose 'Email', enter your email address. The QR code encodes it as mailto:youraddress@email.com. When scanned, it opens the device's email app with your address pre-filled in the To field.
Common use cases
- Adding a QR code to a business card to link directly to your website or portfolio
- Linking a printed restaurant menu to an online version or ordering system
- Printing a QR code on a product or package that links to setup instructions or a support page
- Sharing your contact details as a QR code so people can save them without typing
- Adding a QR code to a poster or flyer for an event link or booking page
Common mistakes
- Printing too small - QR codes need at least 2 cm x 2 cm to scan reliably at arm's length. For posters viewed from a distance, use at least 8-10 cm.
- Linking to a URL that might change or go offline - if the URL in a QR code stops working, every printed copy is broken. Use a permanent URL or a redirect you control.
- Using Low error correction when adding a logo overlay - if you plan to place a logo in the centre of the QR code, use High error correction so the code remains scannable.
- Not testing the QR code before printing - always scan the downloaded PNG with at least two different devices before committing to print.
Frequently asked questions
What can I put in a QR code?
URLs, plain text, email addresses, phone numbers, and SMS messages. For WiFi network access, use the WiFi QR Code Generator which formats the WiFi credentials correctly.
Do QR codes expire?
The QR code image itself never expires. However, if it encodes a URL, the destination page must remain live. If the page moves or goes down, the QR code will no longer work. Printed materials with dead QR code links are a common problem.
What size should I print a QR code?
Minimum 2 cm x 2 cm (roughly 0.8 inches) for normal scanning distance. For a poster viewed from 2-3 metres, aim for 10-15 cm. A good rule is: minimum size in cm = scanning distance in metres.
What is error correction and which level should I use?
Error correction allows a QR code to be read even if part of it is damaged or obscured. Low (7%) is smallest and requires a clean, undamaged code. High (30%) makes a larger code but keeps it scannable even with a logo overlay or print damage. Medium is the best balance for most uses.
Is my data stored anywhere?
No. QR codes are generated entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Nothing is sent to our servers. This is especially important for QR codes containing sensitive information like email addresses or private URLs.
Can I add a logo to the QR code?
The generator creates a clean QR code without a logo. To add a logo, download the PNG and overlay your logo in the centre using image editing software. Use High error correction so the code remains scannable despite the overlay.
What is the difference between static and dynamic QR codes?
A static QR code (like this one) encodes the destination directly. It cannot be changed after printing. A dynamic QR code encodes a short redirect URL - you can change the destination without reprinting. Dynamic QR codes require a paid third-party service.
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