Free QR Code Generator

What is a QR Code?

A QR (Quick Response) code is a two-dimensional matrix barcode that stores data as a pattern of black and white squares arranged in a grid. Originally invented by Denso Wave in 1994 for tracking automotive parts, QR codes have become ubiquitous in modern life — readable by any smartphone camera in under a second.

Unlike traditional 1D barcodes that only hold 20–25 characters, QR codes can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters. This capacity makes them ideal for encoding URLs, contact information, WiFi passwords, payment details, and any other text-based content.

QR Code Error Correction Levels

QR codes have four error correction levels that determine how much of the code can be obscured or damaged while remaining fully scannable:

• L (Low) — 7% correction: Smallest physical size. Use when the QR code will be displayed cleanly with no risk of damage — such as on a screen or printed on high-quality paper.
• M (Medium) — 15% correction: The recommended default. Good balance between size and durability for most use cases.
• Q (Quartile) — 25% correction: Better damage tolerance. Suitable for outdoor signage, product labels, or situations where the code may get dirty or partially worn.
• H (High) — 30% correction: Maximum redundancy. Required when embedding a logo in the center of the QR code, as the logo covers part of the data.

How to Create a QR Code for Your Website

1. Select the "URL" preset or type your website address in the input field
2. Choose error correction level M (recommended)
3. Optionally customize the color to match your brand
4. Download as SVG for crisp printing or PNG for digital use
5. Test the QR code with your smartphone before printing

How to Create a WiFi QR Code

Click the "WiFi" preset and fill in your network name (SSID), password, and security type (WPA2 is most common). The generator creates a standard WiFi QR code that lets guests connect by simply scanning — no typing needed. The format used is: WIFI:T:WPA;S:NetworkName;P:Password;;

QR Code vs Barcode: When to Use Which

Use a QR code when you need to store a lot of data (URLs, text, contact info), when users will scan with a smartphone, or when you want a compact square format that works from any angle.

Use a traditional barcode (EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 128) for retail products, inventory management, or when compatibility with warehouse barcode scanners and POS systems is required.

QR Code Best Practices for Print

• Minimum size: 2×2 cm (0.8 inches) for typical scanning distance. Scale up proportionally for larger prints.
• Quiet zone: Always maintain a white border (quiet zone) of at least 4 modules around the QR code.
• Contrast: Dark foreground on light background. Avoid low-contrast color combinations.
• Test before printing: Always scan with multiple devices before committing to a print run.
• Use SVG for print: Download SVG format from our generator for vector output that prints sharply at any size.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do QR codes expire?

QR codes generated here never expire — the code encodes the data directly, with no server or redirect involved. If you link to a URL, the QR code works as long as that URL is active.

What's the maximum data a QR code can hold?

Up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 7,089 numeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data. For best scanning reliability, keep URLs under 200 characters.

What size should my QR code be for print?

A minimum of 2×2 cm (0.8 inches) for scanning at arm's length. For billboards or large prints, use the SVG format — it scales perfectly to any size without quality loss.

Can I add a logo to my QR code?

Logo embedding requires H-level error correction (so the code remains scannable even with the logo covering part of it). This premium feature is coming soon to BarcodeGenerate.

Is the QR code data private?

Yes. All QR code generation happens entirely in your browser using JavaScript. Your data is never sent to our servers, logged, or stored in any way.